From the archive record
As I reached Tiloniya in Rajasthan, the Sun was already setting on the great Indian desert. For over 25-years night schools have been the centre of education in this area. I was told that this is the Prime Minister's village and this young lady all of the 14-years of age is the Prime Minister of the Bal Sansad, the children's parliament. Ram Kanya was elected by the 1,700 children who go through Tiloniya's night schools. She bears this heavy responsibility with ease, a part of that ease comes perhaps from sheer habit. Ever since her father died some years ago, she the eldest child has functioned as head of a family. Ram Kanya and a number of other girls in Morda village are now being trained to serve. Until recently these girls were employed in the village carpet factory. However, Ram Kany