In the quaint village of Anakana under Astaranga block nestled in the Puri district, lives a woman whose resilience and determination have inspired those who know her.
She has been the sole breadwinner of her family for over a decade. She has been the rock that holds her family together. With unwavering dedication, she has single-handedly shouldered the responsibility of caring for her ailing husband, their five children, and her mother-in-law. This remarkable woman’s selflessness knows no bounds, as she toils tirelessly to provide for her loved ones without complaining or showing a hint of dissatisfaction.
Ommcom News meets Lipina who rises against all odds to create a brighter future for her children and other family members.
As the first light of dawn breaks, Lipina Behera sets out on her trusty scooter, embarking on a daily journey that will take her to 8-10 villages on the outskirts of the city. She leaves to sell fish and earns a living for her sprawling 10-member family. But Lipina’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. She is also a skilled tailor. With her earnings, she is determined to not only fulfil the demands of her family but also provide a good education for her children.
Recounting her story of struggle, Lipina said, “My husband Pratap, once a robust farmer, became ill in 2014 and became bedridden. Our family’s fortunes took a turn for the worse, when Pratap’s brother, who had been the primary earner, passed away soon. The burden of caring for her family fell squarely on my shoulders.”
Undeterred, Lipina took on the challenge with unwavering resolve. She began selling fish in the local market, often travelling long distances to procure the freshest catch. She wakes up at the crack of dawn, tending to her ailing husband, cooking meals for her family, and then setting out to sell fish in the scorching heat.
“My life has been a constant struggle, but I’ve never given up. After my husband fell ill, I became the sole breadwinner for my 10-member family. Selling fish and stitching clothes is not easy, but I do it all for my loved ones. There are days when I feel like breaking down, but the thought of my family keeps me going. I just want to give them a better life, and I won’t stop fighting until I make that happen”, she said.
In a bold move to boost her income, Lipina decided to buy a scooter so that she could sell fish in more villages. No longer would she be confined to walking from village to village, lugging her wares. But with this newfound freedom came criticism from the community. People snickered and scoffed as Lipina drove her scooter.
Undeterred, Lipina tuned out the naysayers and focused on her goal. “If I had let their criticism get to me, I wouldn’t have been able to run my family. That’s why I refused to let their criticism hold me back.”
With her scooter, Lipina has increased her earnings and shattered stereotypes, proving that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
Lipina is the epitome of determination, hard work, and an unyielding spirit. Her story will undoubtedly inspire countless women to face their struggles with courage and resolve.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
