Amidst life-threatening situations, individuals often showcase remarkable bravery, stepping up with courage and selflessness. Such a moment was recently captured in a video showing a woman carrying an elderly villager on her back along a muddy path, heading towards a cyclone shelter as Cyclone Dana approached the Odisha coast.
In a post shared on their official X page, PIB in Odisha praised the woman, saying, “Hats off to our #Narishakti! ASHA worker Sibani Mandal from Khasmunda village of Rajnagar Block in #Kendrapara, #Odisha evacuated an elderly woman, carrying her on her shoulder to a #Cyclone shelter.”
Watch:
Hats off to our #Narishakti !
ASHA worker Sibani Mandal from Khasmunda village of Rajnagar Block in #Kendrapara,#Odisha evacuated an elderly woman, carrying on her shoulder to a #Cyclone shelter.#CycloneDana pic.twitter.com/MaOUs5ihmi
— PIB in Odisha (@PIBBhubaneswar) October 24, 2024
Role of ASHA Workers
Accredited Social Health Activists, or ASHA workers, are trained female health professionals who act as a bridge between the community and the public health system. In 2022, ASHA workers received global recognition at the World Health Assembly, where India’s ASHA team was awarded the WHO Director-General’s Global Health Leaders Award. “ASHAs support maternal care, childhood immunizations, disease prevention, and health promotion,” stated WHO in an article highlighting their critical role.
Social Media Reaction
The video moved viewers, with many calling for recognition and rewards for the woman’s compassionate act. Comments such as, “She must be recognised and rewarded” and “Salute to her” echoed online. Another user praised her as “the right example of an empowered woman.” The clip, quickly reshared across social media, continues to inspire with its depiction of resilience and strength.