How Manju is Changing Adolescent Health in India through Creativity and Care
With creativity and determination, Manju Devi turned local songs and slogans into tools for change, sparking conversations about adolescent health and confidence along the way. Strengthened by EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project, she continues to mentor youth today, showing that communication and compassion can unite generations to improve young people’s lives.
Age is No Barrier to Impact
In the village of Kusumari in Sitamarhi, India, Manju Devi—affectionately known as Manju Didi (“elder sister”)—has spent decades guiding her community toward better health and well-being. A former Auxiliary Nurse Midwife and lifelong advocate for adolescent health, Manju embodies her favorite mantra: “Hum honge kaamiyab” (“We will succeed”).
Her involvement with EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project gave her new opportunities to connect with adolescents and families, using creativity, songs, and local campaigns to make health information accessible to everyone.
“Aaj bhi mera jazbaat, meri junoon wahi hai jo 36 saal pehle tha!“
“Even today, my emotions and my passion are the same as they were 36 years ago!”
— Manju Devi
At 62, Manju remains a trusted guide for adolescents and parents alike. Her story shows that lasting change begins with people who know their communities best—and those who never stop believing in their ability to make a difference.
Guiding Adolescents with Trust and Creativity
Manju Didi’s strength lies in her ability to connect. She doesn’t lecture—she listens. Whether counseling a teenager about early marriage, phone or tobacco addiction, or mental health, she offers empathy, encouragement, and friendship.
“Bacche ko apna dost banaiye, apne vishwas mein layiye—aur phir sahi disha dikhaiye.”
“Make the child your friend, bring them into your trust—and then show them the right direction.“
— Manju Devi
Her creative communication style—using rhymes, songs, and slogans—has become her signature. Through these simple but memorable tools, she transforms serious health topics into engaging, accessible conversations that resonate with adolescents. Her work has earned recognition at both state and district levels, but her greatest reward, she says, is seeing young people grow into confident, informed adults.
From Health Worker to Lifelong Mentor
Through decades of service as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife and her continued engagement after retirement, Manju has shown that leadership doesn’t fade, it evolves. Her ability to inspire trust and foster dialogue has strengthened her community’s understanding of adolescent health, equality, and well-being.
Manju’s journey reflects the spirit of EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project: equipping local leaders to build healthier, more empowered generations. By investing in community health workers like her, EngenderHealth ensures that the wisdom of experience and the creativity of communication work hand in hand to drive lasting change.
Through her compassion and creativity, Manju has turned communication into connection—proving that one voice can inspire many, and that a lifetime of care can echo across generations to shape brighter, healthier futures throughout India.
Learn more about other inspiring youth leaders in Tarunya’s Legacy: 14 Portraits of Health, Hope and Change for Bihar’s Adolescents.