Smt. Usha Chaumar is a prominent social activist and a former “manual scavenger” from India, who has gained recognition for her efforts to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and uplift the lives of people who have been trapped in this dehumanizing and exploitative occupation.
Usha Chaumar was born in the state of Rajasthan and belonged to the Dalit community, which has historically been subjected to caste-based discrimination. She was forced to work as a manual scavenger, a job that involves cleaning human excrement from dry toilets, an extremely hazardous and degrading task that has been outlawed in India for decades but still persists in many areas.
Her life took a transformative turn when she was rescued by the “Sulabh International” organization, which works to promote sanitation and the abolition of manual scavenging. Usha Chaumar was trained and rehabilitated by the organization, which helped her move out of the practice and gave her the opportunity to live a life of dignity.
Over time, Usha Chaumar has become an advocate for the rights of manual scavengers. She has spoken at various forums, including at the United Nations and other international platforms, drawing attention to the plight of manual scavengers and working to raise awareness about the need for complete abolition of the practice.
Her work has been widely appreciated, and she has been honored for her courage and determination in fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. In 2020, Usha Chaumar’s story continued to inspire many in the fight against caste-based discrimination and untouchability, and she has remained a key figure in the campaign to end manual scavenging in India.
Her activism and resilience highlight the ongoing struggle against social inequality and untouchability in India, and her personal story serves as a beacon of hope for others trapped in similar circumstances.