Howrah Station is one of India’s busiest railway stations. While millions bustle through Howrah Station announcements blare constantly guiding the flow of passengers. Yet, the voice behind them remains a mystery to most. But on International Women’s Day, Desher Samay sought to recognize the face behind this voice.
Savita Halder, hails from Maslandpur, North 24 Parganas, although she is visually impaired but tirelessly transports numerous passengers to their destinations. Savita, excelled academically and successfully completed her secondary examination from Bhudev Smriti Girls’ School in Maslandpur.
When she was in 11th standard she rejected a romantic proposal of her neighbor , enraged by the rejected romantic gesture, the neighbor inflicted a violent act of throwing sand in her eyes, and further harmed her by pounding nails in her eyes. This horrific act resulted in permanent vision loss.
Savita said, ‘In 2001, I turned down a proposal. After this event, my life took many unexpected turns. But I hovered over those difficult periods and eventually found my way to the light.’
Savita was raised with the mantra “life is beautiful,” Despite losing her sight, Savita’s spirit remained undimmed. She never let any circumstances dictate her future. Her parents were a vegetable seller and a housewife. They took her to many places for her treatment but nobody could bring her eyesight back . Faced daily challenges with unwavering resilience, she learned determination from the best. She overcame numerous obstacles,and she aced the railway exam, proving that her spirit could not be confined.
Savita, began her journey as a passenger announcer on July 10, 2023, she daily commutes to Howrah station with her mother. Despite being visually impaired, she tackles her office tasks independently, relying on mobile alerts and her mastery of Braille. Each evening, she returns home after work, accompanied by her mother.
