Bhubaneswar: In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, the State government has rewarded ASHA worker Shivani Mandal for her extraordinary dedication and humanitarian efforts during Cyclone Dana. Today, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Rajnagar block visited her home in Khasamunda village to present her with the work order for a pucca house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally spoke with Shivani over the phone, commending her selfless service during the disaster. The CM had previously promised to provide her with a pucca house and additional government support after learning that she was living without adequate shelter. He instructed the BDO to expedite her housing application under the government scheme.
Shivani’s remarkable actions during the cyclone captured widespread attention, particularly when she was seen carrying an elderly, paralyzed woman on her back for nearly a kilometer to a cyclone shelter amid heavy rain. This touching moment was widely shared on social media, highlighting her bravery and compassion.
During the call, Chief Minister Majhi learned that Shivani had assisted a total of nine individuals, including two pregnant women, by carrying them to safety during the cyclone. Her heroic efforts not only saved lives but also inspired many across the state, showcasing the vital role that ASHA workers play in community health and disaster response.