SHE ARRIVED WITH SO LITTLE AND WILL LEAVE WITH SO MUCH

Story and Images by Nancy Brandt

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This is the story of a young woman’s journey – a journey that took her far away from her village home and far away from a life of brutal challenges. It is a journey that was made possible by the generosity and commitment of the Sambhali Trust. Young women in rural Rajasthan grow up in a traditional, patriarchal society that devalues females, relegating them to a life of child marriage, domestic drudgery, constant care for the extended family, lack of education, isolation, poor health care, and often, physical abuse.

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Around 2012, out in the desert village of Solankiya Tala, a young girl’s family approached Govind Rathore, founder of Sambhali Trust, telling him to take a then seven-year-old girl away because she was differently-abled and therefore “of no use” to the family for carrying out the tasks all girls are meant to take on. At that time, she actually had no real name. The family called her “Chauthi” – because she was the 4th child, and harsher still, “Khodi” – which means “one-legged,” because one of her legs was shorter than the other.

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Govind brought her to the Sheerni Boarding House, one of the two Sambhali Trust boarding homes in Jodhpur, and gave her a new name, “Prarthna” – which means “prayer”*. When Prarthna arrived at Sheerni, she spoke only the local Rajasthani dialect, no Hindi, no English. She described herself as not knowing how to learn. Sambhali arranged for surgeries to help correct her physical condition, which still impacts her life. In March 2020, Sambhali facilitated special accommodations arrangements so that Prarthna could sit for school exams. The exams were delayed until late June because of the pandemic, and by that time the accommodation — having another Sheerni girl write for her — was not possible. Undaunted, Prarthna passed with a First Division (A) score!

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Most important, Prarthna now lives in a safe and supportive home environment and is provided a good education. She has formed close relationships with her peers, many of whom lend a hand when she needs extra help. Inspired by other young women living at Sheerni, Prarthna dreams of becoming a lawyer. Sambhali will see her through her entire education. With some effort and support, Prarthna’s dream can be realized, and she will step forth into a new life of opportunity and dignity.

Nancy Brandt is a California attorney whose work focuses on criminal appeals for indigent clients. Her love of photography inspired her to join with Photographers Without Borders, where she can use visual storytelling to make a difference.

*All names of minors have been changed, but the spirit of the name change was retained.