Papri Sen Santara – A Courageous Voice Against Abuse

Papri Sen Santara – A Courageous Voice Against Abuse

 Location: Dearock Village, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal 

Category: Birangana Award by West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights 

Papri Sen Santara, a 15-year-old girl from Dearock village in Diamond Harbour, embodies extraordinary courage and resilience. Her story is one of strength in the face of relentless adversity, as she stood against the cycle of domestic abuse to protect her family and reclaim her right to safety and dignity. In this disadvantaged district of South 24 Parganas, where KMWSC implements its Human Rights Project — an initiative to support the rights of marginalised children, women, and people with disabilities — Papri’s courageous actions shine as a beacon of hope and empowerment.

Papri’s life has been a series of struggles from an early age. Her father, an auto driver by profession, was an alcoholic whose violent tendencies turned their home into a place of fear and anguish. His abuse was a daily ordeal for Papri, her younger brother, and their mother. Despite witnessing countless incidents of heated arguments and physical violence, Papri never stopped challenging her father’s tyranny.

The situation escalated when Papri turned 15. Her father, driven by gambling debts, decided to marry her off to a man from whom he had borrowed money. Papri and her mother vehemently opposed this decision, but their protests were met with brutal violence. One particularly harrowing day, her father brought the man home, determined to force the marriage. When Papri stood her ground, he beat her so severely that medical attention was required.

The violence didn’t end there. Papri’s father forbade her from attending school and confined her to their house. It was then that Papri decided she had endured enough. When her father attempted to choke her and assaulted her mother by smashing her head against the wall, Papri knew it was time to act decisively.

Summoning every ounce of her courage, Papri ran out of the house, screaming for help. Her cries drew the attention of neighbours, who intervened and helped defuse the immediate danger. Seizing the moment, Papri used her mother’s phone to call the emergency number for the Diamond Harbour police station, reporting the abuse her family had endured for years.

The arrival of law enforcement, coupled with the support of concerned neighbours, marked a turning point. Papri’s father was issued a stern warning, and the threat of legal action created a barrier to further violence. With her bold decision to seek outside help, Papri not only ended the immediate abuse but also created a safer environment for her mother and younger brother.

A Symbol of Resilience and Hope

Papri Sen Santara’s unwavering determination to stand against her father’s abuse is a testament to the power of resilience and bravery. Her decision to break the silence and seek help from the authorities ensured the safety of her family and inspired her community to act against domestic violence.

In recognition of her incredible courage, Papri was honoured with the Birangana Award by the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights. This prestigious award celebrates her bravery and highlights the importance of empowering children to speak up against abuse.

Impact

Papri’s story underscores the critical need for awareness and intervention in cases of domestic violence. Her courageous actions not only transformed her own life but also set an example for others facing similar circumstances. Her ability to confront fear and injustice serves as an inspiration to countless others who dream of a life free from violence.

Papri Sen Santara’s journey from a victim to a champion of her family’s safety is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, courage can light the way to hope and change.