Government of Orissa honours Suryakanti

Honourable State Cooperative Minister, Mrs. Surama Padhi, Government of Orissa appreciated Smile Foundation endeavour and handed over the first instalment from Smile to Suryakanti at Subarnapur, Orissa.

Collector & District Magistrate, Subarnapur, Mr. Benudhar Dash was also present on the occasion of Republic Day at Royal Parade Ground, Subarnapur.

Suryakanti belongs to village Gariamunda of Subarnapur district in Orissa.

ORYSED (Organisation of Rural Youth for Social and Economic Development), a local partner of Smile Foundation, has played an important role in identifying Suryakanti a few months back. ORYSED members and volunteers look after the special girl on day to day basis.

Smile Foundation appreciates the dedication of its local partner, ORYSED, and determination of Suryakanti.

Suryakanti is already inspiring others and is a role model in the state.

Suryakanti Nayak of village Gariamunda, District Subarnapur (Sonepur) in Orissa had it all to make a heart-rending, tragic tale. But, she was not the one to be cowed down by the inexorable destiny. Suryakanti, through her sheer grit and determination, turned the tables on the destiny itself and transformed her life from a life of pity and condemnation to a life of admiration and bravery.

Twenty two years ago Suryakanti was born to very poor parents. As if the curse of abject poverty was not enough, Suryakanti was diagnosed to be suffering from a rare disease afflicting limbs called BAT hand, since her birth. Unlike other children of her age, poor Suryakanti could not use her hands to eat, play or write. She longed to lead a normal life and during her initial years could not even comprehend as to why she is different from other children.

As the years passed by, she realized that she will have to live with her disability. With no options available, Suryakanti decided not to be dictated by her fate but to live life on her terms. She had a strong desire to study. She practiced hard to write with toes of her foot. After failing in her first few attempts, she practiced hard and mastered the art of writing with her feet. Having cleared a major obstacle through her dogged spirit and relentless efforts, Suryakanti set her eyes on the next major challenge facing her – taking her Board Exams and clearing them. The ‘Never Say Die’ spirit in Suryakanti ensured that she succeeds in this too.Recognizing Suryakanti’s indomitable spirit to transform her life through the power of education despite odds, which in essence makes up the ideology of Smile Foundation too, Smile took up the case of Suryakanti under its special initiative, ‘Individual Support Programme’ (ISP). Empowering individuals, particularly children - enabling them to make informed choice, resist oppression, fight for rightful existence and facilitating new possibilities and opportunities for them - is what Smile Foundation strives for.

Thanks to the hard work and determination displayed by Suryakanti, today she is employed as a teacher in a nearby school and leads a life with dignity.

Smile Foundation always looks for more such desrving children and supports them under its Individual Support Programme [ISP] who ultimately set examples for all of us.

Smile takes pride in inspiration like Suryakanti !

If you would like to send a message to Suryakanti,
kindly write at:

smile.coregroup@gmail.com
or
info@smilefoundationindia.org