Career
Bhagarithi Devi was initially working as a sweeper in the block development office in Narkatiyaganj, West Champaran district and used to get ₹800 (United States$12) as salary. She hails from a Mahadalit family from Narkatiaganj in Bihar. In April 2015, Bhagirathi Devi fought with Annu Shukla of ruling Janata Dal (United) during the Zero Hour in Bihar Legislative Assembly over the issue of non-payment of wage under MGNREGA scheme.
Bhagirathi allowed the Anganwadi Kendra (child care centres) to open its office in her house in West Champaran district.
She especially worked in the field of girls’ education. Bhagirathi spent several years creating mahila sangathans (women's groups) in Narkatiyaganj block, organising women and creating awareness around issues that included domestic violence, violence against dalits and fair wages.
She later expanded her political activism to other blocks in the district, going to jail in 1991 for organising demonstrations.