Smita Tandi (born c. 1992) is an Indian police constable in the state of Chhattisgarh. She set up a fund to help people unable to pay for medical treatment and received the 2016 Nari Shakti Puraskar in recognition of her humanitarian efforts.
Smita Tandi | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Tandi receives the 2016 Nari Shakti Puraskar | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Police constable |
| Employer | Indian Police Service |
| Known for | Facebook activism |
Career
editSmita Tandi works as a police constable.[1] In 2013 her father, who had also worked for the police, became ill and died when her family could not afford to pay for treatment. In his memory, Tandi set up a fund called Jeevandeep for people unable to access medical treatment.[2] She opened a Facebook account to promote the fund in 2015 and twenty months later had almost 7.2 lakh (720,000) followers.[1][3] When Tandi receives a request for help, she visits the person and if the story is true, she then posts about it on Facebook and makes an appeal for funds.[1]
Tandi received the 2016 Nari Shakti Puraskar in recognition of her humanitarian efforts.[4] After her superiors heard about her activism, Tandi was moved to a position dealing with social media complaints on the Bhilai women’s helpline.[1]
Personal life
editSmita Tandi was born c. 1992 and lives in Durg, a city in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.[1] She represents Chhattisgarh at volleyball.[1] In 2018, Tandi reported an incident of sexual harassment on a train between Bilaspur and Bhatapara. Her assailant was arrested by the Railway Protection Force.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Mishra, Ritesh (1 November 2016). "With over 7 lakh followers, Chhattisgarh cop makes Facebook platform to help". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 28 August 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Singh, Sanjay (7 March 2018). "International Women's Day: India's 6 most powerful women who defeated all odds". Tech Observer. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ "She is no glam doll, yet she has 7 lakh FB fans: This Chhattisgarh cop deserves a standing ovation". InUth. 2 November 2016. Archived from the original on 6 November 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Gupta, Moushumi Das (4 March 2017). "Nari Shakti in many forms: ISRO scientists, Sheroes, a driver to get top honours". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ News Desk (26 January 2018). "President Medal Awardee Inspector Smita Tandi Harassed on Moving Train; Accused Arrested". India News. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2021.