A Lantern Burning Continuously for 12 Hours: Shahu Rode

She doesn't just sit on a chair; still, she watches over the passing girls, twelve hours of steady presence in the sea of pale blue shirts. Perched at the campus track, Shahu Rode smiles, greets, and silently measures the rhythm of the day.

Shahu Rode sits up, straight on the high chair, her uniform of navy blue saree strikingly contrasting the pale blue shirts of the students. She wears a maroon bindi in between her eyebrows and has her hair neatly tied back as a bun, perhaps part of the uniform. Her folded hands and sober, reflective disposition reflect discipline and patience.

Shahu is 36 years old and has spent the last ten years of her life working as a female guard at Avasara Academy. Her family consists of her husband and three sons, the eldest of whom is working in an e-Seva Kendra, and the two younger sons are continuing their studies.

Shahu attended the government school, studied up to the 9th grade, where her aspiration was to become well-educated. Coming from a low-income background, she could not continue her studies further, but joined Avasara Leadership Institute to retain a close bond with education.

Her shift at Avasara starts every day at 7 am and continues until 7 pm-a twelve-hour duty that is changed every week between daytime and nighttime duties. Each woman guard has an area where she must concentrate her attention, although she is free to walk around the large campus, which almost becomes like a track. During the day shifts, she did her chores early and spent the rest of the day very easygoing; at night, she was more laid-back.

“Avasara che muli mala khup aavadtat” (I like the girls of Avasara)

Shahu is full of gratitude; she relishes each interaction with girls. Her grin gives it away: Casual hellos or stops to chat greet her as students come in. It gives her peace and pride-the pride of knowing she contributes to their lives in a small way. Many girls often take "interviews" informally about her life-a very cherished experience for her.

Shahu also likes tailoring clothes. When she was asked if she would like to take up an offer as a tailor, there was no hesitation from her. She shares how complete it makes her feel even to think that she is trying something new.

“Atta kahi tari navin karayache chai” (Now I want to do something new), she says, sharing her desire for fresh experiences. Shahu also speaks lightly of her life over the years, the hard times she has seen.

“Kathin paristiti tar yet rahatat”(difficult situations will always come), she says, but one must learn to enjoy whatever life throws at them. 

Life for Shahu means living in the moment, cherishing the small things, and being thankful for every little thing in her life. Whether she is in her uniform at Avasara or with a needle and thread in her hand, she quietly stitches purpose, pride, and happiness into each day.

Written by Shrutika Navale, Grade 9, Avasara Academy, Pune

Shrutika wrote this article as a participant of the Media-Makers Fellowship's Nov'25 cohort.

This profile article was shortlisted for consideration for the 'Best Profile' award during the fellowship.