Raj Kumari Meena – Empowering Research and Education for Tribal Communities
Raj Kumari Meena
Bharatpur District, Rajasthan
Ph.D. – Physical Mental Psychological Stress among the elderly population of India and Nepal, University of Delhi
Project Details
Category: National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes (NFST)
Organisation: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
Raj Kumari Meena’s inspiring journey from a small village in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, to pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Delhi is a testament to the transformative power of education and the vital role played by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in her academic pursuit. This case study delves into Raj Kumari Meena’s remarkable journey and highlights how government support has empowered her to make a significant impact on her community.
Background
Dr. Raj Kumari Meena belongs to the Meena tribal community and hails from Sevar Rupas, a small village in Bharatpur. She grew up in a family with three younger brothers, where her parents and extended family lived in the village. Dr. Meena’s educational journey began with a master’s degree in Udaipur, followed by an MPhil from Delhi University. Her dedication to education faced a pivotal challenge when her father insisted on her marriage or securing a job after MPhil.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Scholarship
During this critical juncture in her life, Dr. Raj Kumari Meena learned about the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes (NFST) awarded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. She successfully applied for this fellowship, which not only provided her with financial support but also postponed her marriage. The NFST fellowship was a lifeline for her education and career aspirations, allowing her to pursue a Ph.D. in the Psychology Department at Delhi University.
Impact and Gratitude
Dr. Raj Kumari Meena expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for their unwavering support. She emphasized that without this fellowship, she might have been married and her educational journey cut short. The fellowship empowered her to complete her Ph.D. and embark on a successful career as a clinical psychologist.
Contributions and Future Goals
Today, Dr. Raj Kumari Meena runs her own clinic and works as a clinical psychologist, providing valuable mental health services to her community. Her research focuses on mental health among senior citizens, with an international perspective. She aims to extend her services to tribal senior citizens and make a meaningful impact on their mental well-being.
Dr. Raj Kumari Meena’s journey is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of education and government support. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through the NFST scheme, not only helped her fulfill her educational aspirations but also enabled her to contribute to the well-being of her community. Dr. Meena’s story underscores the importance of providing opportunities for talented individuals from tribal communities and the positive ripple effect such support can have on society at large.