A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: The adverse situation caused by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic has compelled a teenage girl living under Dhakuakhana subdivision of Lakhimpur district, who is a promising karate player, to shoulder the responsibility of her family by earning her livelihood. The 17-year old girl has to sell vegetables door-to-door by riding a bicycle throughout the day.
Nitu Chutia, daughter of Nabin Chutia and Feri Chutia, residents of Ghahibari village under Mornoi Bebejia area of the subdivision, is a Higher Secondary final year student, studying at Pachim Dhakuakhana Junior College. Nitu's father is an agricultural worker who helps other farmers in paddy and other crop cultivation. However, he cultivates pineapple and seasonal vegetables in the small crop land he has. Nitu's family has been facing extreme pecuniary difficulties due to the adverse situation caused by COVID-19 pandemic and three-week long containment and total lockdown declared in Lakhimpur district since July 7.
Under such circumstances, Nitu has to go out on her bicycle everyday with vegetables and travel 15 to 20 kilometres to sell them to make both ends meet. Though she is a student of HS final year, she is too poor to afford a smartphone to attend the online classes. Her father has been suffering from various health problems due to which he is unable to earn for the family.
Nitu has shown her talent as a karate player since she was a high school student. In the past years, she took part in several State-level events of karate championship, in addition to district-level championship, and secured bronze, silver and gold medals. Now she is unable to attend the online classes of her course and to continue her karate coaching.
Along with her academic life, Nitu dreams to continue her career as karate player and to represent the nation in international events like Lovlina Borgohain. But her dream is on the verge of being nipped in the bud due to domestic problems and extreme pecuniary difficulties of the family.
Under such a situation, Nitu has earnestly appealed to the State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister and benevolent individuals and organizations to extend a helping hand to her.
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