The Remarkable Journey of Neha Singh Rathore: From Housewife to Unwavering Social Activist

May 14, 2024

4 Minutes

Neha Singh Rathore, a resident of a quaint village in the Kaimur Bhabua district of Bihar, has embarked on an inspiring journey that has transformed her from a stay-at-home wife into a formidable social activist. Her path has been fraught with challenges, yet her unwavering determination and passion have propelled her forward.

Humble Beginnings and the Call of Destiny

Upon graduating in 2018, societal pressures from her family led Neha to pursue a Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) degree. However, her heart yearned for a different path, one where she could express her love for singing.

Undeterred, Neha embarked on a journey to Kolkata to delve into the world of Bhojpuri folk songs and master the harmonium. The cultural differences and lack of support she encountered during her time there presented significant hurdles.

Homecoming and the Birth of a Singing Career

Returning to Bihar in 2019, Neha witnessed a disheartening sight in her village: the absence of sanitation facilities. Fueled by frustration, she penned and sang her first song.

To her astonishment, the song gained widespread attention overnight, with over 27,000 shares on social media platforms. This profound realization ignited within Neha the understanding that her voice held the potential to drive meaningful change. Inspired, she resolved to continue composing and singing songs that addressed pressing social issues.

Navigating Resistance and Stigma

Neha’s pursuit of social activism encountered resistance from her family. They feared that her songs would bring disrepute upon their household and implored her to focus solely on domestic duties.

Moreover, the conservative mindset prevalent in Bihar stigmatized Neha’s use of a mobile phone as a woman. Undeterred, she found solace in her brother’s broken phone, which became her lifeline for recording her songs. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Neha persevered, enduring both physical and emotional abuse.

Addressing Critical Issues through Song

The Corona pandemic that swept across India in 2020 sparked an urgent need for awareness. Neha felt compelled to use her voice to inform her community about the virus. She composed a song explaining that Corona was neither a germ nor a bacteria, but rather a virus that spread through contact.

Her song resonated deeply with people and garnered media attention, bringing a glimmer of hope into Neha’s life amidst the familial and social adversity she faced.

Challenging Gender Roles and the Prevalence of Honor Killings

Through her poignant songs, Neha challenged traditional gender roles and highlighted the discrimination faced by women in rural Bihar. She fearlessly addressed the issue of honor killings, a prevalent social evil in the region.

Facing Personal Adversity

Neha’s determination to speak out against injustice came at a personal cost. Her family’s discovery of her secret relationship with a young man provoked their wrath. Her brother destroyed her phone, and she feared for her safety.

Heartbroken and shaken, Neha found solace in her music. She poured her emotions into composing and singing songs, finding strength in her tears. One such song, “Let’s Kill, Everything Is Done,” became an anthem for the silenced and oppressed.

Political Commentary and the “Kaaba” Songs

During the Bihar Assembly elections of 2020, Neha released “Kaaba Mein Bihar,” a song criticizing the state’s political landscape. The song sparked controversy, with some accusing her of political opportunism.

Undeterred, Neha continued to raise her voice. In the lead-up to the Uttar Pradesh elections, she released “Kaaba Mein UP.” Despite facing protests and trolls, Neha’s songs resonated with the masses and gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

Celebrating and Preserving Bhojpuri Culture

Beyond her social activism, Neha is passionate about preserving and promoting Bhojpuri culture. Through her “Bhojpuri Bachao Andolan” (Bhojpuri Save Movement), she writes and performs independent Bhojpuri songs to revive traditional folk music.

Inspiring Others

Neha’s remarkable journey has taught her that challenges and opposition are inevitable. However, she believes that by remaining confident, persistent, and using our voices to speak up for what is right, we can overcome adversity and make a positive impact on the world. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who dare to follow their dreams and stand up for what they believe in.