Khaira: Budhi Giri, a woman from Kupari under Khaira block in Balasore, has been single-handedly shouldering the responsibility of her 11-member family. Setting an example for others, she has been working as a mason for 30 years now. She stands apart in a male’s domain, as masonry is still considered the vocation of a man.
An industrious woman as she is, Budhi leaves bed much before the crack of the dawn. She first looks after her husband Bhima Giri, who has been bed-ridden due to paralysis for the last 10 years. Next, she alerts other family members to leave beds.
By 8 am, Budhi completes her household chores before leaving home for work with masonry tools. She is accompanied by her helpers.
Budhi has built many tall buildings in the area. She returns home by 5 pm or 6 pm and spends some time playing with her grandchildren and then gives medicines of to her ailing husband. Before going to bed, she cooks and completes other household chores.
When Budhi was 15, she was married to Bhima Giri. As a newlywed, she was supposed to confine herself to household work. But destiny had other plans for her. She soon ventured out with her husband to do masonry so as to meet the family expenses.
The couple started as daily wagers under Sheikh, then a well-know mason of Bhadrak. In those days, she earned Rs 15 as daily wage. With her dedication and keen observation, she graduated from a daily labour to a mason.
Slowly, she took up small repair works independently on contractual basis. Gradually, bigger contracts for house construction started trickling in. As time passed, she acquired expertise and now she is a well-known mason in Khaira area.
After her husband was affected by paralysis, she not only became a full-time mason, but also took up the entire burden of the family on her shoulders.
The medicine expense of her husband is anything between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000. Besides, she has to sustain a family of 11 members – two sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
“I am happy to look after my family. Till the time I am hale and hearty, I will continue with masonry,” she added.
Budhi added that she has heard about various schemes and measures for construction workers, but she is yet receive any benefit. She has applied for them, but no identity card has been issued to her.
PNN
