From Sorting Fish to Cracking Complex Formulae: The Inspiring Journey of Susmita Bar

Every morning, a child named Susmita Bar could be found helping her mother sort fish on the beach or with other family chores.

Born into a poor small-scale fisher family in coastal Purba Medinipur, Susmita grew up in abject poverty. Similar circumstances would perhaps have convinced many that dreams were a luxury. The family belongs to a traditional fishing caste, having SC status. Her father was a poor fisher. He would spent long periods at sea catching fish. But many-a-time, earnings from fishing would not be sufficient to run a family. Moreover, fishing activities are shut down for two months every year. During that time, the father would engage in occasional labour in the neighbouring fields. Susmita’s brother migrated intermittently in search of work. The family struggled constantly to make ends meet.

For girls in such circumstances, the future is often decided by poverty. Personal choice remains a luxury most cannot afford. Yet, Susmita’s story took a different turn.

The year was 2016. Susmita was studying in Class VIII at the government school in her village. She came to know of DISHA’s Beti Zindabad programme. Today, it is a richer assortment of activities and is known as Nandini. Back then, the programme had just begun and offered a modest package—training in drawing, painting and dance. Susmita was slightly older than the preferred age for enrolment. Hence, she could not be admitted as a regular participant. But she hung on. She attended the sessions whenever possible and was relentless in her sincerity.

What stood out immediately was her eagerness to learn. She quickly picked up new skills and absorbed lessons at a remarkable pace. Before long, she was doing more than participating—she was helping others and supporting programme activities. The confidence she developed through these experiences slowly transformed her. From a shy village girl, she evolved into a young leader. By the time she was in Class XII, had become a Shishu Bandhu or Child Moderator.

But life outside the programme was still harsh, still demanding. After school, Susmita often helped with household chores. She would assist her mother sort fish on the beach. Balancing studies, domestic responsibilities and programme activities required discipline far beyond her years.

As she grew older, the values promoted by Beti Zindabad and Ananda DISHA began shaping her life decisions. Meanwhile, there was trouble at home. Her family was planning her wedlock—a stark reality for countless rural girls. Susmita, however, had different ideas.

She chose education.

While the parents persisted, Susmita continued to refuse and resist. She was adamant to continue her studies. It was not an easy decision. Pursuing higher education meant financial pressure. It entailed long hours of study, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. Yet she remained steadfast.

In 2021, Susmita enrolled in a bachelor’s programme in Mathematics at her local college. Mathematics is a subject that many students find intimidating. But Susmita liked mathematics and refused to be daunted by its rigours. Years of perseverance had taught her that difficult journeys often lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Her dedication paid off. She graduated with good academic results. Now, she set her sights even higher. In 2024, she appeared for the entrance examination for the master’s programme in Mathematics at the Presidency University. The competition was tough. Students from diverse backgrounds were in contention for a limited number of seats. Susmita secured admission on her own merit. She did not need to depend on her SC Reservation to obtain her seat.

Today, Susmita is part of Uttaran, the higher-education support component of Ananda DISHA. Her monthly educational assistance helps her continue her academic journey and prepare for an even brighter future.

Susmita’s success is about more than degrees and examinations. Her story represents the power of opportunity and the value of persistence. A young girl who once barely had the chance of a rounded meal and spent her days helping her mother sort fish on a beach and fending off arranged marriage proposals has transformed into a child moderator, a college graduate, and now a master’s student because she believed in herself, and because Ananda DISHA was there to unlock her potential.

For countless girls growing up in vulnerable communities, Susmita stands as a reminder that circumstances do not have to define destiny. With encouragement, guidance and determination, even the most distant dreams can come within reach. All one needs is to dream, to set goals and persevere, and perhaps a helping hand here and a friendly nudge there.