Manju

Manju is a lovely girl and quite a blessing to those around her, though some may not realize it. She maintains a hectic and hefty schedule. Between attending class, doing chores around the house and taking care of her family, she still finds time in the day – willingly, no less – to help the young people of Annawadi expand their minds through schooling. Manju very selflessly lives her life.

Someone immediately comes to mind trying to compare Manju with a person we know. This girl, a very close friend of mine, faced and still faces some of the same struggles Manju deals with. Asha is the head of the household, dictating what should and shouldn't be done and what should and shouldn't be said. Manju doesn't agree with her mother’s actions or ideas, yet she doesn't have to power to say or do anything out of line. In small ways, like being a teacher to the Annawadi children all of the time instead of while someone important is watching, Manju fights back and tests her mother.  

             

           My friend and her mom share many of the mother-daughter relationship struggles like Manju and Asha. My friend’s mother believes that what she says and does is right. She strictly governs her household, and when she does not agree with the way things are going, she lets everyone know it and demands that it be done her way. Unlike Manju, my friend openly fights back and challenges her mother’s orders and beliefs. My friend and her mom are two completely different people, much like Manju and Asha. And while my friend moved out and escaped the environment that tortured her so, Manju must remain under the control of her mother.

It’s clear that Manju is a different person from Asha. She’s especially different from the kind of person her mother wants her to be. While Asha is conniving, selfish, and corrupt, Manju cares for her younger siblings and the younger people of Annawadi. She is far from selfish. Manju doesn't agree with the decisions her mother makes in regards to helping the Annawadians, but unlike Asha she wouldn't let her opinion be known. Manju feels anger and contempt towards her mom, but she is obedient and never allows her disagreement to affect her temperament. Manju struggles internally as she determines what is right as far as what Asha says and does compared to what Manju herself would do.