The state of Odisha has been actively fighting the coronavirus to contain it. From being the first state to major lockdown cities to sealing the border of Odisha-West Bengal, Odisha has been on the forefront lines to secure their citizens. The Lockdown was first implemented in major cities on the 12th March and later extended to the whole state on the 24th of March.

In addition to the state, Women Corona Warriors have shown tireless effort to fight the battle of the invisible enemy on frontlines. Women from all spheres of life have joined together whether they are key position holding government officials or ordinary people. While the women in power are making their presence felt through decision-making bodies, Asha, Anganwadi, and SHG (self-help groups) workers are working as the footsoldiers in this fight and have turned into the eyes, ears, and nose of the administration.

The Mission Shakti department headed by Sujata Kartikeyan took the critical decision to start mass production of masks by women SHGS. Till now, 15 lakh masks have been produced with the help of 605 SHGs. And currently, 7000+ women SHGs are on work to deliver masks to those fighting with coronavirus. 6700+ women workers of Mission Shakti has been playing a pivotal role in managing 5200+ Gram Panchayat-level free kitchen centers. They have offering meals to 3,27,675 people in 5,247 Gram Panchayats and 25,239 people in 108 urban local bodies.

Odisha Health Department has been supported by nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), Asha workers, and Anganwadi workers who are visiting urban and rural areas to provide health checkups. The vital Covid-19 testing centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar is headed by a woman scientist Sanghamitra Pati who, with her team scientist Jyotirmayee Turuk is involved in aggressive testing to detect cases. Premier health institutions in Odisha, such as Aiims Bhubaneswar and SCB Medical College, Cuttack are headed by women — doctors Geetanjali Batmanabane and Jayashree Mohanty. Both women were instrumental in converting Aiims and SCB into testing centres.

Odisha, being called the soul of India, is blessed to have Goddesses fighting as the Warriors against the Evil of Coronavirus. We should thank them for fighting for us in this hour of need. I appreciate all Odisha Women Corona Warriors.

Thank You for everything.