Child marriage has been the bane of this country for a very long time. Though it has been declared illegal, it continues to be practiced. Children usually succumb mutely to what is imposed upon them. But, Uchengemma, a 15-year-old girl, is a rarity who stands up to be counted. She not only resisted the efforts of her family to get her married, but brought about an awareness that transformed her entire Panchayat.

Though instances of child marriages in Rajasthan have hit the front pages of the national media, a little known fact is that Bellary district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka has a high incidence of child marriage. A study conducted by Concerned for Working Children (CWC) in 2001 revealed that the average marriageable age for the male in one of the Panchayats in Bellary was 18.1 years and for the female, 13.9. The study identified as many as 60 under-aged couples.

It was in these circumstances that Uchengemma was born and brought up. Her Panchayat, Holagundi is very typical to the region – highly feudal, discriminatory and paternalistic. Like many other girls of her community, she stopped going to school after fifth standard and turned a child labourer. Learning about Bhima Sangha and Makkala Panchayat, she became actively involved in their programmes and by 2002, she was elected their state-level president.

It was about this time that she learnt that her parents had begun to look for a groom for her. Her immediate response "I am not going to marry till I am 18 years old and am able to stand on my own feet," went unheard. Desperate, she sought the help of the local police to bring pressure on the community. The police tried their best, even warned them of the consequences of breaking the law, but met stony indifference. Worse, the community felt offended and put Uchengemma under ‘house arrest’ for bringing disgrace upon it.

Undaunted, Uchengemma continued her protest. She found a way out of the house for a Bhima Sangha meeting and managed to get her story out with the help of the Concerned for Working Children (CWC). National and international organisations and associations, children’s unions, government departments, people’s representatives and the media stepped in to support her cause. Uchengemma’s personal battle soon turned into a Bhima Sangha struggle. Sangha members visited homes and began creating awareness about the negative impacts of child marriages. The matter went right up to the state Legislative Assembly and the local MLA joined in, bringing a lot of clout with him.

Yet, her community members were unrelenting. Her father feared he might be ostracized, though he was assured otherwise by religious leaders. All efforts made by the Sangha and others to bring the community around nearly went in vain when a meeting held in the village to discuss the issue, ended in a melee. Feeling responsible for the whole affair, Uchengemma’s father, once again confined her to her home, this time, with greater restrictions.

Bhima Sangha’s contact with Uchengemma was as good as severed. But, the members had not lost hope. Ameena, a Bhima Sangha member and curd-seller, found a way of getting in touch with her in the pretext of selling curds. Children grazing sheep took their herd to the fields where Uchengemma was working so that messages could be exchanged. Soon, communication between the Sangha and Uchengemma began to buzz. Her resolve strengthened. The community leaders were once again summoned by the MLA and other people’s representatives who proved to be persuasive. Uchengemma's family agreed to cancel the marriage. A battle hard fought, but so well won, too.

The story did not end there. Uchengemma has been a source of inspiration to many more children of her community and age.

Vedha, a fifth standard student of Uchengemma’s village, too, sought the help of the Bhima Sangha when her marriage was arranged, much against her wishes.

The Sangha, with the help of the police and the local leaders managed to put the marriage off. Yet, they took no chances. On the eve of the marriage, the local police handed over Vedha to Uchengemma and the other members of Bhima Sangha to ensure her safety until after the wedding date announced in the invitation had passed. Vedha stayed with the members of Bhima Sangha in their training Centre. The girls slept with Vedha and the boys formed a protective ring outside, ensuring that no one could force Vedha into a marriage that was unhealthy, unethical and illegal.

Uchengemma’s story has further snowballed. Recently when the police got the news of a marriage due to take place between a 40 year old man and a 15 year old child in a neighbouring village, the officers requested Uchengemma to accompany them to speak to the family and the community of the child concerned. Another child marriage was stopped. Bhima Sangha has decided to start a new chapter in that village.

In all, six child marriages have been stopped – in all the situations, the children who were supposed to be married have sought the support of Uchengemma, the Bhima Sangha, and the Makkala Mitra of Hollagundi to get out of situation they were being forced into. Each of these children have been extremely courageous, willing to face the wrath of their families and communities if need be.

These incidents have included moments of tension, opposition and ill will. At those times, CWC and Makkala Mitras have played a strong supportive role to the children. In situations where the opposition has been severe, cases have been filed and the police have been involved. Uchengemma is a constant source of strength to all of the children who have begun to challenge the practice of child marriage. She talks to them and gives them courage, information and friendship. Members of Bhima Sangha and Makkala Panchayat are constantly in touch with all the children, providing them with support and protection.

The battle against child marriages, which started with Uchengemma is now building up into a district level campaign. The district administration, the police and the local Panchayats have begun to support Bhima Sangha and Makkala Panchayats. The children are fighting a tough battle and they are determined to go on – until there are no more child marriages in their district.