Sulata Das (Name Changed), a resident of Sayestanagar, was married to Anirban Das (Name Changed) at a young age — not as a minor, but still before she had the maturity, independence, or resources to navigate married life on her own. With little exposure beyond her family home, she entered her marital household with hope, trying her best to adapt to the routines and expectations set by her in-laws.
Life seemed ordinary until demands began to creep in. Sulata’s husband Anirban started pressuring Sulata to bring money and non-essential household items from her father’s modest home. For her family, already struggling to make ends meet, these requests were impossible to fulfil. What began as unreasonable demands soon turned into hostility. Sulata was subjected to constant emotional torment, which quickly escalated into physical abuse. Each day became a painful battle for survival.
The situation worsened after Sulata gave birth to a daughter — a moment that should have brought joy and celebration. Instead, the child’s birth intensified the abuse. Deep-rooted patriarchal views dismissed the value of a girl child, and the hostility in the household extended even to the new-born.
Unable to endure the cruelty any longer, Sulata gathered her courage and returned to her father’s home with her infant daughter. But the wounds of violence ran deep, and new ones were yet to come. In time, she discovered that her husband had remarried. Determined to protest this betrayal, she went back to her marital home — only to be brutally assaulted in front of her child and forced to leave once again.
That night marked a turning point. As she looked into her daughter’s frightened eyes, Sulata made a silent vow: her child would never grow up believing that a woman’s destiny was to suffer in silence.
With quiet strength, Sulata began reclaiming her agency. She reached out to local support groups, sought counselling, and became involved in women’s community programs. With encouragement, she took the bold step of filing a formal complaint with the police — determined to hold her husband and in-laws accountable for the violence she had endured.
Throughout this journey, the team at Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) stood firmly beside her. They motivated her to keep her confidence alive, guided her through legal and emotional struggles, and reminded her that she had the right to live with dignity. This consistent support gave Sulata the courage not only to endure but to rise above her circumstances.
Her courage has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her resilience as a mother and her determination to fight for justice, Sulata was honoured with the Telegraph School Awards for Excellence 2025 under the category Priyo Baba O Maa. Alongside this recognition, her daughter has been awarded a one-time scholarship — a vital support in securing her education and a brighter future.
Today, Sulata is not just a survivor. She is a woman rebuilding her life with strength and purpose. She now works with an NGO, helping other women facing similar struggles, offering them support, guidance, and the assurance that they are not alone. With her earnings, she is creating a better future for herself and her daughter.
Sulata’s journey is one of courage over silence, hope over despair, and dignity over abuse. She stands as a powerful reminder that when women find their voice — supported by their community — they not only transform their own lives but light the way for others to follow.
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