Bhubaneswar, June 5:
A remarkable story of courage, determination, and love for nature emerged from the leprosy colony at Jaanla on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Many of the women in the colony have lost fingers or parts of their palms due to leprosy. While society may see them as physically disabled, their strong will and commitment to protecting the environment proved that disability cannot stop meaningful action.
In a unique afforestation initiative, the women prepared nearly 2,000 seed balls to help create new forests in the future. Their effort has become an inspiring example of how determination can overcome physical limitations.
The initiative was guided by environmental activist Sushanta Sahu, who trained the women in the scientific method of making seed balls. After receiving the training, the participants enthusiastically took part in the activity.
Using seeds of trees such as jackfruit, tamarind, and wild tamarind, along with fertile soil and organic manure, the women carefully shaped the seed balls with their partially affected hands. These seed balls will be scattered on barren lands and hill slopes during the coming monsoon season, where they are expected to grow into trees and help create green cover.
The programme was organized by Mind Empowerment Foundation Trust. Speaking on the occasion, founder Manoj Pradhan praised the women’s extraordinary effort and expressed hope that the green campaign would expand further in the coming years.
Several volunteers, including Sarbeshwar Barik, Pradeep Kumar Nayak, and Jagabandhu Sahu, extended their support to make the programme successful.
