As a member of a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, Shikha Pahadin feels that her work as a Community Correspondent is important because it gives primacy to issues that her isolated community faces. “There is a certain perception in the mainstream media that Tribal Groups are receiving many governmental benefits. People feel that things are simpler for us as we can get jobs easily. But the ground reality is far from this.” Shikha’s father used to work in a circus while she and her mother would make plaster of paris picture frames to do their bit for the household income when she was younger.

Shikha has made a number of videos that shed light on this ground reality. She has reported on problems ranging from affordable access to maternal healthcare to the harmful effects of rock- blasting in mineral rich areas. One issue that she has repeatedly highlighted through her work is the poor condition of government schools in her block. Her story on two non-functioning schools in the Chuha Pahar Village was even featured on NDTV’s primetime show, ‘The Buck Stops Here’. “I feel that it is important to talk about education because that is the root cause of all problems,” says Shikha. “It is being reported that several benefits are being given to members of our tribal community, but when most of us are uneducated, how will we even know about these benefits, let alone avail  them?”

“I think my story on teachers not showing up to schools has had the biggest impact. After I made my video and approached  concerned officials, new teachers were appointed in Utkramik Middle School in Kulbhanga Pahad village in February, 2015,” she adds. “After a similar story of schools not functioning in another village from the same block was aired on NDTV, all  of Mandro block has been impacted, because officials became active and appointed new teachers across the block”.

Shikha feels that working with Video Volunteers has had a considerable impact on her personal growth. “I’ve changed so much since I started working with VV in 2014, that I feel like I’m a completely different person,” she says. “Earlier, I was very shy. I couldn’t talk in front of men. If I was asked to speak a little loudly, I’d feel scared and start crying. Today, I’m not afraid to take on high-ranking  government officials also.” As a young single mother living under strained financial conditions, Shikha faces many challenges. Despite the difficulties, she continues to work for the welfare of her community. “I’ve always wanted to be an activist, to help my community. This is my dream.”