Anam Kumari’s life has been full of challenges, some of which she faced without the experience or knowledge of what lay ahead. A spirited 14-year-old from the rural village of Pakridyal in East Champaran, Bihar, Anam once dreamed of a bright future. She lived in a modest two-room house shared with her family, who struggled financially but had a strong bond and sense of resilience. Her mother, Sushila Devi, worked tirelessly as a domestic cleaner, making just enough to keep the household afloat, while her father, Ramesh Raut, was unable to work due to injuries from a severe accident. Anam’s elder brothers, Ranjeet and Chandan did what they could, despite their limited education and work opportunities.
Though Anam had once been a diligent student, her interest in school waned, and two years ago, she dropped out after completing the 8th grade. In the following months, she began spending more time at home, restless and unsure of her future. Then, an unexpected connection brought a series of challenges to her family’s door. She met a young man named Anil, who worked for a neighbor, and soon they began to spend time together. Twice she slipped away to meet him without telling her family, and each time her parents brought her back, concerned and protective.
But the situation began to affect their standing in the community. Struggling with limited resources, Anam’s parents decided to arrange her marriage to Sanjeet, a young man from a nearby village. They poured what little they had into the ceremony, hoping this marriage would secure her future. The wedding took place in July 2024, and Anam began her new life, though her dreams remained elsewhere.
When the festival of Raksha Bandhan arrived, Anam returned to her family’s home, and during this visit, she and Anil made a daring plan. Anil was in Mumbai, and they decided to meet in Delhi to seek new opportunities together. In September, Anam sold her gold locket, claiming her family needed money for her mother’s health, and boarded a train to the capital. She arrived at the bustling Anand Vihar terminal, where Anil was waiting, their hopes set on a new beginning in the city. Anil planned to take Anam to Noida, where he claimed he had connections for work.
However, fate had a different path in store. Railway Children India’s (RCI’s) outreach team noticed Anam at the bus terminal and stepped in to help. The RCI team, engaged Anam in conversation, providing her with food, water, and emotional support. At first, Anam hesitated, telling the team that Anil was her husband and that they had come from Mumbai. But as the team patiently earned her trust, she eventually revealed her family’s contact information.
Upon learning of Anam’s whereabouts, her family was immediately contacted. Her father confirmed she had left home without informing anyone and that she was already married. The RCI team notified the local police, who took necessary action, arranging for a medical examination and securing a temporary shelter placement for Anam. She was later presented to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which, after hearing her story, advised that she should remain in temporary care until her family could arrive.
On September 19, Anam’s mother and brother made the journey to Delhi. After meeting with the RCI team, they agreed that Anam should return home with her family and resume her studies rather than returning to her in-laws until she turned 18. The RCI team emphasized the importance of Anam gaining skills and education to empower her future. They encouraged her mother to consider vocational training based on Anam’s interests, helping her make choices that could one day lead her toward independence.
With newfound hope, Anam returned home, not only to her family but also with a different view of her future. Her family, now resolved to support her in pursuing skills and education, expressed gratitude to the RCI team for their guidance and compassion. Anam’s journey, which once seemed destined for hardship, now had the potential for empowerment and choice.
