Sonepur: From selling bangles on the streets of Binika in Subarnapur district to walking into the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhawan, the journey of Surekha Mallick is one of extraordinary resilience and hope. Life was never easy for her. With her husband bedridden for years due to a rare respiratory illness, Mallick had to shoulder the dual responsibilities of caregiving and earning. Living in a cramped kutcha house, she struggled to raise her children with dignity, often relying on her meagre income from selling bangles.
A turning point came in 2019 when she received support under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). With financial assistance, she built a modest pucca house with two rooms-one for her ailing husband and another as a safe haven for her children. Though she lost her husband earlier this year, the house today stands as a pillar of security and strength for her family.
Her inspiring journey was recognised nationally by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Selected to represent Odisha, she was invited by the President of India to attend the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Officials of the Odisha Urban Housing Mission (OUHM) facilitated her visit to New Delhi, where she was accompanied by her son Alok. She also attended the prestigious At Home Reception hosted by the President, August 15.
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Speaking with emotion, Mallick said, “This honour is not mine alone. It belongs to every family that has found dignity and courage through owning a home. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister for PMAY (Urban), which has given us more than shelter as well as hope.” State Housing & Urban Development Minister, Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, hailed her story as inspirational. “Surekha Mallick’s life proves that a home can transform lives. Her presence at Rashtrapati Bhawan is a matter of pride for Odisha and a shining example of the impact of PMAY (Urban). The State Government remains committed to ensuring every deserving family has a roof over their head and a foundation for a better future,” Mohapatra said. From the dusty streets of Binika to the lawns of Rashtrapati Bhawan, Surekha Mallick’s success is not just her personal achievement but it is Odisha’s pride and India’s inspiration, the Minister added.
