What is the story about?
A woman from Jharkhan who is hailed as 'Lady Tarzan' has been invited for dinner on the occasion of Independence Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. You may be wondering
who she is and how did she get such a big honour of being invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Well, the woman we're talking about is actually a Padma Shri awardee and her name is Jamuna Tudu. She rose to prominence for her fearless campaign against deforestation and illegal logging. Also read: Meet This Mechanical Engineer From Brazil Who Got Padma Shri For Spreading Bhagavad Gita's Teachings
More about her journey...
Tudu would patrol forests with a stick in her hand. She would protest against illegal logging (harvest, purchase and sale of timber in violation of laws), confront the loggers and also raise awareness among locals. Not only did she confront timber mafias, but she also mobilised villagers to protect forests in Jharkhand. The best way to describe her? Well, she can be called a forest protector with a stick in hand. She was so enthusiastic about the cause that over time a group of women also joined her in her cause. This is how her efforts led to a grassroots forest protection movement. What's amazing about Tudu is her grit and courage. Yes! When she was confronted with life-threatening attacks by those who were into exploiting forests, she never backed down. In fact, she confronted them also head on. Given how she was just a daily wage labourer and her husband also worked as a mason, her fight for the right thing does inspires hope and evokes awe.
It is because of relentless fight to save forests, she earned the nickname 'Lady Tarzan'. Speaking about the dinner invitation, Tudu said, "This invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan is a great joy and honour. It will not only boost my morale, but will also inspire other women working in the field of environmental protection. This invitation is a great proof of my struggle and selfless service.”
Also read: Did You Know Queen Victoria Shared Unusual Closeness With An Indian Servant?
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