Ganjam: At a time when the world is struggling under the gloom Covid-19 pandemic, an ASHA worker in Odisha’s Ganjam district has set an example for others with her selfless service.
Despite being short in height at roughly 3 feet, Sabita Kumari Rana, is fighting the pandemic from the front. She is now a well-known Covid crusader in her area spreading awareness on the virus fightback among the people.
While some people tease her as a divyang and dwarf, it does not make her pessimistic or deter her from serving the people during this health crisis.
A native of Punanda village under Shergarh block of Ganjam district, Sabita has taken a unique way in reaching out to the masses through songs and dance. She is also spreading awareness among pregnant women as well as mothers and aims to make her area free from infant and maternal mortality.
“I will dedicate my life to serve the people of our area and try to bring down the infant and mortality rate,” she says.
Inspired by her selfless service, some people call her Maa (mother) while some others call her Apa (sister). Sabita who is leading a lonely life after her parents and only brother passed away, however, has never led sadness come in way of her service.
“She comes to our hour regularly and inquires whether I take food on time or not. She used to visit me earlier too when I was pregnant with my first child,” said Pinky Behera, an expectant mother.
Whoever meets her be it the local residents or patients, everyone is all praise for Sabita. “Though she is short in height, but her service and dedication are extraordinary. She is the best Asha worker in our panchayat,” said Kora Prasad Mohanty, a local resident.
Sabita got appointment as an ASHA worker in 2007 and has been serving people with utmost dedication and selflessness since then.
Not only the residents of the area, the health department officials have also lauded Sabita for her sincerity in serving the people.
“She is actually doing her works with utmost dedication. The villagers are happy with her service during Covid times,” said Ganjam CDMO, Umashankar Mishra.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)