# Reena Varghese Kannimala
The lower castes were denied even living water- the necter brook that the Creator of the universe had poured out for all. This is how the Musahar community of Bihar, and their beloved Pyari Deedi, Sister Sudha Varghese, can be described.
Sudha-her very name means nectar. That nectar blossomed in Kottayam today as the living brook of the Musahar community, among the most underprivileged in Bihar. Sister Sudha is a native of Kanjirathanam in Kuruppanthara, Kottayam. As a schoolgirl in class eight, she first learned through a magazine about the plight of Bihar’s scavenger community. From that moment, she resolved to become a source of support for those who had no one.
The determination of the slender, fair young girl - who never wavered in her conviction-caused much sadness to her parents. In 1965, she joined the vocation camp conducted by the Bihar branch of the Sisters of Notre Dame. From then on, her life was devoted to the resurrection of the Musahar society, which had been condemned to a life of slavery.
“It was only when I came to Bihar that I saw the brutal life of fellow human beings who were treated worse than animals. That scarred my mind. The musahars were enslaved by the upper classes. They had no right to wear decent clothes, to walk clean, to wear shoes or to eat good food. Above all, they had no right to dream of an education.’’
When speaking of her children, their beloved Deedi opened her heart to Metro Vaartha News:
“Untouchables- people not even considered worthy of being seen. Untouchability is nothing but total exclusion. They are faced into scavenging. Only if they receive wages can they afford basic necessities. They suffer brutal rapes at the hands of society’s elders and leaders. They have no right to speak. They did not even know that all this was a crime against them”
When she described the exploitation and hardship they endured, Cycle Deedi’s eyes burned like two flames.
“They had only one freedom- to roast and eat big rats to satisfy their hunger. In order to understand the suffering of those who ate rats, I chose to eat as they did, and in that act, I became one of them.” says Sister Sudha. That smile she gave me afterward held a thousand meanings.
“It was the color of the downtrodden, the call of their hunger. That is how I went down to them. I realized that what they needed first was primary education and awareness of their rights. I devoted myself to teaching and advocating for them. ”
“At first, there were barriers to working full-time among them. But when the authorities recognized my ministry, those barriers were removed. Prayers were always held in the convent, but I could not always attend. I was convinced that the greatest prayer was service to the oppressed
“At first, there were barriers to working full-time among them. But when the authorities recognized my ministry, those barriers were removed. Prayers were always held in the convent, but I could not always attend. I was convinced that the greatest prayer was service to the oppressed.”
“With the support of the monastic authorities, I became one with the Musahar clan. I lived in their village, in a mud hut like theirs. That was in 1986. From there, the ministry expanded to other villages inhabited by Musahar families. ”
“The journey was extremely difficult. I traveled by bicycle. Although the Musahar community had many intelligent and capable people, some were scarred by terrible crimes- even the sexual assault of my daughters. To fight for their rights, I studied law and graduated in 1989.Since then, I have fought for women’s safety and empowerment.”
“When I began defending the Musahars, the landlords and powerful men of Bihar issued death threats. If the Musahars gained freedom, there would be no one left for unpaid slave labour. I was afraid inside, but I never showed it. It was only God’s grace that gave me the strength to resist. Many times, plans were made to kill me, but the very Musahars l lived among came forward to protect me. In the struggle against the rape of Musahar children, I stood in the police station and in court as a lawyer. Those human monsters of injustice, trembling in fear, still threats against me. ”
I told them clearly:
“You can kill me, but you cannot kill all my people. They will carry on the fight. What will you do then? ”
“Once, a six-year-old girl was raped. Her family did not even know it was a crime, or that the accused could be punished. When they finally filed a complaint, the senior police officer called me in and said with shocking prejudice:
“Madam, who would rape someone from this dirty, rat-eating, waste-cleaning community? Isn’t that just a necessary part of their work? ”
I replied:
“Write down what you just said. Write also that my people will not be harmed for filing this complaint. ”
“But the police refused. They knew I was an advocate, and they had seen me in court. So I stood my ground and confronted them. In another molestation case, the police took no action even ten days after the complaint. We announced:
“On the eleventh day, women and children will surround the police station.”
The district police chief called me and asked what our program was. I told him:
“We have said what we need to say. If the accused is not arrested, tomorrow we will surround the police station. Do what you must.”
“The next day, hundreds of Musahar women and children lined up- their first-ever human rights struggle. The police tried to negotiate, but the women stood firm. Finally, the accused surrendered. Those are my ladies.”
Deedi said with pride.
“Today, these women face problems even without me or my fellow workers. If something happens, they go to the police, file complaints, go to court, and protest. They and their children now know their rights.”
When she said that, a spring bloomed on the sister's face.
From this struggle was born Nari Gunman (Women’s Voice), a voluntary movement founded by Sister Sudha for the empowerment of oppressed women and girls. Supported by the Bihar Government and UNISEF, It started with one school, and now educates more than 3000 children in 83 schools.
In 2005, hostels were opened to provide free education and accommodation for girls. Today, 300 girls live and study in these hostels. Around 40 Anganwadees also function under her leadership as part of ANANDA SHIKSHA KENDRAM for children.
Her efforts extended beyond education- rescuing children from discrimination in schools, recovering stolen government funds meant for them, rehabilitating youth from drug addiction, training them in sports and arts, and even forming Bihar’s first women’s Chenda (drum) troupe.
In 2006, India honored Sister Sudha Varghese with the PADMASRI, presented by President A.P.J Abdul Kalam. Later, she served as Vice-Chairman of the Bihar Government Minorities Commission.
Yet, despite recognition, she continues to live simply, dedicated wholly to the Musahar community. Born in Kerala, she has given her life to uplifting a people long forced to live like animals-raising them to stand with pride as citizens of India.
That commandment- love your neighbor as yourself- became flesh in her life.
Even at the age of seventy five, her ministry continues with undiminished fervor and energy. In her eyes, one seed of greatness revealed through simplicity. Here in gaze of Sudha Deedi, shines the nectar brook of justice.