Mamta, a 45-year-old woman, has spent the last 25 years of her life in the Tigri slum, battling relentless poverty and hardship. Her husband, a cobbler, earned barely enough to survive and often squandered what little he made on alcohol. He would return home drunk, pick fights with Mamta, and leave her to shoulder the responsibility of their family. Many nights, Mamta’s children went to bed hungry, their stomachs empty, and their dreams overshadowed by the harsh realities of their lives.
Determined to keep her family afloat, Mamta began working as a domestic maid in nearby homes. Despite her best efforts, their financial struggles forced her eldest son to quit school and work to contribute to the household income. Life was an unyielding cycle of sacrifices, but Mamta found solace and strength as a member of Asha’s Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) for the past eight years. This group gave her a sense of purpose, identity, and a network of support she had never known. Her three children also became part of the Asha family, benefitting from its programs and resources.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, tragedy struck when Mamta’s husband, already weakened by tuberculosis, passed away. Despite Asha’s unwavering support, his illness overwhelmed him, leaving Mamta to grieve not only the loss of her husband but also the emotional toll on her children. The burden of being the sole breadwinner fell entirely on her shoulders. She began working as a tailor, piecing together fabric to make a living. However, long hours at the sewing machine took a heavy toll on her body. Severe back and joint pain soon followed, making even the simplest tasks excruciatingly difficult.
When Asha’s field staff visited Mamta and learned about her deteriorating health, they immediately referred her to Asha’s Physiotherapy Clinic. Tests were conducted to rule out arthritis, and the results came back normal, offering hope that her condition could be managed with the right treatment. Mamta received hot and cold therapy, IFT (Interferential Therapy), and personalized exercise routines for ten days. Within just a few sessions, the pain that had haunted her began to subside. Slowly, her strength returned, and she found herself able to resume her stitching work without the debilitating pain that had once hindered her.
Today, Mamta is not just healthier; she is empowered. Her resilience, combined with Asha’s free and compassionate care, has given her a second chance to rebuild her life and provide for her children. Reflecting on her journey, Mamta says with tears of gratitude, “Asha has been a blessing for me and my family. When I had no one to turn to, Asha was there, lifting me up during the darkest times of my life. I can never thank the Asha family enough for their unwavering support.”
