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Mothers Guard Children Against Tigers Daily
12 Feb
Summary
- Mothers escort children to school through a dangerous tiger-prone area.
- Women use torches and sticks to deter tigers on the school commute.
- The Forest Department supports these vigilant mothers in their efforts.
Villagers in Sitaram Peth, Maharashtra, live in constant fear of tigers, especially children commuting to school. A 400-meter path to the bus stand is fraught with danger, with tigers frequently sighted. Four women, Kiran Gedam, Venu Randaye, Reena Nat, and Seema Madavi, have stepped up to protect the 17 students who travel 7 kilometers for education.
These women, referred to as 'Matrishakti' by the Forest Department, escort the children daily. They use torches and wooden sticks, forming a protective barrier until the bus arrives. The return journey in the dark is equally perilous, with the women making noise to ward off any approaching tigers.
The Forest Department has provided these courageous mothers with uniforms, torches, and sticks, acknowledging their vital role. Despite the assistance, the underlying fear persists as villagers coexist with tigers at the edge of the Tadoba Tiger Reserve.
