She works for the upliftment of girls of Mushasar community in Bihar

Patna, Feb 17 (ANI): Sudha Verghese, a social worker is running an educational center in Shivala Musahari village near Patna for girl children of Mushasar community, one of the most backward in Bihar. The upliftment work is underway with the help of UNICEF.Varghese was awarded with Padma Shree in recognition of her services to the community.58-year-old, Varghese, who came all the way from Kerala to study the social structure in Bihar, decided to stay back and do something for one of the state's most backward communities.She made an in-depth study of the social scenario of the state and chose to work for the Muhasar community."My dream is really ambitious. I want that children should at least to study till matric. Those who want to study further should continue with it and those who are not interested in it should be given vocational training, so that they can become self dependent. They should be confident and learn the skill of living life. I want them to live a normal life like them," said Verghese.For the parents of these girls Sudha Verghese is God who has brought a new ray of hope in the life of their daughters."Sudha is God sent for us. Our children will study and do something in life," said Bharat, a father. Similarly, Raghu , a farther of another girls, said: "One gains knowledge by studying. If our children will not go to school, they will sit at home or take the cattle out to graze. People want their children to work and not study but I want my daughter to study and do something in life."It is rare for social workers to live among the Musahar community, in an area known for its high crime rate, but Sudha has lived here for more than 15 years now and is moving ahead with her education mission.During the time she lived with the villagers, Verghese acquired a law degree to fight cases for women who have faced abuse. Today, her counselling reaches out to women who can't avail any legal assistance due to poverty and social stigmas. (ANI)