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Rashmi, a Mother Who Fought Abuse
Rashmi D’Souza, a software professional in Bengaluru, Karnataka, never imagined her husband would become abusive. In the presence of her two daughters, he continued his abusive behavior until a "guardian angel" intervened. This person offered her sound advice, but ultimately, it was Rashmi's own courage that led her to accept and act upon it.
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Poornima’s Triumph over Bonded Labour: A Story of Resilience
Poornima was liberated from bonded labour in 2014, but she immediately faced the formidable challenge of rebuilding her life. She needed to secure employment, find accommodation and obtain essential documents. With determination, she returned to her village to acquire the skills necessary for self-sufficiency. Demonstrating both courage and perseverance, Poornima and her husband set up a small tailoring business. This initiative not only sustained their family but also provided employment opportunities for other freed bonded laborers in their community. By converting her adversities into a platform for financial independence and empowerment, Poornima has exemplified how resilience can drive transformative change, offering a future filled with dignity and hope for herself and others.
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Dinner With a Tribal Woman: ‘My Sons Weren’t Maoists’
An elderly woman, Shanti Devi, who lost two of her sons in a shootout by security personnel, resides alone in a Maoist-affected region of Chhattisgarh. This episode of The Dinner Table explores her story.
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A Dad Who Became a Mom
Manish, a resident of Bengaluru, Karnataka, has been raising his daughter alone since she was eight months old. To nurture her effectively, he has taken on the roles of both father and mother, overcoming numerous challenges—deciding where to leave his daughter when he goes to the office, choosing which washroom—men's or women's—to use when they are in a market area, determining the right amount of food to give her, what to say to her about periods, among other things. What truly demonstrates his resilience is his consistent willingness and cheerful attitude in doing everything necessary for his daughter’s upbringing.
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DINNER WITH A KUKI-ZO LEADER | Demand for Autonomy
It's been over 16 months since ethnic violence erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur, involving the majority Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes. The resulting divide is so severe that an unofficial border has effectively separated the two communities within the state. As the violence carries on, efforts by the state and central governments to resolve the crisis appear minimal, and the future remains uncertain. To gain insight into what lies ahead, host Harshita Rathore sat down for dinner with a Kuki-Zo leader, Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, who heads the Kuki People’s Alliance. Affectionately known as Dr. Lal, he proposes a solution he believes could potentially lead to lasting peace.