Prakash Lenka is a 20-year-old student who is at present pursuing his graduation study at Dola Govinda Brajkishore Mahavidyalaya in Kasarda village in Cuttack district of Orissa. He has made his way to the college from Bhaliakan, a village that is situated far away from Kasarda.

Prakash’s life took a turn when he heard of the ill treatment of a young girl from his village by her in-laws for bringing ‘insufficient’ dowry. The young girl had just about completed her schooling when she was married. Unable to remain a passive spectator to her suffering, Prakash took on the role of an arbitrator. He first cautioned the girl’s family members that they could face police action as their daughter was legally underage for marriage. He urged them to try and remedy the situation by protesting against her ill treatment. He then got together the community members with the assistance of the Task Force of Women Against Violence and mobilised them to condemn the girl’s in-laws publicly. The result of Prakash’s initiative has been reconciliation between the in-laws and the new bride. Today, the young couple lives in harmony.

The community now sees Prakash in a new light. They respect him for having the courage to seek out and speak to parents of daughters to try and dissuade them from marrying the girls when they are young and giving dowries. They also appreciate his efforts to sensitise both men and women on the issue of violence against women. Says Prakash, “I am determined to fight the two social evils: child marriage and dowry. I believe that violence against women should also stop.”