Interview Times 
Mrs. Nibedita Lenka, popularly known as “Yasoda Maa” in Odisha, was born on July 9, 1964, in a well-off traditional family in Ranpur. Despite facing opposition from her conservative family, she pursued higher studies after completing high school. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Arts in 1986, overcoming societal barriers. She got married to Sri Prafulla Kumar lenka, a Govt. Forest Officer. On learning about the three children becoming orphans, from OTV, due to the death of their parents because of a gas Explosion in the nearby house, the inner humanitarian instinct got triggered and she decide to adopt the three children (Not Legally)and take care of not only their survival but also their studies and future.
Finding solace in reading about great individuals, Nibedita decided to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. She stepped in to help the orphaned children from the explosion, seeking assistance from the authorities but facing disappointment. Undeterred, she brought them into her home, providing education, supported by her husband and son. Her efforts bore fruit as the children became self-sufficient and educated, with the eldest daughter currently serving as a teacher and her brother serving at KIMS, and the third child is working at Bengaluru after undergoing vocational training. Nibedita’s transformation from a devoted housewife to a passionate social activist was driven by this incident, turning her into a nurturing mother figure for numerous orphaned children.
Mainstreaming the Mission-
Yashoda Maa, a compassionate mother, recognized the enduring educational challenges for underprivileged children due to poverty and remote locations. Witnessing these issues, she decided to personally aid students hindered by financial and familial obstacles. Rallying her family’s support, she pledged to grant impoverished but promising students in Odisha access to quality higher education. Her public declaration, “Every child deserves care, education, and opportunity,” embodies her unwavering dedication. Yashoda Maa’s commitment mirrors a true mother’s love, ensuring a brighter future for deserving students, transcending barriers of poverty and adversity.
Major impact on the society –
Her inspiring journey of societal transformation is a model for others. She’s embraced over Destitute children from the state, enabling their higher education through family, friends, and organizational support. Notably, have secured prominent positions, including doctors, Engineers, OAS, OES and Graduates aspiring for government roles. Establishing five Barnabodh Pathshala centers, she’s offered tailored healthcare and hygiene education to slum kids. Empowering Women with skills for independence, she led impactful campaigns, reaching individuals on vital issues. Her orchestration of Community Health Camps, School Health Camps, and reintegrating child labourers while planting trees exemplify her transformative dedication.
In the recent year an Adivasi student Ifu Mallick qualified for MBBS and got admission in a reputed Medical College. In the term, our beloved Chief Minister Shri. Naveen Pattnaik Ji has honored Ifu & helped him further for his smooth career. She has started an initiative named Barnabodha Pathashala at chawls. She has always invested her time and growth for our upcoming her child grow in their vision and right path. She has also developed Bhagabat Charcha for dilapidated families & senior citizens to invest their time into a spiritual manner.
Award & Achievements –
She has received many prestigious awards like Shambhavi Jury Award of Banshidhar Ila Panda Foundation with a prize money of 50,000/-, Women Achievers award, Selfless Service Award, Outstansing Social Worker Award, Adarsha Nari Award, Mother Teresa Award, etc. She has been the inspiration to many & all the homemaker being a indifferent from others.
Mrs. Lenka has also pledged to donate her body to Medical College, in 2014 where she believes that it can be used socially in the form of help to the needy people. She has created a lot of Blood Donation Camps & has also given blood in the time of need.
Lastly she thanks her family for being a great support to her & being very cooperative. She mentions an address of gratitude to all the social organizations, senior members of the society, media personalities, the deities & all the members of the society. She wishes for a great future and development for all needful people, where she can address the help & be there backbone for them.
