Kendrapada woman, who was lauded by Modi for ‘waste to wealth’ venture, sends him Rakhi

Kendrapada: Six months after being praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her efforts in turning discarded materials into goods that can be used, Kamala Moharana of Odisha’s Kendrapada district has sent him a Rakhi.

Kamala, who runs a self-help group engaged in making baskets, mobile stands and other items from milk pouches and other plastic packing materials, prepared a special Rakhi for the Prime Minister, hailing him as a brother.

She said the Rakhi was made by her using zari, special threads and lace. “I am sure that the PM will accept my Rakhi as he had referred to me as his sister six months ago. I felt honoured when he mentioned about me and called me a sister,” said Kamala.

After having made the Rakhi with utmost care and attention, Kamala put it in a special cover and packed it properly before sending it to the Prime Minister.

It may be recalled that Modi had praised Kamala while sharing his thoughts in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme in February this year. He was speaking on Waste to Wealth. “Friends, waste to wealth is also an important dimension of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Kamala Moharana, a sister from Kendrapada district of Odisha, runs a self-help group (SHG). The women of this group make many things such as baskets and mobile stands from milk pouches and other plastic packing materials,” the PM had said.

“If we resolve, we can make a huge contribution towards a clean India. At least we should all take a pledge to replace plastic bags with cloth bags,” he added.

Reacting to Modi mentioning her, Kamala had said she was delighted that the PM has recognised her work. Kamala’s happiness knew no bounds when she learned that the Prime Minister has appreciated her work.