Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

There is a popular adage-service to mankind is service to God. But nowadays, people are so much self-centered that they don’t have any time for others.

However, there are still some people who are determined and working for the service of society and humanity at large. Meet Sasmita Barik, the Sarpanch of Khaladi Gram Panchayat under Udala block in Mayurbhanj district.

With her dedicated and selfless work, Sasmita has proved what a public representative can do. 

Under her able leadership, many developmental works have been undertaken in the area. As a result, she has earned massive praise not only from the people of her Panchayat but also from the nearby villagers.

“When I was elected as the Sarpanch, I visited my Gram Panchayat and found that many people were deprived of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and living in thatched houses that are in dilapidated condition. Our priority was to provide them pucca houses under the scheme,” said Sasmita.

The soft-spoken Sarpanch speaks less and believes in work. She has been working day and night for the development of her Panchayat. Whoever approaches Sasmita with any kind of problem, she tries her best to find out a solution with a lot of enthusiasm.

“I am very poor. Our family members were living in a dilapidated thatched house. The Sarpanch extended her helping hand to provide us a pucca house under the government scheme. We are grateful to her,” said Narendra Dehury, a beneficiary.

Even, Sasmita has provided money from her own pocket to some poor and needy people to build their houses.

“We were living in a dilapidated house. Thanks to Sarpanch Madam, we now have a roof over our heads,” said Laxmi Mahakuda, another beneficiary.

Education is an important tool for empowerment. Sasmita is trying her best to ensure that all the children in her Panchayat get the best possible education. She herself is also teaching some students free of cost. Now she is focusing on creating a clean environment at her Gram Panchayat.

With Sasmita leading from the front, her Gram Panchayat Khaladi has stood first in Udala block. Sasmita has set a good example with her able leadership. Her noble act and initiatives have inspired several people in her area.
 

  • Reported by:
  • Manas Pani
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