safety
This Village Is Surrounded by Tigers — 4 Brave Women Risk Everything to Send Children to School
Published: 13/02/26
Updated: 13/02/26
In a small village in Maharashtra, India, going to school is not easy. The village is surrounded by wild tigers, and every day, children face real danger while walking to school. Many parents were too scared to send their kids, and some children stopped going altogether.
But in the face of danger, four extraordinary women refused to let fear dictate the futures of the village’s children. What they did is nothing short of heroic.
Life with Tigers Nearby
The village is close to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and tigers are often seen near homes and paths. Children were frightened, and parents worried for their safety. One chilling moment came when a four‑year‑old boy, trembling with fear, told his mother, “I feel like a tiger follows me.” Education was at risk because of the constant fear.
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Women Leading the Charge
When the community’s children were too scared to attend school, four courageous women stepped forward. The four women - Kiran Gedam, Shobha Uike, Minakshi Karte, and Deepika Chandle, started accompanying children to school every day. Some accounts also include Sneha Waghmare as part of the group, making it a collective of five women.
They became guardians for the children, walking ahead on the forest paths, wearing bright vests, and carrying sticks for safety. They not only protected the kids physically but also gave them the courage to face the forest.
The Guardians of the Path
These women formed a protective group committed to guarding children on their way to and from school. Each day, they accompany the little ones along the forest paths that have animals randomly crossing the path.
They wear bright safety vests, carry sticks for visibility and deterrence, and walk ahead of the children, serving not only as physical protectors but also as emotional anchors. Their presence has restored confidence in families and has made it possible for children to learn without constant fear.
How Their Effort Changed a Community
Before the women rallied together, many children stopped going to school due to fear. Families often kept children home rather than risk the jungle path.
Unfortunately, education seemed like an unreachable dream.
Today, school attendance has increased and parents feel safer letting their children go.
The women are celebrated as local heroes. Their bravery is an inspiring testament to what ordinary people can achieve when they refuse to be frightened by danger.
Support, Training, and Awareness
This initiative hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local NGOs and forest officials have been offering awareness sessions and safety training to support these women in their mission. These efforts ensure that children are not only protected but also educated about wildlife behavior and how to stay safe in the jungle environment.
An Example for the World
The story of Feena’s women is a universal reminder that when a community unites for a shared purpose, even the greatest challenges can be faced with hope. These women didn’t just walk beside children through the forest; they walked with them toward a brighter future.
Their courage has proved that education is worth any risk, especially when lives and dreams depend on it.
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