Date:25/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/25/stories/2006012514090500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Bravery award for gutsy Dalit girl

Special Correspondent

Susheela walked out of her child marriage to pursue studies

HYDERABAD: She not only defied societal norms but dared to walk out of her marriage. And she did all this to pursue her schooling.

The grit and determination showed by 15-year-old Chanigalla Susheela, a Dalit girl, in fighting the practice of child marriage and in seeking annulment of her wedding earned her a National Bravery award, which was presented by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Ignoring her pleas, she was given in marriage to 22-year-old Narasimha from Prodattur in 2004.

Travails

Then began her travails with her in-laws who were allegedly harassing her for dowry and forcing her to do farm work.

Inspired by an educative campaign by M V Foundation, Susheela made it clear to her husband and in-laws that she preferred studies to marriage.

Complains to police

She later returned home and lodged a complaint with the police.