‘Anpadh’ No More: Pune’s Waste Pickers Pass SSC, Rewrite Their Futures
‘Anpadh’ No More: Pune’s Waste Pickers Pass SSC, Rewrite Their Futures
For years, “anpadh” — the Hindi word for “illiterate” — was a taunt hurled at Priyanka Kamble and Komal Gaikwad, waste pickers from Pune. But this year, they turned that insult into a badge of honor by passing the SSC (Class 10) examination, proving that determination knows no age, and learning has no deadline.
Priyanka Kamble: Breaking Free from Labels
At 27, Priyanka Kamble has faced more than her share of hardship. Forced to quit school after Class 3, she endured years of humiliation, especially from her in-laws in Solapur who constantly mocked her for being uneducated. The sting of being called “anpadh” stayed with her — and fueled her resolve.
In search of a new beginning, she moved to Pune with her son. While continuing her work as a waste picker with the SWaCH cooperative, Priyanka enrolled at Ramabai Ranade School in 2022. Juggling her job, parenting, and studies wasn’t easy. Her day began with collecting waste, followed by cooking lunch for her child, and rushing to school by 2 p.m. Despite delays and exhaustion, her teachers supported her every step of the way.
Her efforts paid off — she scored 48% in the SSC exam. “My husband called to say he was proud of me and told me to distribute sweets,” she shared with a smile. Now, she hopes to become an Anganwadi Sevika and work for the betterment of women and children.
Komal Gaikwad: Learning Against All Odds
For 26-year-old Komal Gaikwad, school was once a distant dream. Married at 20 and living in Dandekar Pul Vasti, Komal was frequently reminded by her in-laws of her lack of education. The loss of her husband during the Covid-19 pandemic, while she was pregnant with her second child, left her grieving and financially vulnerable.
Still, she refused to give up. “They said I couldn’t earn because I was uneducated. I wanted to prove them wrong,” she said. Komal enrolled in a night school and studied after long days of waste-picking work. Her perseverance bore fruit when she scored 58% in the SSC exam.
Her proudest moment? Her Class 5 daughter’s proud smile. Now, Komal plans to continue her education in junior college, determined to create a better life for her children.
Beyond Marks: A Message to Society
Priyanka and Komal didn’t just pass an exam — they defied stereotypes, reclaimed their dignity, and lit a path for countless others in similar situations. In a society that often pushes women like them to the margins, they’ve stepped into the light, carrying not just their own dreams, but the hopes of many others.
Their journey sends a powerful message: being labeled “anpadh” may hurt, but it doesn’t define who you are. It’s what you choose to do next that truly shapes your story.
