‘Mann Ki Baat’: PM Modi praises Odisha woman Maithili Bhue for forest conservation initiative and creating livelihoods

Bhubaneswar, August 30
Speaking during the 137th episode of his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister spoke about how individual initiatives can gradually inspire larger communities and bring about meaningful changes in people’s lives.

“There are many people around us who initiate a small effort, and by and by, that effort transforms the lives of countless others. There is a village named ‘Dhodrokusum’ in the Debrigarh region of Odisha. Until a few years ago, Maithili Bhue ji from this village would visit the forest almost daily — sometimes to gather firewood, at other times to collect Mahua flowers and Kendu leaves, or to harvest bamboo shoots and other forest produce,” PM Modi said.

He said the forest had traditionally supported the needs of Maithili’s family as well as several other people living in the area. However, her association with Debrigarh Eco-Tourism brought a significant change in the way she interacted with the forest.

PM Modi said forest conservation subsequently became an important source of livelihood for Maithili, while her efforts also encouraged other women in the region to participate in protecting the natural environment.

“Forest conservation now became a means of livelihood for her. Friends, this transformation in Maithili ji’s life inspired other women as well. Today, more than 60 women are actively involved in forest conservation. Some have taken up the responsibility of protecting wildlife, others are engaged in developing grasslands, and some are contributing to eco-tourism activities,” he said.

“Maithili-ji and these sisters from Debrigarh have demonstrated that it is possible to protect nature while also achieving prosperity in life. The efforts of all these sisters serve as a great inspiration for all of us,” the Prime Minister added.bm