In a world driven by social media applause and instant validation, where acts of kindness are often performed under the spotlight, there still exist souls who serve silently — untouched by the desire for recognition. As Sabitri Brata approaches, a story of quiet compassion has emerged from the shadows. While many celebrate the festival with grandeur, one unknown woman has been quietly bringing light into the lives of forgotten souls. She seeks no name, no praise, no camera flashes. Her only reward is the quiet joy of making others smile. This compassionate soul has been reaching out to women who were once abandoned by their families after being diagnosed with leprosy. With gentle dignity, she provides them with Sabitri kits — containing sarees, bangles, sindoor, and other sacred items — so they too can observe the holy festival with pride and a sense of belonging.
In a society that often discards the afflicted, selfless act of this anonymous lady reminds us that true charity needs no audience. It lives in silence, heals in secrecy, and shines the brightest where no one is watching.
In a candid and heartfelt conversation with Ommcom News, the Bhubaneswar-based lady opened up about the deep compassion that has driven her to quietly provide Sabitri kits to leprosy-affected women for the last four years without fail.
With a gentle smile on her face, she revealed that her mission is not just about distributing sarees and ritual items, but about restoring dignity and a sense of belonging to women who have been cruelly abandoned by society and their own families.
“These women have suffered immense pain — not just from the disease, but from being rejected by the very people who once called them family. On Sabitri Brata, when every married woman is celebrated, they should not feel left out or unworthy.”
The lady, who is a service-holder, explained that every year, she buys sarees, fruits and things required for performing Sabitri puja from her savings. For her, it is not charity, but a small attempt to bring back joy, self-respect, and the feeling of being loved into lives that society has long forgotten. True to her nature, she continues to remain anonymous, saying, “I don’t want my name anywhere. Let the focus be on them. Their smiles are enough for me.”
“I lost my father when I was still a teenager. Ever since my childhood, I have found pure joy in giving and becoming the reason behind smiles of mother and aunt. That innocent habit stayed with me. While many social workers reach out to slum areas and distribute Sabitri kits with enthusiasm, I noticed something heartbreaking. When it comes to Leprosy Colony, hardly anyone goes there. The fear of the disease keeps them away. These women, who have already lost everything — their families, their dignity, and their place in society — are left completely forgotten, especially on a day as sacred as Sabitri Brata. That thought pierced my heart. I decided I would be the one to bring them happiness.”
With a gentle voice filled with emotion, she added, “For the last four years, I have been going to them every Sabitri Brata. And not just on this day — I celebrate New Year and other festivals with them too, with all my heart. Seeing them smile, seeing them feel loved and remembered, fills my soul with peace. That is all the reward I need.”
The lady distributed Sabitri kits to women a few days back in the presence of like-minded people Sushant Sahu, Kulamani Mallick, Panchanan Samal, Manoj Pradhan and Pradip Kumar Nayak.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
