Of what use is education, if not for creating good?
“Of what use is education, if not for creating good”? Payal Kakote
All of 24, Payal Kokate revived a foundering women’s agricultural group, promoted organic farming, and trained as an Arogya Sakhi – frontline health worker.
“Age is no barrier to good work. You must be motivated.” says Payal.
When COVID-19 struck, Payal was in the thick of things. As an Arogya Sakhi, she knocked on doors, distributed masks and educated residents of the virus’s deadly impact. With the lockdown impacting movement of goods, she helped link farmers to local markets, through her agricultural group. Mobilizing Gram Panchayat and affluent farmers, she ensured relief rations and food for the returning migrants.
Many months on, Payal is now combating the high cases of malnourishment and anaemia in her village. Determined to improve the health of women and children, she counsels them on nutrition, hygiene and healthy habits. Connecting them with government health systems, she monitors their well-being.
With two children and a large extended family to look after, Payal certainly packs a lot in a day. But as she says “When the results of 10 severely anaemic women showed vast improvement, I knew this is my calling – nothing can beat that sense of satisfaction”.
Payal Kakate from Nanded in Maharashtra is one of the many resourceful women trained as an Arogya Sakhi by Swayam Shikshan Prayog – SSP. She is now a part of SSP’s network.