Nauroti Devi – From stone cutter to computer-educated Sarpanch

Breaking all barriers and making the impossible possible, Nauroti Devi is a true inspiration and example of ‘one can do anything if they set their mind to it‘. This woman has a fascinating life story and impressive records of social work. Not only did she transform her life, but she also encouraged and helped hundreds of others to do so. In this article, we will delve into Nauroti’s inspiring life story. 

First fight against injustice

Nauroti Devi, born into a Dalit family in the village of Harmada, Ajmer district, Rajasthan, faced numerous challenges due to her underprivileged background. Despite the lack of formal education, she worked as a stone cutter to make ends meet, displaying remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. 

The villagers encountered famine in 1981, which led to a rise in difficulties. Nauroti Devi worked at the construction site with 700 other villagers. Soon, she learned that women were paid unequally to men. While men were paid Rs. 7 per day, women were paid Rs. 4. The excuse for the poor and unequal payment was that workers did not work up to the mark. Some of them were not even paid the basic wages.

Nauroti Devi, upon discovering the gender pay gap at the construction site, did not hesitate to confront this injustice. With the support of her fellow workers, she fearlessly raised her voice, leading to a legal battle that ended in victory for the labourers. This early triumph not only validated her capabilities but also underscored the power of collective action against inequality. 

Nauroti Devi: Redefining education at any age

Nauroti Devi’s victory in the legal battle served as a catalyst for her personal growth. Her unwavering determination and thirst for knowledge led her to enroll in adult literacy classes at Barefoot College, located 4 km from her village. Her commitment to education was unwavering, and she even learned how to use a computer during her time at the college. 

Nauroti Devi: Sarpanch of Harmada in 2010 

While Nauroti worked in the college, some villagers requested her to stand in panchayat elections. She considered their request and stood for elections in 2010. And Nauroti Devi won! She was elected as Sarpanch of the village, another significant milestone in her life. 

As the Sarpanch, she worked tirelessly for the villagers’ rights and provided various facilities to the underprivileged. Nauroti instilled toilets and hand pumps and provided houses to those below the poverty line. She also undertook the construction of water bodies in the village. She ensured that not only her village, but also neighbouring villages had good sanitation systems, hand pumps, and clean drinking water. Her work as Sarpanch not only improved the living conditions of the villagers but also inspired other women to take up leadership roles, thereby contributing to women’s empowerment in the region.

This fierce woman fought against an alcohol mafia in Harmanda. She reacquired the land that was supposed to be reserved for constructing a government health centre and fenced it. She even left surplus of Rs. 13 Lakhs in the panchayat account.

How Nauroti Devi’s computer knowledge helped others

Nauroti’s computer skills didn’t just benefit her personally, but also had a tangible impact on her community. Her college installed a computer for her at the Panchayat office, and she used it to print notices. She explained that previously, they had to re-write the same notices multiple times, but now they could easily print copies of the same thing. She proudly claimed she could use Excel and Word and even knew how to surf the internet. She used the internet to read news and articles on women’s empowerment, agriculture, health issues, and other social topics. Not only did she use the computer for work, but she also taught other government panchayat officers to use it, bringing practical benefits to her community. 

When Panchayat’s secretary asked Nauroti how she had managed to learn to use a computer without a formal education, she responded with a powerful statement. She acknowledged that he and people like him had the opportunities and scope to study, but she relied on two key factors: strength and determination. She emphasized that computers are just like any other man-made technological device, and anyone, regardless of their background, can learn how to use and operate them if they have the will to do so.

Nauroti took further computer training and started teaching the women and children of her village. She trained over 700 people from nearby villages, and her students, including teachers and government officials, have become successful in their own fields. 

An inspiration for all the women

Nauroti Devi, who was also a member of Majdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghathan, played a pivotal role in the right-to-information campaign in Rajasthan. Her efforts were instrumental in the formation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2005. 

Nauroti Devi, known as ‘Saathin’ to all women, was a beacon of inspiration. She traversed villages, educating women about their rights and empowering them to speak out against injustice. Her own stories of battling adversity, even when the odds were stacked against her, served as a testament to her resilience.  

Nauroti Devi was disqualified from the Panchayat office after passing the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Amendment Bill of 2015, which demanded minimal educational qualifications to stand in elections. Nauroti Devi proudly said she had achieved a lot within her working years and that people had trusted her. 

Her influence transcended borders, making us all proud. She not only inspired our entire country but also travelled to the USA, China, and Germany, sharing her inspiring life story and showcasing her global impact. 

Conclusion

Nauroti Devi, a brave and determined woman, was a leader of exceptional skill. She raised her voice against injustice, inspiring thousands. Her strength and self-confidence were defining features of her character. She was always eager to learn and never let anything stand in her way. She overcame all odds, showing how to rise above adversity. Despite her lack of formal education, she took classes and learned to operate a computer. She won the hearts of the villagers and served as the sarpanch of her village with distinction. Sadly, Nauroti Devi passed away in 2020. Her legacy lives on in her exceptional social work, activism, and life story. She will always be remembered as an inspiring figure, her name a reflection of her significant contributions to the betterment of villages.