TRI | India Rural Colloquy 2023

Sarita Devi

Sarita Devi

Position and Level: Sahiya Sathi

Sarita Devi is a dedicated Sahiya Sathi, holding a crucial position in her community at Horhap Village, Namkum Block, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Her achievements exemplify her unwavering commitment to the welfare of women, children, and the elderly in her village.

One of her most notable accomplishments is saving the lives of women and children during Institutional Delivery. She demonstrated exceptional bravery and quick thinking when she provided life-saving mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing to a newborn in the absence of a Skilled Birth Attendant.

Beyond maternal and child health, Sarita has worked extensively for the elderly in her village. Her efforts have resulted in numerous elderly villagers gaining access to old age pensions and ration cards, bringing them much-needed support and security.

However, her role as a care provider also comes with challenges. Ensuring complete ANC (Antenatal Care) for all pregnant women and complete immunization for children remains a persistent challenge, as some cases face delays due to household issues. Additionally, handling extreme cases of diarrhea outbreaks in the village and obtaining timely referral support can be daunting. Moreover, she faces resistance from certain individuals in the community, making it challenging to navigate such situations.

Despite these hurdles, Sarita exhibits resilience and determination. She leads by example in her household, demonstrating healthy habits to address anemia and malnutrition in women. Instead of being discouraged by unsupportive individuals, she chooses to counsel and engage them to promote positive change.

In her present role, Sarita envisions a village where no one goes hungry and all essential services are accessible to every person. She advocates for extending benefits like PDS, pensions, and healthcare to everyone, aiming to break the cycle of poverty in her community. She encourages people to be productive and not waste their time, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-reliance among the villagers.

Sarita Devi's unwavering dedication and compassion have made her a vital asset to her community, inspiring others to work together towards a brighter and more inclusive future.