Patna, Dec. 5: Nari Gunjan Sargam, a musical band comprising 10 Mahadalit women from a remote area of Danapur, is taking up the issue of domestic violence with the help of music.

The women use drums as a communication tool to raise awareness among residents and passers-by. They believe their endeavour will change the attitudes and the behaviour of the villagers towards domestic violence.

Despite having no connection with music, it is the only link that connects these women. Pancham, Lalita, Savita, Vijyanti, Chitralekha, Manti, Damini, Anita, Sona and Chathiya - hailing form a disadvantaged section of society, used to work as field labourers and maids but could hardly manage two meals a day for their family.

Recalling the hard times of her life, 38-year-old Savita said: "I want to provide amenities to my three kids, which I never got. I believe education is the only medium that would change my children's future. My husband and I worked as farm labourers but hardly managed Rs 1,500 a month which was not enough to feed five and educate my kids."

On August 2013, Savita was approached by Sudha Varghese, a nun and the head of an NGO Nari Gunjan Sanstha. "She gave me an idea to form a musical group to earn money. The two questions that struck my mind were that I did not know anything about playing musical instruments and did not have enough money to buy it. Somehow, Sudha didi understood my dilemma. She offered me free coaching and instruments. More than 24 people were ready to learn though others backed out owing to some reasons."

Everyday, after finishing their daily chores, these women in the age group of 20-60, gather on a terrace. Dressed in green saris with drum slung across their shoulders, they form two rows and start practising. They train under Aditya Gunjan, who travels 20km four days every week to teach them.

Another member, Sona Devi, said: "I was threatened by my husband to leave the group immediately as people used to taunt us. But I was determined to continue for my children," she said.