Balasore, Feb 24: Premalata Barik, a 68-year-old woman from the Badrunaga area in the Khaira block of Balasore district, has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many women in her community. Despite facing severe challenges in her life, including the loss of her father at a young age and becoming physically disabled due to a tragic accident, Premalata has never let adversity define her.
At just five years old, Premalata lost her father and had to confront life without the support of a father figure. Despite being physically disabled and facing the daily struggle of living without a father, she never gave up. She resolved to be self-reliant and succeed against all odds. Her journey of struggle and resilience is an inspiration to the women of her locality.
After passing her matriculation exam, Premalata ventured into tailoring as a means to support herself and her family. She went on to learn the trade and eventually opened a tailoring institute in 1980 with an investment of just 10,000 rupees. Over the years, her institute grew, and today, it has trained over 700 women, helping them become financially independent by opening their own tailoring shops.
Her institute has continued to thrive, and nearly 90% of the women trained by her have gone on to become self-employed. Premalata has also been actively involved in sewing uniforms for school students, making national flags, and undertaking various government projects to further empower women in her community.
Premalata’s dedication in helping others and her relentless spirit in the face of hardship have earned her recognition from local authorities and community leaders. Khaira block chairperson Abhilipsa Sahu and former district collectors have all praised her efforts and motivated her to keep pushing forward.
Her work has had a profound impact on the women in her area, and local authorities have supported her initiatives, which continue to empower more women to become self-sufficient. Premalata’s story is a shining example of how perseverance and determination can overcome even the greatest of obstacles.
