Artisan to Advocate
At Animedh Charitable Trust (ACT), we believe in the power of community, the dignity of work, and the unwavering spirit of the human heart. Today, we want to share the inspiring story of Nutan, a valued member of our Animedh family, whose journey embodies all of these values.
Nutan first joined us as an artisan in 2017 with Kalpana, seeking a way to support her family and learn new skills after a break in her career. She quickly immersed herself in learning embroidery and tailoring, demonstrating a natural talent and a dedication to her craft. She found joy and purpose in the work, and a supportive community within Animedh.
But life threw an unexpected challenge her way – a diagnosis of stage 3 blood cancer. This news, as she shared, was devastating. Her initial reaction was fear and uncertainty, but fueled by her love for her son and her desire to see him complete his education, she found the strength to fight.
“I had just one glimpse, for my son. I just wanted him to complete his education. Whatever happens after that, his education should be completed.”
The journey was far from easy. Nutan faced both physical and emotional hurdles, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. During this difficult time, the support of her family, especially her husband and her sister, was crucial. And Animedh stood by her side as well.
“Animedh supported me a lot. They used to call and ask about me. They felt very bad about what happened to me. They also helped me with funds.”
This is what makes Animedh more than just a workplace; it’s a family. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered, even in the face of adversity.
After her treatments, Nutan gradually returned to Animedh, first taking on small tasks from home, then eventually rejoining us full-time in a new role. This transition wasn’t just about returning to work; it was about reclaiming her life and finding a renewed sense of purpose. She embraced the added responsibilities of her new position in production sector, learning data entry and taking on a more supervisory role.
“Responsibility has increased… I’m still facing some difficulties in the production field, [but I embrace it].”
Her story is a testament to her incredible resilience. She not only battled stage 3 blood cancer twice but also transformed her challenges into opportunities for growth. She learned to value challenges. She learned to become her own champion. She is now a source of inspiration and positivity for others facing similar struggles.
“Moral support. Give them positivity. Anyone who comes to me, I give them positivity. It’s the first pill, before medicine.”
Nutan’s story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope, community, and the human spirit can prevail. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of the Animedh family, and her journey continues to inspire us all.
Donate to help us provide support and opportunities to individuals like Nutan.