Berhampur: Odia feature film ‘Tejaswini,’ which is based on the exemplary life and works of Florence Nightingale Award winner from the State, K Krishna Kumari is winning hearts across the globe.
Krishna, a native of Kukudakhandi in Ganjam district was honoured with the prestigious award in 2017 by the then President of India Pranab Mukherjee for her distinguished and selfless work as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM).
A film based on her inspirational journey from a simple health centre nurse to recognition by the President of India has received several accolades including an award at the famous London Lift-Off Film Festival and screening in 42 different countries. This apart, the health worker has also informed that she would soon be felicitated in Italy for her works.
“Even though the God is not visible to us, I find him in the patients and the poor. When we work with sincerity and dedication for the welfare of the downtrodden, their blessings bring us great rewards for us. I find no words to express my happiness while working for the underprivileged,” said Krishna Kumari, who is fondly called ANM Didi due to her 20-year-long stint as a famous nurse in her local area.
Achievements of Krishna, who is currently working in Kukudakhandi Community Health Centre (CHC) have made her colleagues proud.
“She provides health services to the people round the clock and treats everyone as her own. I don’t think that anyone can work with more dedication than her. She is the pride of our entire region,” said Snehalata Mohanty, Krishna Kumari’s co-worker.
Apart from providing 24 x 7 health services to the needy, Krishna visits different villages to create awareness among the women about the importance of breastfeeding and how it is necessary for a baby's initial development. Not only that, Krishna is an active volunteer working to reduce mother and infant mortality rates.
On her long term vision, Krishna says that she will continue her work even after retiring from the job by opening an old-age home.
Kukudakhandi CHC in-charge Dr. Manamohan Bisoi commended Krishna's works and said that everyone should draw inspiration from her. “Even though she hails from a remote area, she has achieved a great feat which I think will certainly motivate her staff, juniors and even authorities,” Bisoi said.