In 1993, amidst the serene yet socially restricted village of Kurtamgarh in the Kandhamal district of the eastern Indian state of Odisha, a girl was born into a world where education for girls and women was considered a privilege rather than a right.
Social norms dictated that women should stay within the confines of their homes, with their aspirations curtailed before they could achieve their full potential. But Binita Rani Nanda was not one to be confined by limitations.
A struggle against tradition
Born into a traditional family, Binita faced immense challenges in pursuing her education.
Her village, like many others, held deep-rooted beliefs that investing in a girl's education was futile and that it was wiser to save money for her marriage rather than her future well-being and enhance her human capital, giving her opportunities to learn and grow as a person.
However, amidst this resistance, there was one guiding light—her grandfather, a retired headmaster, who believed in her potential.
He helped her secure a loan, and with enormous courage, Binita stepped out of her village for the first time in 2010 to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
The financial burden on her family was immense, and while they never voiced their struggles to her, she knew of their sacrifices and support.
Endless hurdles and unwavering determination
Binita encountered numerous challenges during her journey in Bhubaneswar. Traveling alone, staying in a hostel, and adapting to an unfamiliar city and culture were daunting. The language barrier exacerbated her struggles, as many of her classmates spoke English fluently, leaving her feeling isolated and inadequate.
To overcome this, she sought help from a relative, who taught her English in her free time. But society never misses an opportunity to pull down a determined woman.
Rumors spread about her, accusing her of having an inappropriate relationship with her relative. These whispers reached her hostel, making her an outcast. The humiliation was unbearable, and several times, she considered returning home.
However, each time she contemplated quitting, she recalled the sacrifices made by her parents and the obligation to repay the loan. She resolved to ignore the taunts, focus on her studies, and prove herself.
With relentless dedication, she completed her BSW with first-class honors. Fighting for education—one step at a time, graduating with honors was a milestone, but the road ahead was still filled with obstacles and challenges.
Financial constraints made her unable to enroll in a master’s program immediately.
Determined to continue her education, she took up jobs at various educational institutions, saving every penny for her future.
In 2014, after years of struggle, she joined a master’s in social work (MSW) program in Bhubaneswar. To sustain herself, she worked part-time while pursuing her studies.
Every rupee earned went toward her tuition fees, and despite the exhaustion, she never wavered. Her perseverance paid off—she completed her MSW with first-class honors, becoming the first woman in her village to achieve both BSW and MSW degrees.
The joy in her family’s eyes made every hardship worthwhile. But for Binita, this was just the beginning.
From survivor to advocate
Armed with education and experience, Binita championed women's rights and was determined to make a difference.
In 2018, she secured a position as a counselor at the Women Support Center in the Superintendent of Police Office, Phulbani, district headquarters of Kandhamal.
Here, she encountered women facing domestic violence, abuse, child marriage, and human trafficking—cases that mirrored the oppression she had once fought against. Every case she handled reinforced her belief that legal knowledge was crucial for empowering women.
In 2020, using her salary, she enrolled in a "Bachelor of Laws" (LLB) program in Balangir, balancing work and studies once again.
She became the first woman lawyer in the Tumudibandha block after completing her LLB.
She strengthens her ability to fight for justice and empower the voiceless. A beacon of hope for women today, Binita is not just a counselor but a warrior for women's rights.
She has handled numerous cases of domestic violence, abuse, and harassment, striving to resolve them through counseling and legal support.
Her approach is unique—wherever possible, she mediates disputes within families, helping both spouses understand each other and preventing the dissolution of homes. But when justice demands, she ensures women receive legal aid, compensation, and rehabilitation through government departments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). She extends her support beyond legal battles.
Understanding the economic vulnerability of single mothers, divorced women, and abuse survivors, she collaborates with district skill development departments and NGOs to help them acquire vocational training and secure jobs.
Many women in Kandhamal today stand on their feet because of Binita’s relentless efforts. Inspiring the next generation, Binita’s mission does not stop at individual cases. She actively conducts awareness programs across villages, educating women about their rights.
She visits schools and colleges, motivating young girls to pursue higher education and to prepare for self-defense. Even outside her official duties, she utilizes every opportunity to uplift women with whatever resources she has. Her story, once confined to her struggles, is now a beacon of hope.
A message to every woman
“For years, I never shared my journey with anyone beyond my family," she said. However, Binita now feels the need to share her story.
“It is time now to reach the women who fear higher education and believe language barriers and financial constraints will hold them back,” she said.
According to her, if her struggle can inspire even one woman to rise, to fight for her education, her dreams, and her rights—then every hardship she endured will be worth it.
She is not just a name; she is a model and inspiration that tells a story of grit. And the lesson is: Do not doubt, take the challenge, freak the barriers and claim the life every person deserves.
Lastly, one must learn to turn struggles into strength like Binita did.
