Bhubaneswar: Madhusmita Patra was virtually thrown out of her in-law’s house after her husband died in a road mishap in August last. The hapless woman did not lose heart.
Her alcoholic husband was working at a Delhi hotel. After the accident, her father-in-law who did not want to take her responsibility drove her out of his house. She went in search of work at various places in Bhubaneswar as she decided against going back to her parents at Soro in Balasore district.
Madhusmita chose to start a petty business vending tea at parks after much humiliation at various workplaces in the city. She wanted to ensure that she does not overburden anyone.
“I have married eight years ago but unfortunately I lost my alcoholic husband in a road accident. The world is hostile when a woman is young and poor. The circumstances became such that I was forced to come to Bhubaneswar to become a breadwinner for my family,” said Madhusmita.
“I had worked in several companies with many employers who wanted to exploit me but did not bother to pay my wages. I had to sleep on the footpaths without food. Now, I earn Rs 200-300 daily after taking up the tea business. I want to open a shop so that I can help my family,” she added.
