PM Modi touches feet of 'waste to wealth' woman at Odisha rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29 bowed down to touch the feet of Kamala Moharana, who was featured in "Mann Ki Baat last year". Moharana, who is part of a self-help group and works on ‘waste to wealth’ and women empowerment, was overwhelmed by the PM’s gesture during a poll rally on the outskirts of Kendrapada town.

“I tried to touch Modi’s feet. But the Prime Minister suddenly bowed his head before me and touched my feet. I will never forget the moment in my life,” Moharana told Times of India.

In an earlier "Mann Ki Baat" radio address, PM Modi had praised her. Moharana had also sent a rakhi made from waste materials to the PM.

“Friends, waste to wealth is also an important dimension of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Kamala Moharana, a sister from Kendrapada district of Odisha, runs a self-help group (SHG). The women of this group make many things such as baskets and mobile stands from milk pouches and other plastic packing materials,” PM Modi said during the radio programme.

A resident of Khairabad under Gulnagar panchayat on the outskirts of Kendrapara town, Moharana manages the "Ma Thanapati" SHG. Formed in 2016, the SHG has around 30 women members who are engaged in converting waste items to beautiful materials like baskets, pen and mobile phone stands, flower pots, hand fans and wall hangings.