Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in the 137th episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, shared a moving story of grassroots transformation from Odisha that highlights how small, dedicated efforts can ripple outward to reshape entire communities.
The Prime Minister spotlighted the life of Maithili Bhue, a resident of Dhodrokusum village situated in the lush Debrigarh region of Bargarh district. For years, Maithili ji walked into the local forests every day, gathering firewood, harvesting bamboo shoots, and collecting Mahua flowers and Kendu leaves to meet the essential survival needs of her family and neighbors. Her life was bound to the forest out of sheer necessity, as it was for so many others in her village.
Everything began to change when Maithili ji stepped into a new role by associating with Debrigarh Eco-Tourism. That single decision fundamentally altered her relationship with the natural world around her. The wilderness she once harvested for daily subsistence became a sanctuary she was determined to protect, and in doing so, forest conservation evolved into a sustainable, empowering livelihood.
Her courage and initiative quickly caught fire throughout the community. Inspired by Maithili ji, a collective movement took root in Dhodrokusum. Today, more than 60 local women have joined hands in this environmental mission. Together, these women have taken ownership of their natural ecosystem—some patrol the forests to protect native wildlife, others dedicate their days to restoring and developing critical grasslands, while many welcome visitors by managing eco-tourism operations.
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi praised the deep impact of their work, noting that Maithili ji and the sisters of Debrigarh have shown the entire country that safeguarding nature and achieving personal prosperity can go hand in hand. Their journey stands as a living testament to Nari Shakti, proving that when women lead the way in environmental stewardship, entire regions can flourish in harmony with the natural world.