Care, Concerns, and Community: Voices from Bhatpara T.G.

[Nityam Ghosh]

The SALT conversation with Swati Kharia from Bhatpara T.G. Nichhe Line revealed her deep thoughts about family, community, and the future generations. Swati is about 50 years old and considers herself a simple homemaker, but her story portrays her as a strong and compassionate woman.

Swati considers the period when her daughter-in-law was pregnant as the proudest moment of her life. She shared that she took great care of her daughter-in-law throughout the pregnancy, attending to her food, rest, and overall well-being, and stayed with her until she gave birth. Even after the birth, she devoted herself to caring for both her daughter-in-law and the newborn. For her, this was not just a responsibility but an opportunity for love and selfless service. Swati's greatest strength is her helpful nature and heartfelt compassion for others.

Speaking about children, Swati expressed some concern. She feels that many children today do not focus on their studies and spend the entire day playing. She believes parents also play a big role in this because their negligence leads children away from education. According to her, if discipline and a learning environment are established at home, children can do much better.

Regarding youth, Swati shares a serious observation. She has seen many young people spend their income or pocket money on harmful substances like drugs, without saving. She also says many youths quit their education midway, which makes it very difficult for them to find jobs later. She believes if young people complete their education and learn to manage money wisely, they can become a strength for both their families and society.

Talking about community issues, Swati mentions that there are frequent fights and conflicts in their area. Small disputes often escalate into arguments, spoiling the atmosphere. However, she believes that if people listen patiently to each other and work together to find solutions, the environment can change for the better.

During this conversation, Swati said she enjoys such dialogues very much. It makes her feel that someone is listening to her and valuing her experiences. She also gave an important suggestion—that it would be even better if opinions and information from every community member were gathered. This would bring out the true picture of the entire community and clearly show the direction for positive change.

This conversation tells the story of Swati Kharia, a seemingly ordinary but deeply strong woman who cares for her family while also thinking seriously about the education of children, the habits of youth, and the future of her community.