Aradi: Many women of her age are jobless, but Sujata Nayak, 38, is self-sufficient despite her disability. She has been successfully running a small shop at Olaga in Chandbali block of Bhadrak.
Sujata has set an example for others by becoming independent. She is an example of women empowerment. Her example was cited on the occasion of International Women’s Day Friday.
Sujata is the daughter of Sharat Nayak, a small trader, and has studied up to Plus-II.
During her childhood she was hit by polio and her right leg and eye were rendered ineffective. Her parents were worried about her disability.
Despite that she managed to complete Plus-II, but could not pursue higher studies and tried to be financially independent.
After Plus-II, she started teaching kids and earned enough to maintain her family.
She has 60 per cent disability, but had to run from pillar to post for disability pension. After several attempts she managed to get Rs 700 as a monthly pension. She also gets 10 kg subsidised rice every month.
Always looking out for ways to supplement her income, Sujata started a lady’s corner in Mathasahi Bazaar and still runs it.
She is also involved in social work. She is the president of the Olaga Iubak Sangh and has been moving around villages to help the differently abled.
Recently she got a job with a monthly salary of Rs 4,000 at the Aradi panchayat. “Strong will, sincerity and non-stop efforts will bring success to anyone,” she said.
PNN