NEW MARKET COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Rupa Mallick lived with her parents and brothers in a slum colony in Kora Bardar Lane. As “Harijans” (now known as Dalits)they were part of the sweeper class whose profession was to sweep the streets and clean the drains. Witchcraft, child marriages, child labour, gender discrimination and superstitious beliefs were predominant among the local people. Clashes between the Harijans and the Sonkars (who consider themselves higher caste) were also common place, with fights taking place over petty matters such as fetching drinking water from the same tap and using the same toilets.

At the age of 5, Rupa was enrolled in the project under the non-formal education programme. She was eager to learn and gradually her reading and writing skills improved to the point that she could be admitted to a regular school. Her motivation to succeed was evident and she went on to complete both her Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.

Rupa was always looking for new challenges and through her continued involvement in the New Market project she gained skills in karate, sewing & tailoring and beauty & personal care.She also fulfilled her dream of learning classical dance. However, she never imagined that her involvement with the International Award for Young People (IAYP) could lead to her receiving the Gold Award from the Vice President of India, Mr.Hamid Ansari!

She is an ambitious, responsible young woman with a welcoming smile and positive outlook on life. Her early years were challenging but her future is definitely bright. Rupa is currently working in a local health centre as a ward girl. During the COVID 19 pandemic she worked round the clock in the vaccination drive. She ensured that all the members of her community availed of their first doses of vaccine and extended great support to Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta by ensuring all staff and young adults receive the vaccines.

Rupais married to Ravi Mallick. The couple took a stand against their communities and their marriage was frowned upon, as Ravi was a Sonkar. Initially they were both ostracized but were eventually accepted back and hope to be fully reconciled in time.

Quote from Rupa:
 

“The secret of my happiness is when I make others happy”.