Kendrapada: In a rare and pleasant deviation, a Muslim girl from the district has not only memorised Vedic mantras but also can recite those with perfect pronunciations and annotations.
Samjana Khatun, who discontinued her study after completing matriculation due to financial constraints, effortlessly recites Vedic hymns in Sanskrit, showing her rare talent. She also sings bhajans of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati.
As her father Sk Karimuddin is physically handicapped, her mother works as a daily wage labourer to support the family.
Despite belonging to a different religion, Samjana’s mother Sultana encouraged her to follow her passion and sing devotional bhajans. “I have never dissuaded my daughter for whatever she wants to do,” said Sultana whose family stays in a thatched house.
Though Samjana wants to pursue higher education, the family’s poor income has posed a major hurdle for her. “I want to study further, but my family’s condition doesn’t allow me to pursue higher education,” said Samjana.
