UditVani, Jamshedpur : In a powerful story of resilience and transformation, a 21-year-old first-generation learner from the Birhor community has carved a remarkable path from a remote tribal settlement in Jharkhand to a professional nursing career in Bengaluru, with sustained support from Tata Steel Foundation.
Hailing from Chhota Banki village in East Singhbhum district, Balika Birhor grew up in a family struggling to make ends meet.
Her parents, Sukhrani and Subodh Birhor, depend on brewing and selling rice beer in local markets, earning barely Rs 500 a month. Belonging to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), Balika’s early life was marked by limited access to education and exposure.
Yet, she demonstrated an unwavering determination to rise above her circumstances.
A turning point in her life came when Tata Steel Foundation facilitated her admission to Carmel School in Chakradharpur. She went on to score an impressive 82% in her matriculation examinations in 2020, followed by 63% in Intermediate Science from St. Xavier’s Inter College, Lupungutu.
These formative years helped her gain confidence and broaden her aspirations.
However, the journey ahead was not without challenges. After completing her Intermediate studies, Balika faced resistance from her family regarding higher education outside her village.
At this critical juncture, the Foundation’s Project Aakanksha stepped in, offering career counselling, psychometric assessments, and continuous engagement with her family.
The initiative, aimed at empowering youth from PVTG communities, played a crucial role in helping her and her family understand the long-term value of education.
With renewed support, Balika set her sights on a career in nursing. Through Project Samriddhi—another Tata Steel Foundation initiative focused on skill development and employment for tribal women—she received coaching and mentorship that enabled her to crack the entrance examination for the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) programme at Narayana Hrudayalaya College of Nursing in Bengaluru.
For a young woman who had never travelled beyond her village, the transition was significant.
The Foundation not only supported her academically but also facilitated her first flight journey and provided continued guidance throughout her course.
Today, Balika stands on the threshold of a promising career, having secured a position as a Staff Nurse at Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, where she will join in April 2026 with an annual package of Rs 3 lakh.
Reflecting on her journey, Balika said, “Without the support of Tata Steel Foundation, my life would have taken a very different course. The guidance I received helped me dream bigger and achieve those dreams.”
Beyond personal success, Balika remains deeply rooted in her community. She actively spreads awareness about menstrual health, nutrition, and modern healthcare practices among women in her village.
Looking ahead, she also hopes to address the pressing water issues in her area by installing a hand pump once she becomes financially stable.
Balika Birhor’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and institutional support.
It not only highlights the potential within marginalized communities but also serves as an inspiration for countless young individuals striving to build a better future against all odds
