Odisha News, Odisha Latest news, Odisha Daily - OrissaPOST
  • Home
  • State
  • Metro
  • National
  • International
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Feature
  • Timeout
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • IPL 2022
  • Sci-Tech
  • Others
    • COVID-19
    • Today’s Pic
  • Home
  • State
  • Metro
  • National
  • International
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Feature
  • Timeout
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • IPL 2022
  • Sci-Tech
  • Others
    • COVID-19
    • Today’s Pic
No Result
View All Result
OrissaPOST - Odisha Latest news, English Daily -
No Result
View All Result

Mother’s Day Special: Waging a lone battle

A single mother often faces criticism, social stigma and discrimination in her everyday life while her to-do-list gets lengthier as she grows older

Rashmi Rekha Das
Updated: October 26th, 2021, 18:23 IST
in Feature
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsAppShare on Linkedin

Today is Mother’s Day. It is celebrated across the globe to recognise the immeasurable contributions of mothers in building the lives of their children.

Needless to say, motherhood is far more challenging than that one could ever think of.  But it gets compounded if the woman is a single mother, no matter whether she is a widow, a divorcee or a single parent by choice.

Besides being the sole breadearner, she has to take care of her kids and manage home single-handedly.  Being single, she can’t afford to fall sick, she is the one who has to carry the grocery bag as well as her child’s school bag. She faces criticism, social stigma and discrimination in her everyday life while her to-do-list gets lengthier as she grows older. It is certainly one of the scariest things that can ever happen to a woman. Battling financial, emotional and health issues all alone apart from raising children with utmost care is not everyone’s cup of tea.

On World Mother’s Day, Sunday POST profiles three such women who have successfully raised their children without support of their partners.

 

Annie Satpathy

It is very difficult to recover from the grief after losing someone significant and a blow can’t be a bigger than losing one’s husband at a young age. Bhubaneswar-based Annie Satpathy, a popular anchor at Doordarshan, lost her life partner when he was in his early 40s.  Since then, she has been waging a lone battle against social stigma, social discrimination and injustice to give a proper upbringing to her daughter.

Recalling the shock of her life, Annie says, “My husband was extremely health conscious. He always preferred home-cooked stuff and avoided spicy food. Expectedly, he supposed to lead a long and disease free life. But that was not to be. On the fateful day (June 10, 2018), he was in Berhampur, his birthplace. While returning home from work, he felt mild pain in his chest and went to a nearby hospital for a check-up. But before being examined by a doctor, he succumbed to a massive heart attack. It was a bolt from the blue for me and I couldn’t recover from the shock.”

The incident completely shattered Annie. She slipped into depression and suffered from sleeplessness for the next six months. “He went too soon and it was difficult for me to return to normal life. Since I was anchoring a health magazine on Doordarshan, I frequently consulted the physicians to get rid of sleeplessness and depression,” recalls Annie.

However, being a mother helped her survive these dark hours. “My inner soul reminded me of my little daughter Ladli who was only nine-years old then and about my responsibility toward her. Soon, I realised that it will be difficult for me to look after my daughter unless I gather myself and start afresh. So, I tried to remain happy. But one thing I must say that during my lowest phase in life, my daughter stood by me like anything. Her words  gave me the push to begin life all over again.”

Talking about the challenges single mothers face and what they should do to address them, she said, “They do not need anybody’s support or help, all they need is to be left alone so that they can cope with the changes in a society where they are considered incomplete without men in their lives. It often hurts when people treat the single mothers, especially those become single not by choice, as ‘bichari’.”

At times, some people like the so-called well wishers and neighbours come up with their unsolicited advices which are very irritating, says Annie. “Following my husband’s death, some people started behaving with us in a different way which was annoying. So, you need to ignore them and concentrate hard on better parenting of your child,” adds the actress.

When asked about her message to the single mothers, Annie says “Whether by choice or due to the circumstances, the single mothers should accept the truth as soon as possible. They should not feel alienated from society. They should move on in life and do things which are better for the future of their children.”

Auroshrita Arpita

A women getting divorced for delivering a daughter is unthinkable in a civilised society these days. But this had happened with Auroshrita Arpita of Bhubaneswar, who has been looking after both her six-year-old daughter and her parents for the last four years after being abandoned by her husband.

Auroshrita got married to a soft skills trainer in January 2013 after doing her BA with English honours from Rama Devi Women’s college.  “Both of us were quite happy till our daughter was born.  Despite being an educated man, he was not happy as our first child was a girl.  After that he started maintaining a distance from me.  I tried to save the relationship, but in vain.  My daughter Harshita was born in September, 2014 and I received the divorce notice in May 2015. We parted ways in the year 2016. Soon after, I slipped into depression and made a suicide attempt. I was devastated when he called me to inform about his remarriage,” says Auroshrita.

She continues: “After the divorce, dealing with the changing scenario was not easy. Then, one of my friends made me join an online meditation class. There, I learnt Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique, which helped me beat depression and anxiety. Now, I have moved on and am leading a happy life with my family members those who really matter. Even as I am single, I am sure I can raise my daughter well sans the presence of dad in her life.  I have no anger left for my husband.  Rather, I am thankful to him for making me realise my potential.”

Giving her message to the single mothers, Auroshrita says, “Being a single mother is a kind of taboo even in today’s patriarchal society. So, in order to overcome depression, you have to do things that can help you relax and give more energy. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, meditation and learning how to better manage stress and setting your own goals. Cherish all those things that you have got in your life even the small and insignificant ones and be in peace with yourself.”

Kanan Maiti

The struggle of Astaranga-based Kanan Maiti, a mother of two, is epic. This single mother took every odd job she could find in order to ensure her children’s education and their happiness.  Kanan, after the death of her husband Pradip in cancer, is finding it hard to manage things at home. Though she is working as the Bijli Didi, a contractual post under the state government, a monthly earning of Rs 1500 is too little to keep her home fires burning. However, she hasn’t given up and confident of giving her kids a better future.

“My husband, a nature lover, was diagnosed with last stage cancer in 2015. Despite suffering from excruciating pain, he continued to work for conservation of Olive Ridleys. After his death, I left to fend for myself. A loan of Rs 5 lakh which I had taken for my husband’s treatment has only added to my woes. I am struggling hard to repay the remaining Rs 2lakh with my meagre salary,” says Kanan.

It is not easy for a young woman to raise her kids in husband’s absence. Single moms often face illicit approaches by other men, ranging from mild flirtations, to subtle hints to sexual harassment. The circumstances were more or less the same for Kanan. Be she accepted the challenges and she learnt to stay alone with her kids with dignity. Kanan hope that the tough time she is going through will be a thing of past and she can give a better upbringing to her kids.

 

Rashmi Rekha Das, OP 

Tags: daughtersMother's DaySingle parentsocial discriminationSocial Stigma
ShareTweetSendShare
Suggest A Correction

Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox.

Related Posts

Green or Black tea – which is better for summer?

May 29, 2022
Inspired by KGF's 'Rocky Bhai', 15-yr-old Hyderabad lad smokes pack of cigarettes, lands in hospital

Inspired by KGF’s ‘Rocky Bhai’, 15-yr-old Hyderabad lad smokes pack of cigarettes, lands in hospital

May 28, 2022
jobs. IANS (photo: https://pixabay.com/)

Over 15K tech workers lost jobs in May

May 28, 2022
perfect lighting home decor

5 ways to boost the value of your home

May 28, 2022

Instagram back after being down for several users

May 27, 2022

No jobs in hand amid food crisis, MP’s Khandwa witnesses tribal exodus

May 27, 2022

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

OrissaPOST epaper Sunday POST OrissaPOST epaper

Click Here: Plastic Free Odisha

Plastic Free Odisha

Sri Aurobindo School students & teachers

Sri Aurobindo School students & teachers of Sambalpur support plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

CRPF 127 Battalion, Bhanjanagar

CRPF 127 Battalion, Bhanjanagar supports a plastic free Odisha. Do you?   *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Korei college students

Korei college students support plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post your ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Gandhi Science Higher Secondary School in Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar

Gandhi Science Higher Secondary School students of Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar support a plastic free Odisha. Do you?   *Visit our website ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Deepak Kumar-Actor

Deepak Kumar support a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you support the movement? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Naveen Jindal-Enterpreneur

Naveen Jindal support a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you?  *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post your Photos/Selfie ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Sundargarh Public School teachers

Sundargarh Public School teachers support a plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Unit III Bharat Scouts and Guide

Unit III Bharat Scouts and Guides team call for a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you support the movement? *Visit our website ...

August 29, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Hinjili Police

Hinjili Police support plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post your Photos/Selfie ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Bijay Mohanty, Actor

Actor Bijay Mohanty calls for a Plastic Free Odisha. Have You Joined the movement? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Archita Sahu, Actress

Archita Sahu support a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post your ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Actor Sritam Das

Actor Sritam Das supports a plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Anubhav Mohanty, Actor

Anubhav Mohanty supports call for a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you support the movement? *Visit our website www.orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook ...

August 29, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Odisha Rajya Rogi Adhikar Mancha & Mangalabagh International Club workers

Odisha Rajya Rogi Adhikar Mancha & Mangalabagh International Club Workers support a plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Tanbhi Block School students and staff

Tanbhi Block School students and staff support plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Utkal University Journalism Department Students

Utkal University Journalism Department students call for a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you support the movement? *Visit our website www.orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend ...

August 29, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

IMT Pharmacy College-Puri

IMT Pharmacy College students call for a Plastic Free Odisha. Have You Joined the movement? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Swaraj Barik, Actor

Swaraj Barik calls for a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you support the movement? *Visit our website www.orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page ...

August 29, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Students of Tulasipur Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, Cuttack

Students of Tulasipur Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, Cuttack call for a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you support the movement? *Visit our ...

August 29, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Actress Bhoomika Dash

Actress Bhoomika Dash calls for a Plastic Free Odisha. Have You Joined the movement? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

D.A.V Public School-Kalinga Nagar

D.A.V Public School Students, support Plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Cuttack College NCC students

Cuttack College NCC students support a plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Samanta Singhara Nodal High School students

Samanta Singhara Nodal High School students of Balia, Jajpur support plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Olympian Anuradha Biswal

Olympian Anuradha Biswal supports a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Ratikant Mohapatra,Odissi Dance Director

Ratikant Mohapatra support a plastic free odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) *Post your ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Bargarh Ranapratap High School students

Bargarh Ranapratap High School students support plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Members of All Ride Bicycle

Members of All Ride Bicycle supports a plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page ...

October 2, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Hockey Player Dilip Tirkey

Hockey Player Dilip Tirkey supports a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page Orissapost(@OrissaPOST.Here.Now) ...

August 30, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Sabyasachi Mishra, Actor

Sabyasachi Mishra calls for a Plastic Free Odisha. Do you support the movement? *Visit our website www.orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our Facebook Page ...

August 29, 2018
Plastic Free Odisha

Haratiya Bidyaniketan School students

Haratiya Bidyaniketan School students of Alipur, Bari support a plastic free Odisha. Do you? *Visit our website orissapost.com. Like,Share,Subscribe,Recommend our ...

October 2, 2018

Archives

Editorial

Absence of Ethics

May 29, 2022

Last month, a set of over 100 retired government servants wrote a letter to the prime minister. The signatories included...

Read more

Rising Rivalry

May 28, 2022

Inter-service tensions have always existed in babudom but remain low-key. The oldest fault line is the perception that the government...

Read more

Predictive Analytics

Representational image (PC: ladige.it)
May 27, 2022

We all tend to follow habits at work and in other aspects of our lives. I generally work best in...

Read more

Democracy’s Last Hope

Representational image (PC: knowlaw.in)
May 26, 2022

A macabre political thriller recently unfolded in the Philippine province of Palawan, an island known mostly for its rich biodiversity...

Read more
  • Home
  • State
  • Metro
  • National
  • International
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Feature
  • Sports
  • Sci-Tech
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Career
Developed By Ratna Technology

© 2020 All rights Reserved by OrissaPOST

  • Home
  • Metro
  • State
  • National
  • International
  • IPL
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Feature
  • Opinion
  • Sci-Tech
  • COVID-19
  • Today’s Pic
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Career
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2020 All rights Reserved by OrissaPOST