‘Green Brigade’ Transforming Rural Varanasi, Network Now Active Across Eight Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi:
What began as a small grassroots experiment in a remote village of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency has today grown into a powerful movement of social transformation. The Green Brigade, a collective of rural women, is rapidly reshaping the social landscape of Varanasi and adjoining districts through courage, discipline, and collective action.

From fighting drug addiction and gambling to preventing crimes against women and children, the Green Brigade has succeeded in achieving what years of strict law enforcement often failed to accomplish.

Women Leading the Change

Formed under the initiative of Hope Welfare Trust in 2015, the Green Brigade was conceptualised by young graduates from leading universities who sought to address deep-rooted social evils in rural areas. Using their own resources, they trained village women in basic self-defence, provided them a distinct green uniform, and instilled confidence to challenge injustice collectively.

What started in Khushiyari village has now completed a decade-long journey, expanding to more than 210 villages across eight districts — including Varanasi, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Ballia, Jaunpur, Ayodhya, and Firozabad.

Today, over 2,000 women members begin their mornings patrolling village pathways, standing firmly against gambling dens, substance abuse, domestic violence, and child marriage.

Beyond Vigilance: A Holistic Mission

The Green Brigade’s role extends far beyond community monitoring. Its members actively participate in:

• Promotion of Mission Shakti
• Awareness campaigns against religious conversion
• Environmental protection drives
• Cleanliness missions
• Employment generation initiatives
• Support for victims of domestic abuse

The movement has also received consistent support from the police administration and significant encouragement from Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, whose interventions have strengthened the initiative at multiple levels.

Lighting Up Prison Cells with Education

In a unique initiative, Hope Welfare Trust has extended its mission inside Varanasi District Jail, where separate educational classes are being conducted for male and female inmates. Prisoners are being trained in basic education, discipline, and self-employment skills.

According to trainers including founder Ravi Mishra, co-founder Shyamakant, and Green Brigade member Nirmala Devi, the enthusiasm among inmates is remarkable. Nearly 80 women prisoners have already been connected with skill development programmes.

‘Beti Utsav’: Celebrating the Birth of Daughters

Inspired by the Governor’s vision, Green Brigade leader Leelavati of Muradeo village initiated the concept of ‘Beti Utsav’, under which the birth of a girl child is celebrated publicly. A tree is planted in the newborn’s name, symbolising life, dignity, and environmental responsibility. So far, more than 60 such celebrations have been organised.

From Darkness to Light

The story of Asha Devi of Khushiyari village reflects the spirit of the movement. A survivor of severe domestic violence, she joined the Green Brigade and went on to lead campaigns against addiction, women’s abuse, and child marriage. Under her leadership, electricity reached the village for the first time in over 70 years of Independence, and public lighting was installed so children could study at night.

Rebuilding Communities

In Mirzapur’s forest region, Shashi Lata played a key role in the restoration of 37 ponds, while also becoming financially independent through tailoring training. With support from the Raj Bhavan, arrangements are now underway for police deployment and road construction in her village.

Similarly, Nirmala Devi of Deura village has emerged as a strong advocate of democratic values. During Lok Sabha, Assembly, and Panchayat elections, she led large-scale voter awareness campaigns, resulting in a 15 per cent increase in voter turnout in several areas.

Livelihood Through Dignity

With assistance from the Governor’s office, sustainable livelihood initiatives have also taken shape. A slipper manufacturing unit in Patel Nagar, Sonbhadra, now employs 25 women, while a footwear factory in Mirzapur’s Jungle Mahal area provides employment to 110 women — many of whom played pivotal roles in eliminating social evils in their villages.

Green Brigade members are also actively engaged in TB awareness campaigns across Mirzapur and Sonbhadra.

A Movement Inspiring the Nation

The inspiring journey of the Green Brigade has drawn international attention, with foreign filmmakers producing documentaries on the movement. Supported by retired army personnel in Varanasi and strengthened by community trust, the initiative today stands as a powerful example of how women-led grassroots action can transform society from within.

From village lanes to prisons, from social reform to economic empowerment, the Green Brigade continues to redefine the meaning of change — one village at a time.