#LockdownHeroes: Woman joins duty 2 days after her daughter’s death

Losing a child can leave you in shock and grief for a very, very long time, or say, for eternal. Your mind and body freeze and make you numb, probably. But, a home guard in Odisha returned to the duty just a couple of days after losing her teen daughter. The news of this braveheart has indeed shaken the country.

Gauri Behara, a home guard working at the Pipili PS in Puri, Odisha returned to duty two days after the death of her daughter. It is said that her 13-year-old daughter had been suffering from cancer and she lost the battle to it. On 24 April, at 8 pm, Gauri, who was on COVID19 duty on streets, was informed that her daughter Lopamudra’s health was critical.

Hearing the news, Gauri immediately took her bicycle and rushed back home. She rode more than 3-kilometres only to learn that her daughter had passed away. When interviewed her Gauri told, “My world came crashing down. ”

But, Gauri grieved for two days and came back to duty in spite of her devastating pain. This is because she needs financial support. Her husband had left her several years ago and she stays with her aged parents. Also, her brother is mentally retarded. Therefore, she needs to take care of her whole family and went on to urge the government to provide her financial assistance.

The news has even moved Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik as he took to Twitter and lauded Gauri. “She is an inspiration for others, Despite, in grief over her 13-year-old daughter’s death, she did not discontinue her duty. Her sacrifice is highly praiseworthy,” CM tweeted.