Tulsi Devi, a 32-year-old Vanraji woman from Banraji Basti in Chakkarpur, Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand), has emerged as a powerful community leader, transforming challenges into opportunities for her people. With the support of her husband Brijesh, she earns her livelihood by putting up stalls at local fairs and festivals. But Tulsi’s contribution goes far beyond economic activity. She is a driving force for change in her community.
With support from Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS), ARPAN began a series of leadership and capacity-building trainings for Raji women. Tulsi participated from the very beginning. The trainings inspired her to take initiative, and she soon became a vocal advocate for the rights and entitlements of the Raji people.
In 2024, when massive floods hit the region, homes and cattle in her village were destroyed. Many families, including those settled on forest lands without formal documentation, were excluded from relief measures. Tulsi stepped in, fearlessly approaching both local and district-level authorities. Her persistent advocacy ensured that 20 families received compensation, despite lacking official land titles. Her leadership during the crisis proved critical for a historically marginalized community that often remains invisible in government records.
Tulsi also became deeply engaged with livelihood programs, particularly those under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). When she learned that her self-help group (SHG) had not received the promised ‘revolving fund’ even after a year of formation, she raised the issue with the appropriate authorities. Her efforts led to the sanctioning of ₹25,000 for the SHG. She further facilitated the group’s inclusion in the Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP), which brought in an additional ₹35,000. These funds enabled the women to buy goats and cows, creating a more secure and sustainable livelihood base.
In addition to her work on rights and livelihoods, Tulsi has become a passionate promoter of Raji cultural traditions. Encouraged by ARPAN’s efforts to preserve indigenous language and identity, she began composing and performing songs in the Raji language. Today, she has trained Raji women from all nine villages in Pithoragarh district in traditional Raji singing. Her songs reflect the deep relationship between the Raji people and the forest, and she proudly performs them at fairs and festivals, keeping the cultural heritage alive.
Tulsi regularly organizes meetings with other women to share updates on government programs and community rights. Her leadership, determination, and commitment to justice have earned her national recognition. She was honoured with the Human Rights Defender Award by ActionAid, a testament to her relentless work in advancing the rights and dignity of the Raji community.
Tulsi’s story is a powerful example of how grassroots leadership when nurtured and supported, can transform entire communities – restoring rights, reviving traditions, and reclaiming dignity.