Life was tough, so was she as she took it on headlong and worked hard against adverse circumstances. She is Dhanmoni Bora of Guwahati Assam, who drives an e-rickshaw to eke out a livelihood while also serving the society by ferrying medical personnel and supplies for those affected by Covid-19 pandemic.
Starting her day early, Bora, who is in mid-30s, has tied up with a non-governmental organisation to vaccinate Guwahati residents, loads the medical supplies and quickly moves to the designated area for the day. Zubeen Garg’s theme song on vaccination campaign is played over the loudspeaker in the vehicle to make people aware and exhort them to get inoculated.
Talking to the news18.com, Bora said: “The schedule is fixed the day before and the locality is chosen. My team includes ASHA workers and a member from the NGO. We camp at a local club or pharmacy, and operate out of the rickshaw.”
Proud of their achievement so far, she adds: “Till now, we have vaccinated almost 2,500 people. I have visited around 30 elderly people at their residences where they were unable to come to the vaccination centres on their own.”
Bora added that in the beginning her team faced reluctance from people. “However, things have changed now. In most of the centres, there are more than 200 to 300 people daily on an average.”
Apart from the livelihood, the work gives Bora personal satisfaction. Expressing herself on this she remarked: “It gives me an immense sense of responsibility and achievement to be part of the vaccination drive. I need to be on time as there will be people waiting for me at the dispensary and in the centres. A little delay derails the entire process.”
Hardships of life
Bora was forced to start driving an e-rickshaw after she tried various other means of livelihood. Separated from an abusive husband, she has to take care of her 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. Unable to pay legal fees has refrained her from seeking a divorce.
Talking about her past she disclosed: “My husband neither supports the education of my children nor does he look after the house. I worked for a few months in firms that install CCTV cameras, as a domestic help and also at a nearby tailor shop. However, through all these, I couldn’t give time to my children and more so during this pandemic when they are confined to their rooms. So I thought of being independent and bought this rickshaw in 2019 after battling immense hardship.”
The lockdown restrictions due to Covid-19 pandemic were very tough for Bora and her family, as she was forced to move in with her parents who live in Mangoldoi. “I had to leave the capital city as staying here means buying water and every basic thing that supports you. When I came back, I had to clear the school fees, the growing rent and the rickshaw instalments. I took a loan from a bank and cleared off all the backlogs to start afresh. The batteries of the rickshaw too needed to be changed.”
Also read: Covid situation improves in Assam; restrictions eased
Now too, she has managed within restricted means as one smartphone is used to keep abreast with vaccination duties and her daughter’s online classes. “I am making my daughter understand the importance of educational certificates. She is responsible now and understands the harsh realities of life.” Bora herself has studied till Class X.
