Once outcast, Neha Kumari elected deputy chairperson of Barauni Nagar Parishad

BEGUSARAI: It could be a case study of 'social behavioural changes'. Neha Kumari, who 12 years ago had to face strong opposition from her co-villagers for marrying a boy of the same village, on Tuesday won the election of deputy chairperson of Barauni Nagar Parishad by over 7,000 votes. As she was declared the winner, her co-villagers turned ecstatic and even danced to the sound of drumbeats.
Neha, a resident of Barauni Phulwaria village, married co-villager Rahul Mehta about 12 years ago. However, the orthodox village society then did not approve of it as marrying a boy of the same village was not permitted. Even Neha's father Dilip Mahto did not support her daughter's decision. She remained estranged for the family for quite some time.
However, all this social adversities failed to deter Neha from active social service and, over a period of time, she started winning confidence of the people of her area. On Tuesday, she was elected as the first deputy chairperson of the newly created Barauni Nagar Parishad. As many as eight candidates were in the race for the post. Elated villagers dubbed her as a woman committed to the development of the area. She always remains ready to help others in their hour of crisis, they said.
Brimming with joy on the success of his wife, Rahul on Wednesday said she has been working unwittingly for the welfare of the local people, especially the women. "Neha possesses a resolute character and stood by me in adversity after our marriage. My father used to work as a coolie and after his death I also work as a coolie at Barauni railway station. However, she managed the family as well as her social commitments quite well. I am really proud of her," he said.