At a recent program organized by Safe in India Foundation - SafetyNiti 2024 , I was deeply touched by the story of Basanti ji, a strong woman whose life changed drastically a few years ago. During the "SafetyNiti 2024" event, she shared her painful experience of losing both her hands in a power press machine accident while working in the auto sector. Sadly, after the accident, her employers treated her harshly, refusing to help her when she needed it most.
Safe in India Foundation stepped in to help, guiding her through the process of getting her rightful benefits from ESIC. However, the emotional and physical scars remain. Today, Basanti ji has no job and faces the challenge of raising three children without the use of her hands.
At the event, she was accompanied by her youngest daughter, Tamanna, a bright 15-year-old girl in 9th grade. Tamanna’s life is far from ordinary. Every day, she takes care of her mother in ways that most adults would find difficult. From morning until night, Tamanna helps her mother with everything—cooking, cleaning, dressing—things that many of us take for granted. She has given up much of her childhood, including playing with friends, to be there for her mother. Despite all these responsibilities, Tamanna excels in school and has a clear sense of purpose.
When I asked Tamanna what she wanted to do after finishing 10th grade, her answer was both touching and sad. She wants to become a teacher and work with Safe in India Foundation , the organization that helped her mother when no one else did.
This encounter left me with many emotions and questions, especially one that Naghma Abidi & Maitrayee Mukerji often asked in class -"What is development?" After seeing the challenges faced by Basanti ji and Tamanna, I’m struggling to find an answer. Development is often talked about in terms of economic growth, infrastructure, and technology. But what does it mean when faced with such personal tragedy and resilience?
Maybe true development isn’t about big projects or impressive numbers, but about making sure that every person, like Basanti ji, has the dignity, safety, and support they need to live a secure life.
#development #safeinindia #ESIC #rights #workerssafety
Associate Director at EisnerAmper
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