A woman of substance carving a niche in social service

Courage extra-ordinaire-Bijli Rani Mahato at the medical camp

~A story of determination and self belief that was nurtured by Tata Steel Rural Development Services ~

Hailing from a poor family of Boram village in Patamda, Bijli Rani Mahato has created name and niche for herself in her village. This is an exemplary case of self determination and commitment to society that was with the support from Tata Steel Rural Development Society.

Now a 45 year old woman, Bijli Rani Mahato was burdened with the responsibility of running her poor family of 8 siblings at the age of 18. Being the eldest in the lot, this determined lady had to take up the challenge at an early age of 18. As she had an inclination towards social work since childhood, Tata Steel Rural Development Services (TSRDS) medical team gave her an opportunity to work with them when they started their operations in Patamda in 1984.

Post associating herself with TSRDS, initially she used to attend the mobile medical units at Dimudih, Nowadih, and Jalla clinic. Gradually she started counseling villagers about Family Welfare Programme and motivated the patients for regular checkups. She also counseled young couples having two / three children for adopting permanent as well as temporary methods of Family planning. As per records since 1986 to 2007, she has motivated about 15000 cases with full assistance from Tata Steel’s Corporate Sustainability Services department.

Bijli Rani’s contribution towards Eye Care Services and towards treatment of tuberculosis is also appreciable. She has motivated patients for cataract operations in 165 villages of Patamda block. It is because of her efforts that vision of nearly 200 people has been restored. Bijli voluntarily attached herself with the CARE funded Child Survival Project of Tata Steel Rural Development Services which was implemented in 162 villages of Patamda block (1998- 2003) that brought an improvement in the health status of mother and child.

Bijli Rani has selflessly contributed towards the society. She has not only given her best to her family but has extended her compassion and good work to many families. “It would have been very difficult for me to sustain my family if Tata Steel’s TSRDS would not have come to my help. The life of respect and dignity that I am leading today is all with the help TSRDS. It gives me immense satisfaction when people in my village recognise and acknowledge my work and look up to me for help.”