Fireside Chat with Seema Kumari

Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Excerpts from a conversation with a young girl from Dahu, a remote village in Jharkhand, who has proved that both, physical and psychological journeys are possible through grit and determination. A daughter of labourers, Seema has faced considerable challenges, yet managed to excel in football, graduate from the Yuwa class of 2021 and receive a full scholarship from Harvard University.

Sanjay: Seema, how does it feel when a superstar such as Priyanka Chopra tweeted about you after hearing about your admission to Harvard? I quote, “Educate a girl and she can change the world. Such an inspiring achievement. Bravo, Seema, I can’t wait to see what you do next.” Seema: When I first saw the tweet, I just could not believe it but, after a few hours, when people started messaging me and my principal also mentioned it, I was so excited. Sanjay: Let’s trace your journey to the present day, beginning with your childhood. If you could tell us about your family because, I am sure, they must have worked very hard to raise kids like you. Seema: Mummy, Papa and my elder brother live in a joint family with my uncles and aunts, we are 19 in all. Dahu is around 25 km from Ranchi. Here, parents do not give much freedom to girls and they are considered a burden, and want to get them married at the earliest. When I was a child, I also used to think that they will get me married soon and I will have to live a life like the other women in the village, with domestic violence. Then, during Yuwa 2009, which was held in Hutub village, Franz Gastler, an American, asked the girls what they wanted to play and they said football.

My experience with Yuwa started in 2013, when we were attending workshops where we learnt about child marriage, domestic violence, personal hygiene, menstruation and so on

Sanjay: Which year was that? Seema: 2012. Sanjay: How old were you at that time? Seema: I was nine. I joined them and really enjoyed playing football. Then, after some days, I got shoes and socks, which we never wore. In 2013, for the very first time, some girls went to Spain to play in the Donosti Cup tournament. I wished I could also go out there and see other countries. In 2014, we played the USA Cup. Sanjay: What was the turning point in your life? Seema: When I started learning about my own society, about child marriage, domestic violence and gender discrimination and realised that these should not happen. Sanjay: How has playing football changed your life? Seema: I started making a lot of friends. Sanjay: Did you see any changes in yourself? Seema: I think I was becoming more confident; I was really scared of the ball at the beginning. I was working in a team and becoming a responsible person, I was also the vice-captain. I was handling a few responsibilities. Sanjay: How has your experience with Yuwa changed your life? Seema: It started in 2013, when we were attending workshops where we learnt about child marriage, domestic violence, personal hygiene, menstruation and so on. Sanjay: Did you have to deal with any cultural shock when you went to the US? Seema: A lot. I hadn’t been to a grocery shop before and when I went there, there were so many things…packed, canned and frozen food. Those were all new for me.

Sanjay: It must have been quite a challenge. How did you feel after coming back? Seema: I didn’t know how to react to people’s comments. Sanjay: You are a role model for many girls in your village in Jharkhand. What’s your one suggestion to the Government of Jharkhand for adolescent girls? Seema: Child marriage is something that should not happen, which is in the Constitution. Sanjay: Indeed Seema, education is the key. I am sure there are many students listening to us and they would be interested in knowing about your application process. When did you decide to apply to colleges in the US and how did you start? Seema: I started by applying to many colleges that I would be eligible for. My English wasn’t that good as I had not studied in an English medium school. As I could not take the TOEFL or the SAT/SET, I was looking for other options. I didn’t ever think that I would get into Harvard. The first college I applied to was Ashoka University and I got a full scholarship. I had applied to 22 colleges, one in India, one in Singapore and 20 in the US. I got into Ashoka Middlebury College and Trinity Hartford. I heard from Harvard, Columbia, Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania. I checked UPenn first and then turned to Harvard where the interview went off very well. My admissions officer was super nice and she made me feel as if she was an old friend. I took a loan from Yuwa. Sanjay: Were you worried about life at Harvard? Seema: The life of a typical Harvard student is really hard. I didn’t ever think that I would get into Harvard. The first college I applied to was Ashoka University and I got a full scholarship. I had applied to 22 colleges, one in India, one in Singapore and 20 in the US. I took a loan from Yuwa.

Sanjay: You are both, smart and intelligent. Seema: Not really. There are many things that I have to learn, such as essay writing and stuff like that. But the community is really welcoming. Sanjay: I’m sure you will not face any trouble and you will be taken care of. Tell us, who is your inspiration? Seema: My parents, who work really hard. Also, people such as Sundar Pichai inspire me. And then, of course, Priyanka Chopra; the way she has been helping with education and gender equality is motivating. Bill Gates as well, he has been trying to help the world with the Gates Foundation. Sanjay: Seema, what next? Seema: I have applied for the Global Student prize. If I get into that I will have some finance to start an organisation for women that would help to fight domestic violence. I would also like to write books about women as well as books for children. I did start writing one a year-and-a-half ago and I hope it comes out really soon. Sanjay: What is this book about? Seema: My journey and a lot about Yuwa. Sanjay: How did you manage during the COVID-19 pandemic? Seema: It was a very difficult time for me. I had to work hard and be a good time manager.

After I graduated in March, besides working on my book, I really have not done much, just watching movies on my laptop with my cousins. Sanjay: What is that one factor that keeps you motivated at all times? Seema: Right now I just feel that I have a very bright future which I should be working hard for. The trust and love that my parents have given me is incomparable. If I am independent, I want to take care of my family, my brother, the way they have helped me. I would love to travel with them. Sanjay: What will you miss about your village? Seema: Celebrating festivals. Sanjay: Do you want to give any message to the youth of your age or in general? Seema: Appreciate your family because they are with us no matter what. Also, just believe that whatever you want will happen, you need to be patient. Sanjay: So, patience is key and whatever you want to do, you must pursue in order to succeed. Seema, it was a pleasure talking to you and we, especially the Harvard Club of India and the Harvard community, are there to support you.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar is President of the Harvard Club of India and also the India Country Director of the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute.