But after earning a degree in Sanskrit, Suryamani was called to protect the forest near her homeland from destruction and exploitation. At 20, she quit teaching and became a grassroots environmental activist and leader.
Suryamani Bhagat joins a long line of indigenous women who have spearheaded forest conservation movements throughout India. She organized forest protection committees, youth groups and women’s cooperatives, and ultimately launched the Jharkhand Save the Forest Movement.
After years of local work, in 2008 the group joined a nationwide campaign to persuade the government to establish a new Forest Rights Act. This act overturned a century-old law and made it possible for indigenous people to legally own and manage their forests. Suryamani then worked tirelessly to educate communities about the law and train them to file claims, map forests and identify and manage forest use.
As a result, forests in the surrounding 45 villages are slowly but steadily rejuvenating and growing healthier.
Suryamani’s path has not been an easy one, though. Officials and logging companies have verbally harassed, chased, and threatened her. But the support of her community and access to resources, including small grants gives her the strength to continue her mission.
Suryamani Bhagat and other grassroots women leaders are waging struggles to protect their communities, lands and human rights. They have stopped large-scale dams, deforestation, mono-cropping, oil and gas development, mining and polluting industries, which all contribute to climate change.