Born to a fisherman father and a mother who’s a homemaker, Kumari Madhuri hails from a small village in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Young, bright and enthusiastic, you might think she’s like any other energetic child from her village, keen to pursue school and make something of herself. But Kumari Madhuri is anything but regular.
Currently studying in Grade 5, Madhuri walks 2 kms from her home everyday just to make it to school. Her determination to study, however, isn’t the only thing that sets her apart. At this tender age, she’s also a fierce child rights activist, who’s actively advocating for children in her village, community and state to have access to well-built, quality schools. Add to this the fact that she feels just as strongly about the need and importance of educating girls, and you have with you a treasure trove of inspiration right there!
This year, the young child rights champion added one more achievement to her kitty, representing the children of her state and the neighbouring Telangana at a state level conference, in voicing key issues faced by them, ahead of the General Elections. Asked about this experience, she says, “I am happy and proud to be here, representing children’s issues. I want to make the most of every opportunity to speak for the children of my state. Moreover, I wish to highlight issues on behalf of girls, especially those in my state, who are unable to go to school.”
When asked, Madhuri says her ambition is to become a doctor, so she can provide free healthcare to people, which she believes is a fundamental right. Her wish for an India in 2019 is straightforward: “I want a nation that provides compulsory and equal education for girls, and has a safe and protected environment for every child’s development.”
We caught up with Madhuri at the state level conference to find out a little more about the demands she brought from the children of her state. Here’s what she told us:
1. Proper Sanitation In Schools
2. Free Sanitary Pads For Girls In School
3. Proper Safety And Security In Schools
4. Representation Of Children’s Voices In Local, State And National-Level Decision Making For Governance
5. Key Reasons Behind School Dropouts Among Girls
6. Key Demands From The Government In 2019
Madhuri dreams of an India for children, where every child – especially girls – have the resources and opportunities to attain their full potential. Do you agree with her demands and solutions? Write in to share your views on how children in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana can see the India of their dreams come to life.