Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 30 August praised Maithili Bhue of Odisha's Debrigarh region in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address, recognising her contributions to forest conservation and her efforts to empower local women through eco-tourism. The mention has sparked widespread cheer among residents and staff of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Sundargarh district.

Community Reaction

Villagers across the Debrigarh region tuned in to the programme, and the Prime Minister's acknowledgement has left the community energised. Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Hirakud Wildlife Division, said the recognition has motivated residents to redouble their conservation efforts. 'All our community members and all the staff of Debrigarh are very grateful. Prime Minister Sir spoke about our area, and the community members here were extremely happy,' Das said.

The local community also believes the national spotlight will translate into broader public support for forest and wildlife protection initiatives in the region.

Who Is Maithili Bhue

Maithili joined the Debrigarh eco-tourism initiative in 2023 and has since been a driving force behind several conservation programmes. She played a pivotal role in transforming Dhodrokusum into a green village — a project that ensured every household had access to toilets and dustbins, and that plastic use was progressively eliminated. She also actively motivated women in the village to adopt pro-conservation and pro-cleanliness practices.

DFO Das noted that Maithili has been central to mobilising local communities to keep Debrigarh clean and to champion wildlife protection. 'She used to motivate every woman in the village to be pro-conservation, pro-forest and to maintain cleanliness,' Das said.

Women at the Forefront of Eco-Tourism

Maithili's work reflects a broader shift in how conservation is being practised at Debrigarh. According to DFO Das, approximately 40 per cent of those currently engaged in the Debrigarh eco-tourism initiative are women — a figure that underscores the programme's success in mainstreaming gender participation in environmental work.

Das added that the Prime Minister's mention is expected to strengthen institutional support for the sanctuary and encourage even greater community involvement in conservation-linked livelihoods.

Significance of Mann Ki Baat Recognition

A mention in Mann Ki Baat carries significant symbolic weight, often amplifying grassroots stories to a national audience. For Debrigarh — a sanctuary that has relied heavily on community cooperation for its conservation outcomes — the recognition could attract greater tourism interest, policy attention, and funding support. This is not the first time the programme has spotlighted individual conservation champions from eastern India, but it is a rare acknowledgement for Odisha's wildlife sector.

With national attention now on Debrigarh, all eyes will be on whether the momentum translates into sustained policy and financial backing for community-led conservation in the region.