Meet Matilda Kullu from Odisha who has featured in Forbes India W-Power 2021 list. Forty five year-old Kullu is an ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker in Gargadbahal village under Baragaon Tehsil in Sundargarh district. Kullu may be earning only Rs 4500 a month, but she has selflessly devoted her life to looking after 964 people in the area for the last 15 years.
In the post pandemic era, she has been their Covid Warrior on the ground. She represents thousands of dedicated COVID Warriors who are at forefront to save precious lives. Every day, she hops onto her cycle and visits 50-plus households in the village as part of her daily inspection.
Be it expectant mothers or elderly persons, Kullu has helped all patients avail healthcare services whenever they needed. Active for 365 days of the year, she has not just fought superstition, but simultaneously has also been instrumental in bringing healthcare closer to the people of her village.
“I am extremely happy that ASHA workers are being recognized and given priority (through me). A woman runs the house, good or bad, depends on what and how she wants. If she can manage a big family and house, why can’t she look after the society? She actually is equal to the head of the village, she can take care of people, handle healthcare services well, and in the end the village would be healthy. This is our message. Women can bring in a much-needed change in the society; she is capable of doing that. Every woman should accept this as a challenge” said Kullu.
She is now a hero for all locals. Her dedicated efforts have received widespread applause from all and sundry. Having earned a place in the list of powerful women in India, Kullu wants all the women to come forward and take it as a challenge to make this society a better and healthier place.
Video Editor: Surendra Pradhan
Producer: Diptyranjita Patra