BHUBANESWAR: Matilda Kullu, an accredited social health activist (ASHA) in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, has made it to the Forbes India’s W-Power 2021 list along with noted banker and former chairperson of SBI Arundhati Bhattacharya, Bollywood actress Sanya Malhotra and others.
When this 45-year-old tribal woman joined as an Asha worker in 2005, her village Gargadbahal village under Baragaon police limits was mostly dependent on black magic and quacks instead of visiting hospitals for treatment.
But Matilda tried very hard to change the mindset of people and persuaded them to take medicine and consult a doctor after falling sick for any illness.
“I feel happy today that people visit hospitals and follow my suggestions not to fall into the trap of superstition and black magic. Another major issue is casteism and untouchability in my area," said Matilda.
She added, "Some people were maintaining a distance from me while visiting door-to-door for surveys or any field work. But now the situation has changed a little bit. Though this practice cannot be eradicated at once, the mindset of people is changing because of education.
Though she could not continue studying after matriculation, she always advises people to educate their kids.
Her son and daughter have completed graduation.
“Glad to know that my name has featured on the Forbes India W-Power list. It will inspire me to continue my good work amid challenging situations,” she added.
After finishing her household chores and preparing meals for a family of four in the morning, Matilda goes out for field work.
“There are 964 people in her tribal-dominated village. I visit several houses for providing medicines, conducting surveys, antenatal/postnatal check-ups, sanitisation, administering polio and other vaccines. Besides, I never say no if an expectant mother calls me for help even at midnight,” she added.
When others were scared of the Covid-19, she was going door-to-door for surveys and other field-works.
“I had tested Covid positive during the second wave, but I joined the duty soon after recovering from the disease. I have personally counselled Covid positive people to stay calm and strong, follow medical advice and beat the virus,” she added.
Initially, many people had shown vaccine hesitancy, but people have started taking the jab after her intervention.
“Though I have been working dedicatedly like a government health worker and served the people during Covid pandemic without thinking about personal safety, we get a meagre pay of Rs 4,500 per month as incentive. We request the government to provide us a minimum wage for Asha workers like me. We have been demanding the government for a better pay, but nothing has materialised yet,” said Matilda.
She also does tailor work to make her ends meet. Her husband is a farmer, whose annual income is very low.
(With inputs from Mihir Ray in Rourkela)
