Case Study: A Support That Brought Hope and Nutrition to Sangita’s Family

Sangita Devi, a 27-year-old Korwa PVTG woman from Korwatoli of Sigsiga Khud village, Barwadih Panchayat, Chiniya Block, Garhwa, lives with her husband, Jitendra Korwa, and their seven children. With no formal education, Sangita manages her household while occasionally taking up wage labour to contribute to the family's income. Her husband also works as a daily-wage labourer, depending on whatever work is available. The family lives together in a single-room house, and with a large household and an irregular income, ensuring adequate and nutritious food for the family is often a daily challenge.

Recognising her vulnerability as a pregnant and lactating woman, the SSK team identified Sangita for support under the “Nutrition Support for Vulnerable PVTG Families” initiative. On 18 August 2026, she received a nutrition kit containing 5 kg Desi Chana, 5 kg Arhar Dal, 2 kg Moong Dal, 2 kg peanuts, 4 kg Desi Gud, 2 kg Soya Chunks, 3 litres mustard oil and 2 kg salt. For Sangita, this support came at an important time, helping her meet the nutritional needs of herself and her family around the birth of her seventh child.

The SSK team's support reached Sangita at an important time in her pregnancy. When the Medical Emergency Fund for PVTG Families activity was conducted, Sangita was pregnant and participated in the health check-up organised for PVTG women. Initially, her husband was reluctant to take her for the check-up, but SSK team members visited the family, counselled them and explained the importance of maternal healthcare and timely medical check-ups. Encouraged by the team's support, Sangita chose to undergo the health check-up and was subsequently connected with institutional healthcare. On 30 August 2026, she gave birth to her seventh child, a son, in a hospital. Unlike her previous six children, who were all born at home, this time Sangita was able to access institutional care for childbirth. Both Sangita and her newborn were reported to be healthy.

For Sangita, receiving the nutrition kit at this important stage brought happiness and a sense of support. She felt that someone was thinking about her and her family's well-being, especially at a time when meeting the nutritional needs of such a large family was difficult.

“I am very happy that the Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra team supported me during this important time. We cannot always afford to buy all these nutritious food items ourselves. The nutrition kit will help me and my family. The team also explained the importance of health check-ups and supported me in going to the hospital. I am thankful to them for standing with me and supporting my family.” — Sangita Devi, Korwatoli, Sigsiga Khud

The nutrition support programme was conducted in the presence of the Block Development Officer (BDO), Circle Officer (CO) and Panchayati Raj Officer, reflecting coordination between community-level initiatives and government institutions.

For Sangita, the support was more than receiving a nutrition kit—it gave her a sense of care and support during a particularly vulnerable period. Her experience reflects how timely nutritional assistance, community-level counselling and health facilitation can help vulnerable PVTG families access essential services and strengthen their well-being.