Mankunwari Bai shares her transformation journey with PM Modi

Raipur (TEAM NEWS BUDDY).In a heartwarming interaction during a programme organized under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), ‘Janman Sangi’ Mankunwari Bai, belonging to the special backward Pahadi Korwa tribe in Jashpur district, shared her transformative journey with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through video conferencing.

“Prime Minister, We are Pahadi Korwas. I am from village Salkhadand in Gram Panchayat Kutma of Jashpur district,” shared Mankunwari, highlighting the challenges her family faced in the past. “We used to walk one or two kilometres to wells and were forced to drink the dirty water from there. This often resulted in vomiting and diarrhoea.”

However, with the implementation of government schemes, Smt. Mankunwari’s life took a positive turn. “Now clean water is available. The house was built, and electricity is also being supplied,” she said, briefing about the impact of initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and access to clean water and electricity.

During the conversation, the Prime Minister inquired about the specific schemes that brought about these positive changes. Mankunwari responded, “I got a pucca house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, electricity was also installed. Tap water is available, and gas connection is available.”
Prime Minister, showing warmth and a touch of humour, asked about the cooking improvements with the introduction of a gas stove. “Now that you have received a gas stove, you must be trying out new recipes. Have you learned some new dishes?” he inquired. He quipped and added, “Aap batao, hum khane nahi aayenge” (you tell me, we will not come to eat). Mankunwari responded with a smile, “I can make Dhuska and Bhajiya.”
When the Prime Minister inquired about the activities of her self-help group, Mankunwari shared, “Our group consists of 12 members. We received training in Dona Pattal at Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Kendra, and now we manufacture and sell Dona Pattal.”

Prime Minister heaped praise on Mankunwari’s role as a “Janman Sangi” and her efforts in spreading awareness about government schemes. When asked, Mankunwari shared, “I go to people’s doorsteps. I got their Aadhaar card, ration card, and Ayushman cards made. I take them to the government-organized camps. The work, which was not done in 75 years, was completed in 25 days through PM-JANMAN Yojana.”

Expressing gratitude, Mankunwari thanked the Prime Minister, to which he responded, “I also thank you.” Prime Minister encouraged the children present, stressing the importance of sports alongside studies. “You should concentrate a lot on sports also. Along with studies, there should also be a connection with sports,” he advised.

Concluding the interaction, the Prime Minister praised Mankunwari for her dedication, stating, “It was very nice to talk to you. Even a person in the city will read with paper in his hand; you remember everything by heart. When everyone is involved in the schemes, the impact of the schemes increases manifold.”