Bhubaneswar: “Zindagi Dhoop, Tum Ghana Chaya”, this line from yesteryear Hindi movie ‘Saath Saath’ is apt for Nirajalaxmi Mohapatra, who runs a hostel for children of convicted persons, serving jail terms, in the Odisha capital.
Through this unique initiative, she had been providing them with care and support, most importantly a safe home, since 2003.
The ‘Madhurmayee Adarsha Siksha Niketan’ hostel has transformed many lives. More than 200 convicts’ children are now leading a normal life having landed good jobs.
“We take responsibility for education, health and overall development of children, we bring them here with permission of jail authorities,” said Nirajalaxmi told ANI.
It all began when Nirajalaxmi while working with women prison convicts found two children playing in the Bhubaneswar Special Jail. Since the family was convicted, the children were left to themselves.
She then took permissions and worked out all the required legal and other procedures needed to build a home for these children and help them lead a life with dignity, The Better India reported.
“I came here in 2003. Now, I’m pursuing MCA and also working with a company. Niraja madam is both mother and father for us. Whatever we are today is because of her. 200 of us have grown up here and are working now,” said an alumnus
At present, 55 students are staying and studying in the hostel.
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