The first among her community to do graduation, and one among a handful in the coastal village to get a government job. There have been attempts by officials to bring the ostracisation to an end before this too, so far without success. Since February 6, the anganwadi has been operating from one of the two buildings of the village primary school. However, in Nuagaon – a village that is part of the Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem – the caste lines are clear, if unspoken. By “convention”, Dalits stay away from others during village feasts, while upper caste members hardly ever come to their functions.

Source: Indian Express February 15, 2026 01:29 UTC