Pune: Two young individuals from the Wadar community in Avsari Budruk, Ambegaon Taluka, have broken the cycle of their traditional stone-breaking labor by joining the Home Guards, a move that has brought them immense recognition.
Mohan Shantaram Dhotre and Asmita Vaman Shinde, who come from families that have been involved in stone-breaking work for generations, have earned praise for their determination to pursue higher education and secure government jobs.
The Wadar community has long been associated with the tough work of breaking and shaping stones. Educational opportunities are scarce in this community, but despite the odds, Mohan Dhotre, while helping his parents with stone work, completed his Arts degree and prepared for the police and Home Guard recruitment exams. He was selected for the Home Guards in September and is currently undergoing training in Mumbai.
Similarly, Asmita Shinde, who lost her father early in life, grew up helping her mother with stone-related labor. She supported her education by taking temporary jobs during her holidays. After finishing her 12th grade, Asmita was also selected for the Home Guards in September and is now in training in Sangli.
Both Mohan and Asmita aim to continue their studies and prepare for further competitive exams, hoping to join the police force or other government services.
Machhindra Jadhav, an entrepreneur from Avsari Budruk, remarked: "The success of these young individuals from the Wadar community, who come from families that survive on daily hard work, is an inspiration to other youth in their community."
