Atasi Sutar surmounted her physical handicap to become an active Community Health Worker, member of a folk media group and a successful tailor

Atasi Sutar is a physically challenged girl. Her family migrated from their native village to Dopandhnagar community in Cuttack city with the hope of acquiring sustainable living conditions. Atasi's father was not able to fund his daughter's education despite her determination to do so. As a result, Atasi had to quit studies after Class XI. However, with her father's help, she managed to obtain a handicapped certificate.

When LWSI adopted the slum to organize development activities, Atasi seized the opportunity to become a Community Health Worker. "Changing the people's negative attitude towards health and sanitation is my constant endeavour," she says proudly.

Concurrently, with the help of LWSI, Atasi successfully completed a training programme on folk media skills. She formed a group from community members and they perform role plays in different districts to sensitize the people on various social issues. This supplements her income.

Not trying to constrain her ambitions, Atasi also completed a six-month tailoring training, facilitated by LWSI. After receiving a loan from the Community Based Organization to purchase a sewing machine, she was able to start her own business from her home. Today it has become a tailoring training centre for other girls of the community.

By surmounting her physical disabilities, Atasi has become an inspiration to her peers who are now following on her track.