Suryap

Gajapati: Residents of Aliganda village in the district are a shattered lot as they came to know that Spain-born nun Enedina is set to return home as her visa period ended and application for Indian citizenship was declined.

The 95-year-old nun, who completed her graduation in medical degree from Madrid Capital Medical College, has been providing health service and helping locals in Aliganda for past 48 years.

“She (Enedina) used to say that serving the poor and destitute is to serve God. We are very sad as she is going to leave us. She used to take care of the residents of this area like her children,” said Swarnalata Pradhan, a sister.

The locals demanded that the government must do something for Enedina so that she can stay in Aliganda for longer period and continue her noble work.

“When we did not have food and house, she turned a saviour and arranged everything for us. She even helped children of the area to get education,” said Mahima Nayak, a student who stays at a hostel set up by Enedina.

She came to Berhampur in 1966 and engaged herself in social service for five years. Later, she went to Aliganda in 1971 and provided healthcare services to locals by setting up a dispensary.

With an aim to provide education to children of the area, Enedina established the C.M Nirmala Girls’ High School in 1996 and a primary school in 2009. She also constructed a hostel for poor students coming from far flung areas and provided food and lodging free of cost.

“No one else can treat the locals here and take care of them, the way she used to do. Had she stayed here for longer, it would have been beneficial to us. The government should have reconsidered her application and allowed her to stay here for a longer period,” said Edwart Mantri, a retired teacher.

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