Ranchi/Jamshedpur/Ramgarh: In a proud and momentous occasion, Rashmi Birhor, a bright student from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) community in Jharkhand, met Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Raj Bhawan in Ranchi on Thursday.
Rashmi was accompanied by Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Assistant Manager, Community Development, Tata Steel Foundation (TSF), West Bokaro. Rashmi’s journey is a shining example of transformation made possible through TSF’s Akansha Project, which supports education of PVTG children by providing quality academic opportunities.
Rashmi Birhor expressed immense happiness and gratitude that Hon’ble President of India took time from her busy schedule to meet her along with parents. Smt. Murmu made her feel comfortable, and they conversed in Santhali. Rashmi conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to the Tata Steel Foundation for supporting her education, which has transformed not only her life but also that of her family and community. She shared that she had put in a lot of hard work into her studies and expressed a hope that her story would inspire children in her community to pursue education and strive for greater heights. Rashmi firmly believes that education is the cornerstone in shaping lives and unlocking new opportunities.
Anurag Dixit, General Manager, West Bokaro Division, Tata Steel, expressed, “It’s a proud moment for Tata Steel and the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group that our Hon’ble President of India met Rashmi Birhor, the first graduate from the PVTG community of Ramgarh District, Jharkhand. The Company extends its heartfelt gratitude to President for this gesture, which will motivate many children to aspire for greatness. Rashmi’s journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring children from her community to envision great possibilities and prioritise their education. The Akansha Project seeks to eliminate obstacles and improve access to quality education for students belonging to PVTG communities. Tata Steel extends its best wishes to Rashmi for her future endeavors!”
Anurag Dixit, General Manager, West Bokaro Division, Tata Steel, expressed, “It’s a proud moment for Tata Steel and the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group that our Hon’ble President of India met Rashmi Birhor, the first graduate from the PVTG community of Ramgarh District, Jharkhand. The Company extends its heartfelt gratitude to President for this gesture, which will motivate many children to aspire for greatness. Rashmi’s journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring children from her community to envision great possibilities and prioritise their education. The Akansha Project seeks to eliminate obstacles and improve access to quality education for students belonging to PVTG communities. Tata Steel extends its best wishes to Rashmi for her future endeavors!”
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In 2016, Smt. Murmu then the Governor of Jharkhand, visit to Birhor Tola in Basantpur Panchayat of Ramgarh District inspired Rashmi, a Birhor girl from endangered primitive tribe to pursue her dreams. The Akansha Project aims to break systemic barriers by enhancing access to education for students from PVTG communities. Launched in FY 2013, the initiative helps empower first-generation learners by offering financial assistance, residential schooling, and academic support. It focuses on improving academic performance, fostering social inclusion, and enabling students to become community change-makers.
Rashmi joined the Akansha Project in 2017 and completed her schooling from St. Robert’s Girls’ School, Hazaribagh. She later graduated from GM Evening College, Hazaribagh—thus becoming the first matriculate and graduate pass from PVTG community in Ramgarh District.
Her achievement is a testament to the long-term impact of the Akansha Project and reflects the power of inclusive education to uplift marginalized communities. Rashmi’s interaction with the Hon’ble President today not only celebrates her personal milestones but also highlights the growing aspirations of PVTG youth.
Rashmi’s family includes her father, Sudhanshu Birhor, her mother, Sava Devi, and her younger brother, Manish Kumar, who is currently studying in Class II. Her story stands as an inspiration to hundreds of children across tribal regions, encouraging them to dream big and pursue education with determination.
