Suryakant Jena

Bhubaneswar: At a time when anti-liquor movement is intensifying throughout the state with women taking law into their own hands to thwart this social evil, Tulasa Bhatra from Nabarangpur is one such crusader who has campaigned vigorously to bring a change and has now become a source of inspiration for thousands of women fighting for ban of liquor.

Despite attacks and threats from liquor mafia, Tulasa, a resident of Chirima village in Nabarangpur district, has stayed firm as a pillar of strength for thousands of women who have continued their fight against the liquor business in village, panchayat and block level.

Tulasa has now become a house-hold name for every anti-liquor movement not only in Nabarangpur but in the close vicinities as well.

"With her incessant efforts, she has been able to deface the entire liquor business in Bhurusi and other nearby panchayats in the district. Her leadership and support from other activists have ensured that the villages are no longer gripped with liquor menace," said Brajmohan Lacchhman, a resident of Bhurusi panchayat.

However, despite accolades from several quarters, Tulasa is yet to attract government's attention. Deprived of Indira Awaas and job card, Tulasa reels under immense poverty as her husband is the lone earner in the family working as a daily wage labourer in Tamil Nadu.

On the other hand, Nabarangpur district administration has assured that Tulasa would be provided all kinds of assistance from the government, and if necessary, police protection will also be given to save her from threats of anti-socials.

“We welcome Tulasa's efforts against the liquor business and assure to provide her all kinds of support from our side,” said Nabarangpur Sub-collector Karunakar Raika.

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