Teenager transforms slum girls’ computer literacy dreams into reality | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: In the heart of Bhubaneswar’s Banafula basti in Buddha Nagar area, a quiet revolution is taking place, sparked by the remarkable initiative of 16-year-old Saanvi Tripathy, a native of Saheed Nagar in Bhubaneswar. This young social equity advocate, currently studying in Mumbai, transformed the lives of underprivileged girls living in Banafula basti by turning their dream of computer literacy into reality.During what might have seemed like a routine visit with ActionAid and the Centre for Child and Women Development (CCWD), two prominent voluntary organisations, Saanvi encountered something that changed multiple lives — the burning desire of local girls to acquire computer skills. In an era where digital literacy is increasingly crucial, these ambitious young women were held back by a simple yet significant barrier: the absence of a computer.Rather than merely sympathising, Saanvi took action. Armed with determination and creativity, she launched a grassroots fund-raising campaign that would make any seasoned activist proud. Her methods were refreshingly simple yet effective. She collected and sold old newspapers and books, organised bake sales, and coordinated second-hand book collection and selling drives.“I believe change begins with listening. The girls in Banafula basti inspire us all with their drive to learn. My hope is that this small step helps unlock a world of knowledge and opportunity for them,” said Saanvi.The impact of her efforts was immediate and profound. Dipa Nayak, a member of Bhubaneswar Young Urban Women Forum from the slum said “This is a great opportunity for our young girls to gain knowledge on digital literacy. We are very happy to have a computer system provided by Saanvi right at our doorstep.”This initiative perfectly aligns with the two voluntary organisations’ broader mission of empowering young urban women through education. More significantly, it demonstrates how youth leadership and civic responsibility can create tangible change in communities.“Saanvi’s story is more than just about providing a computer — it is about recognising needs, taking initiative, and proving that age is no barrier to making a difference,” said Pratap Sahoo, a ward member at Banafula basti. He said as digital literacy becomes increasingly essential in today’s world, her contribution opens doors to opportunities that these girls might otherwise never have accessed. “Her works inspire our young generation,” said Sahoo.In an age where social change often seems to require grand gestures and massive resources, Saanvi Tripathy shows that sometimes, all it takes is one determined teenager with a vision and the courage to act on it.
