Chetanbari’s barefoot auditor, Poonam Devi, 25, is always accessible for help and advice to the women in the village. (Credit: Ajitha Menon\WFS)

A lilting tribal tune catches the attention of the gaggle of women gathered at the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) center in Jidu Pandra village that falls in Ormanjhi block of Jharkhand’s Ranchi district. Almost at once, all eyes follow the sound that is coming from the farthest corner of  the room. As they keenly listen to the beautiful voice of Suman Devi, 25, singer and composer, gradually the Nagpuri lyrics explaining the ill-effects of child marriage start to sink in.

Barefoot Auditor Suman Devi, 25, who writes, composes and sings songs on health, sanitation and regressive social practices such as child marriage and dowry, takes pains to explain the importance of adequate nutrition for pregnant women. (Credit: Ajitha Menon\WFS)

When the melody comes to an end, in the ensuing stillness, Suman opens a discussion on healthcare for women and adolescents. How successful is this method?