In Gwalior’s Rudrapura, a small hamlet of the marginalised Sahariya tribe, social and economic exclusion have long been the norm. Kailash Adivasi (name changed) a young Sahariya man, was shot by upper-caste individuals in a brutal act of violence. While such incidents are often ignored, this time was different. The Zenith Society stepped in to support his family and community’s fight for justice. For nearly a year, Zenith supported Kailash to pursue justice despite legal setbacks and threats. Their persistent efforts led to compensation for him, marking a victory for the community.

While pursuing Kailash’s case, Zenith’s team found Rudrapura plagued with systemic discrimination, crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, no electricity, and children unable to attend school due to missing documents and limited transport facilities. The team then supported the residents to tackle broader issues, supporting families secure documents to enrol their children in school. Kailash, now a community leader, used his compensation to buy an e-rickshaw, ensuring children could attend school.

However, recently, heavy rains destroyed Rudrapura’s mud-and-thatch homes. With no government aid, families struggled to rebuild, halting children’s education again. Despite this, Rudrapura’s residents remain hopeful to rebuild and Kailash’s leadership reflects the power of solidarity in the pursuit of justice.