Kendrapara woman praised by PM Modi for transforming trash to treasure gets Republic Day invitation

Kendrapara woman Kamala Moharana, who shot into prominence when Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her efforts in transforming the lives of rural women in the 98th episode of Mann Ki Baat on February 26 last year, has been invited to attend the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

The 66-year-old woman has been successful in running a self-help group for the last nine years and empowering 50 women who have been earning their livelihoods by converting waste materials into artistic products.

PM Modi had touched Kamala’s feet in admiration of her work during a poll meeting in Kendrapara on May 29, 2024.

As per reports, the Central government has arranged flight tickets for Kamala and her son Mahendra to attend the event in the national capital.

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“My life has been changed dramatically after Prime Minister Modi praised my work. I am now eagerly awaiting for the Republic Day parade and the opportunity to meet him. Villagers initially mocked me as a ‘kabadiwalla’ but their perceptions changed after the PM mentioned about my work in his popular program,” said an elated Kamala after getting the invitation to attend the Republic Day parade.

Kamala has been converting plastic, polythene and other waste materials into baskets, pen stands, flower pots and wall hangings.

“Without my idea to turn waste materials into useful products, I might have been still struggling to make ends meet. Now, I am also helping others build a better life,” she added.