Breaking the Chains of Patriarchy: Shanti Tekam’s Quest for a Life of Dignity
Reflecting remarkable tenacity and courage through many adversities, Shanti’s life is a powerful and hope-inspiring journey from helplessness and dependence to belief in the collective, empowerment and leadership
The Beginning
I Shanti was born in Talabodi village, Chaparvahi gram panchayat, Paraswada block, Balaghat district. Her village is 55 km from the district headquarters and lies in the interiors of a dense forest. Despite there being no school facilities in the village, her father, who had studied till the IV Standard, wished to provide proper education to his children. Her brothers were already married and settled when Shanti started going to school, 12 km from her residence. Her father taught her the basics, and eight year- old Shanti soon took admission in the 1st Standard. Shanti thoroughly enjoyed studying and had a close group of friends. When she was in the 7th Standard, Shanti lost her mother, and suddenly, her life changed and she had to live a life that she hadn’t imagined for herself.
Shanti wanted to continue her studies but her family did not support the idea. Instead, they wanted her to get married when she was barely 15 years old. As is the case with most women who dream of an education and have ambition, she was discouraged by people around her. Her sister-in-law called her education ‘redundant’, for women were just meant to serve their husbands’ homes and had nothing to gain from being educated. Shanti was sure that if her mother had been alive at that point, she would have definitely supported Shanti’s education. But now, without a mother, Shanti slowly lost support from her father as well. He also seemed to believe that Shanti would be more secure once she was married. He wanted to fulfill his paternal responsibilities before he died.
Her marriage was soon fixed to Shivcharan. Her prospective husband was from Amoli, a village in Balaghat district. He worked in the police force at Rupjhar Kotwali. Shanti knew him from the time she was studying in Baiher. Disturbed and upset at the decision, she left her house and went to a relative’s place in a nearby village. This did not work out for her and finally, she had to get married and move to Amoli. Suddenly, there were restrictions on her movements within, and outside, of the village. Alone and house-bound, Shanti began to miss her school friends.