Geeta Markam: An Epitome of Courage

Embracing her disability and accepting it as a part of her life, Geeta didi has shown exemplary courage and determination in tackling issues that women face, and has been especially active in seeing that justice is meted out to women of her community

“SAARI LADKIYAN KHO-KHO KHELTI THI, par mein chup chap baithi rehti thi (All the girls used to play kho-kho and all I could do was to sit and stare),” reminisces Geeta Markam, saddened by her childhood memories. She could not contribute to the household income through agriculture or labour. “Sab paise kamane ke liye matti feinkne jatey they aur mein bas ghar ka kaam hi kar pati thi (Everyone used to go for daily labour work and all I would do was the household work).” She became used to the daily taunts of her relatives. “Mein to sab ke liye bojh thi (I was a liability for everyone).”

L ife was never smooth for Geeta Markam of Mohgaon village, Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh. She was struck by polio when she was three. Although she underwent treatment at the local hospital, she became differently-abled. Her right leg was affected. Her family sold two acres of land for her treatment. Geeta stays with her mother, father, brother and sister-in-law.