In the heart of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, two remarkable girls, Ganga and Jamuna, have embarked on a journey that defied stereotypes and expectations. Growing up in a small, conservative village, education was often a distant dream, let alone participating in sports. It took six months of relentless persuasion for their parents to grant permission for the twins to join the Nanhi Kali after-school tuition center, an initiative by the Naandi Foundation. Here, they not only received essential academic support but were also introduced to the world of sports.
From Academics to Athletics
Ganga and Jamuna quickly revealed their exceptional aptitude for sports, catching the attention of their mentors. Their journey took an exciting turn when they began participating in the Naandi Foundation’s in-house sports competition, the Toofaan Games. These games, initiated in 2019, were the brainchild of Rohini Mukherjee, then the head of Nanhi Kali operations. She realized the need to impart essential life skills that traditional classrooms couldn’t offer, such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Sports emerged as the perfect platform for these lessons.
Today, almost 1,90,000 girls, including the twin sisters, who receive at least ten years of schooling through the Nanhi Kali program, also embrace sports.
The Toofaan Games Unleashed
The Toofaan Games have evolved into an annual sports extravaganza, now featuring four exciting events. In the 2023 edition, which kicked off in August, girls under the Naandi Foundation’s care compete at every level, from village competitions to the national stage.
Transforming Lives Through Sport
Ganga and Jamana’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of sports. Their journey from a conservative village in Ratlam to competing at a national level is a tale of empowerment, breaking barriers, and challenging societal norms. The Toofaan Games have not only introduced girls to the joys of sports but have also equipped them with essential life skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Stay tuned for more inspiring tales of those who are #MakingSportWork.
For a detailed story, please visit: The Better India.com
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