— Attachment Content: Surajmuni_-_city_of_angels.docx —14-year-old tribal girl leads anti-alcohol drive across 30 villagesKelly Kislaya | TNNRanchi: In Mahatodharan, a village in Ghaskaridih Panchayat, situated 70 kms away from the Giridih district headquarters, a 14-year-old tribal girl is leading a determined fight against alcoholism.Mahatodharan of Deori block in Giridih is one of the many Bal Mitra Grams, a model developed by the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) to ensure that every child in a village is free, safe and in school, while also giving children a voice in local governance through elected Bal Panchayats. In Mahatodharan, that leadership role is held by Surajmuni Hembrom.A Class 9 student and Mukhiya of the Bal Panchayat in her village, Hembrom began her fight after witnessing the devastating impact of alcohol abuse in her own home and across the village.Alcoholism, she observed, was deeply entrenched, leading to domestic violence, financial distress and children dropping out of school. Hembrom herself had to leave a private school after her father, a daily wage earner, was unable to pay her fees as much of his earnings were spent on alcohol.“My father is a daily wage earner. I had to drop out because he spent all his money on alcohol. My younger sisters also suffered. That is when I decided I had to do something. My fight started at home,” she said.After sustained protests and even threatening to leave the house, she persuaded her father to give up drinking. She now studies at the local government school.Recognising that the issue affected nearly every household, Hembrom raised the matter formally within the Bal Panchayat. Under her leadership, children organised meetings with women and youth groups to discuss the social and economic consequences of alcohol abuse.The initiative soon gained momentum. Rallies were held, slogans raised and walls painted with awareness messages. Bal Panchayat members also met government officials to highlight concerns over illegal liquor brewing and submitted written complaints demanding action.“The police and district administration helped remove illegal breweries. Some villagers also broke down illegal units. As breweries reduced, so did drinking,” Hembrom said.Shanti Kisku, Mukhiya of Ghaskaridih Panchayat praised Hembrom’s efforts and said, “Initially when she reached out, I did not take her very seriously, thinking how can a little girl change an age-old practice. But after listening to her in a few meetings I realised that she is determined and is actually bringing change in the mindset. This is when I supported her and today, I am proud to say that my village is free from illegal breweries.” Encouraged by the response in her village, Hembrom, along with other Bal Panchayat members, decided to expand the effort beyond Mahatodharan.“Surajmuni wanted to take this fight to neighbouring villages. Our team supported her and a de-addiction campaign on wheels was launched around a month ago,” said Rakesh Senger, Executive Director of KSCF.Led by Hembrom and supported by Bal Panchayat members, the campaign now travels across more than 30 villages in Giridih and Koderma districts, spreading awareness through street plays and community meetings.Alongside the anti-alcohol drive, Hembrom continues to use the Bal Panchayat platform to promote education and child protection. She has helped enrol 12 children in school and regularised the attendance of 20 others, prevented 7 children from being trafficked and stopped one child marriage in her village.Ends
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