Basanti
Basanti was married at 12, but her husband passed away soon after. a young child widow came to the Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani (Almora district, Uttarakhand) to learn weaving and knitting. She had studied till the 4th standard but was barely literate. Here, she passed her 12th standard and then continued to study further. Through her passion and dedication, she has managed to work actively in the social sector. Her love for nature led her to start various initiatives to conserve forests and other natural resources. She engaged the community and convinced them to refrain from cutting down trees along the Kosi river in Uttarakhand. With her regular efforts, she has managed to involve the forest department to contribute to her cause. She has proved that though the path is difficult, it can be achieved with dedication.
Source: https://www.thebetterindia.com/5131/basanti-and-the-kosi-how-one-woman-revitalized-a-watershed/
