I have an identity of my own...

Fate has not been kind to Gomati Harijan, a 40 year old childless widow. Along with poverty, she has partial blindness that restricts her physical movement. As if that is not enough, she has also been suffering from a chronic skin disease.

With her adverse physical condition, she has no option but to fend for herself. Loneliness and insecurity compelled her to adopt her eight year old nephew. “If I work, I get to eat. If I don’t, I have to go hungry. It is as simple as that,” she says in a matter of fact voice. Despite her countless maladies, an unusual boldness in her enabled her to take these adversities in her stride and move on.

Through OTELP’s intervention, Gomati’s hitherto uncertain and distorted life got a firm dimension. The CRP enlisted her as homesteadless and helped her in the entire process to ensure that this deprived woman gets a legal title to her own home.

Patta to a homestead measuring four decimals has given her much more than just a roof overhead – an identity of her own. She now looks forward to a life loaded with dreams and happiness.

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Source:”Land answers the poverty question – Comprehensive Programme on Land to the Landless” published by Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Programme (OTELP) with the  support of IFAD.

Story by Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Programme (OTELP) 

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