Three little girls emotional story shows act of bravery.

Rekha Kalandi, Sunita Mahato and Afsana Khatun with President Pratibha Patil

Rekha Kalandi, the 13-year-old from the village of Jhalda II stood her ground on arranged married made by parents. ABC reported this breaking story after the news made way in a popular India Newspaper.

Still it wasn’t just Rekha who refused marriage arrangements. Sunita Mahato and Afsana Khatun did as well. The rebellious 3 said they much rather attend school and live out their dream.

It’s not hard to see why Rekha was somber. Rekha Kalindi has spent practically all her childhood working in the impoverished village of Jhalda II. Jhalda II is a small village where the female illiteracy rate is at a all time high. Afsana Khatun on the other hand has dealt with tragedy in the family. Afsana’s older sister Jyotsna was sent out to be married at 11 years of age. Jyotsna gave birth to four children, but unfortunately did not survive.

Child-marriages is a common tradition in India. The young girls play a role of loyal housewife to their other half, often bearing their children.

This courageous feat has empowered other young girls of India to turn down arranged-marriage proposals. Granted, not every child will have the share the same outcome as Rekha Kalindi, Sunita Mahato and Afsana Khatun. This world story proves that anything is possible.

Images: Hinduonet.com

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