“Harit Udaan” – A Green Path to Self-Reliance for the Girls of Sangarampur

Sangarampur, a village under Aonla Block in Bareilly district, struggles with poverty and low literacy levels. Most of its population depends on seasonal farming. Once the agricultural season ends, many men migrate to cities to work as daily-wage labourers. In such a challenging economic environment, education—especially for adolescent girls—has taken a severe hit. Most girls drop out of school due to financial hardships, despite having the desire to learn.

In September 2024, Bareilly Diocesan Social Service Centre (BDSSC) began its intervention in Sangarampur under its Aonla Centre. As part of their initiative to uplift adolescent girls, they formed a group of 15 enthusiastic girls who were school dropouts but full of hope and determination

On 13th November 2024, the first meeting was held with these girls. During the session, they were given a class on kitchen gardening and its importance in daily life, nutrition, and sustainable income. The session opened a meaningful discussion where the girls shared their struggles and reasons for dropping out of school. They concluded that starting a vegetable garden could be a sustainable source of income, which would allow them to resume their education.

Motivated by the idea, 10 girls decided to cultivate vegetables like bottle gourd, pumpkin, and ridge gourd. With support from BDSSC, they started their gardening journey on 10th December 2024. They prepared the land and regularly watered the crops and enriched the soil using natural fertilizers like cow dung and vegetable waste.

Their dedication bore fruit—literally—by 10th March 2025, when the first batch of vegetables was ready for harvest. The girls established connections with local vegetable hawkers, who agreed to purchase their produce. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Now, the girls are earning Rs. 1500 – 2000 per month, depending on the harvest and sales. This income is not just a number—it is a symbol of independence, dignity, and renewed dreams. From the 2025 academic year, these girls plan to resume their education, funding it with the money they earn through their hard work.

The Sangarampur girls are no longer dependent on others. They are self-reliant, confident, and inspiring other girls in the village to take similar steps. Through their initiative, they are not only improving their own lives but also contributing to their families' well-being and creating a wave of change in their community.

"Harit Udaan" (Green Flight) truly captures the spirit of this journey — a rise from adversity through nature, effort, and education.