A Story of Values Emerging from the Tea Garden

[Nityam Ghosh]

Today, in the Basa Line area of Bhatpara Tea Garden, an inspiring conversation emerged during a SALT session that touched my heart. Kokila Chhetri ji, a 45-year-old woman from a Self-Help Group (SHG) member, shared a chapter of her life journey that not only reflects her personal values but has become a source of inspiration for the entire society. With a sparkle in her eyes, she said – "For 25 long years, I have been serving my mother-in-law and father-in-law. This service is not just a duty, but a symbol of complete devotion and faith."

Kokila ji shared that there has never been a day in her life when she let her elders face any shortage or hardship. Whether it was the first light of morning or the last watch of the night, she was always eager to bring a smile to her mother-in-law's face every moment. From her father-in-law's medicines to fulfilling every small and big wish – everything was in her hands. "I never thought of it as a burden," she says with a smile, "it was my worship. God gave me this opportunity, and I embraced it with both hands." She infused love into every meal served, respect into every conversation, and shouldered every sorrow.

This dedication was not limited to physical service alone. Kokila ji has passed on her core life value – "Respecting and serving elders is the essence of life" – to her son and daughters. Today, her children not only embrace these qualities but take pride in them. She said that her son says, "Like mom, we too will never leave elders alone." The daughters say, "This value makes us strong." Kokila ji's story proves that true devotion starts at home, and the values parents impart live on for generations.

Kokila ji's proud saga reflects her strengths – patience in 25 years of tireless service, spiritual strength in devotion, foresight in transferring values to her children, and indomitable willpower in turning every challenge into an opportunity.

Lessons as SALT Facilitator

I learned that true strength is internal. Kokila ji never let her elders suffer – from medicines to wishes, she fulfilled everything with love. This patience and willpower teaches me that challenges are opportunities. The greatest lesson – the transfer of values. She instilled the 'essence of elder service' in her son and daughters, which is her pride today. The son says, "Like mom, we too won't leave them alone"; the daughters say, "It makes us strong."

Kokila Chhetri ji made it clear that the community is her extended family. "If any problem arises in someone's family or community – be it financial hardship, health issues, or any other crisis – I will always be ready to help. Today I will help someone, tomorrow they will help another. This cycle will continue, and the community will grow stronger." Her thinking is selfless.

Giving a vivid example, she says, "Suppose a child can't even arrange bus fare for a job interview, and I come to know about it. I won't hesitate – 'Brother/sister, don't worry, I'll support you.' I'll just give the ticket money and send them off. So that they succeed, get the job, and become an example of victory for the community. Tomorrow, they will help someone else with their earnings. That's the real strength of the community!"

During today's inspiring conversation in the SALT session, when asked – "What good happened today and why?" – a unique sparkle came into Kokila Chhetri ji's eyes. This 45-year-old SHG member, who has been devotedly serving her in-laws for 25 years, shared that golden moment of her life. She said, "I felt so good when the values of my life – service, dedication, and devotion to elders – started clearly reflecting in my children."

When asked, "What more good could happen today?" Kokila Chhetri ji says: If we share each other's sorrows and pains and solve them collectively, our community will become even stronger.

[Shahrukh Atpade]

When a girl gets married and moves into her husband's house, she considers her mother-in-law and father-in-law as her parents. She loves them as much as she loves her own parents. The service that Kokila Chhetri does for her mother-in-law and father-in-law will continue to be done by her children for generations to come. Real change starts at home. And it continues to be passed down from generation to generation.