Today as the world grapples with COVID-19, smoking is the worst thing one can do to one’s body. It impairs lung function, reduces body’s immunity, and makes it difficult to fight off the virus. On May 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement indicating smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with […]
When Deepa (name changed), a 15-year-old girl from Polasara village of Cuttack district, got her first period she was frightened and shocked. She had no idea why she was bleeding and hesitated to disclose that to her mother. But after she eventually did, her mother tore a piece of cloth from her old saree and […]
Like every day, Radha (name changed) woke up and went about her daily chores. Her husband then demanded money for liquor. Money was tight, essential items were depleting fast and the lockdown got extended. Spending money on liquor was not an option. She refused and faced the wrath of her husband. Spousal violence is a […]
Sumeeta (name changed on request), a senior nurse at an exclusive COVID hospital in Bhubaneswar, has been working continuously for the last 12 days. She will serve for 10 more days before taking a short break. Earlier she used to work in eight-hour shifts, but now she works for about 16 hours before calling it […]
On April 30, when Dr. Prerna (name changed) returned home after 20 days of continuous work she was moved by the rousing welcome from her family members and neighbors, the video of which was widely circulated in social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded her and retweeted the video. Shortly afterwards, the government paid a […]
Just five years back, Shanti, a 48-year-old widow in Nimapara block of Puri district, used to suffer from chronic respiratory disease and frequent bouts of pneumonia. Despite that, she used to cook food in earthen stove and firewood, amid heat and smoke. But her life changed for the better on May 1, 2016 when Prime […]
