Minor girl defies family decision, stops own marriage for higher study

Berhampur: Rutu Nahak, a class X student of Bauribandhu High School at Chadhiapalli here in Ganjam district has become a cynosure of all eyes after she broke her own marriage for the sake of her education.

Driven by a strong will power, the 15-year-old girl defied the decision of her parents to fulfil her own dream of becoming an IPS officer.

"The poor financial condition of our family forced my parents to decide to marry me off. But I want to become a SP," Rutu said.

She was engaged to a boy of a neighbouring village by her parents and was scheduled to tie the nuptial knot on March 9.

Unhappy with the family’s decision, Rutu explained her desire before her teacher to go for higher education instead of getting married at a minor age.

"When I was teaching them about marriage customs and ill effect of child marriage, she suddenly cried. I asked her the reason only to be informed about her ordeal," said Puspanjali Udgata, her teacher.

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Later, the teacher informed the Childline officials about the illegal act of her family and the officials intervened in the matter on time stopping the minor wedding successfully.

The Childline lauded her courage to protest the illegal work and is considering to recommend her name for an award on Republic Day. “For her courage, we have recommended Rutu Nahak for a bravery award on January 26,” Ganjam Childline director Sudhir Sabat said.