Keonjhar, Odisha : In the flood-hit Haldihi village under Kadkala Panchayat of Banspal block in Keonjhar district, where roads have disappeared and the Malda river flows wild due to continuous rainfall, one woman’s unshaken commitment is making headlines—Karishma Nayak, an Anganwadi worker, swims across the river every day to deliver food and nutrition to children stranded in the village.
The photos from Haldihi have sparked widespread attention, showing the rising water level cutting off the village from surrounding areas. With no bridge over the turbulent Malda river, daily commuting has turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Yet Karishma, a resident of Kadkala village and Anganwadi worker for the past three years, continues her duty undeterred.
Despite heavy rainfall and rapidly rising waters, Karishma walks nearly 2 kilometers and crosses the river—sometimes swimming, sometimes with the help of villagers—to ensure that no child goes hungry. Whenever the floodwaters recede slightly, she resumes her mission, carrying cooked meals prepared by Anganwadi helpers to the isolated village.
Her courage and sense of duty have won the hearts of the locals. “We feel proud of Karishma. Her service shows what true dedication means,” said a villager. Her unwavering efforts have ensured that the children of Haldihi continue to receive vital nutrition and care even in extreme conditions.
Meanwhile, resentment brews among residents over the government’s inaction. “We have been demanding a bridge over the Malda river for years. Every monsoon, the village turns into an island. Yet, authorities remain silent,” said another villager. The locals now reiterate their urgent plea for the immediate construction of a bridge, which they say is the only way to end their yearly ordeal.
Karishma Nayak’s service stands as a shining example of humanity, resilience, and the power of public duty. In a time when infrastructure has failed, her spirit bridges the gap.
