Bhubaneswar, Aug. 30 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, highlighted the inspiring transformation of women from Odisha's Debrigarh region in Sambalpur. He said they turned forest conservation into a means of livelihood while also contributing to the protection of nature.

Sharing the story of Dhodrokusum village in the Debrigarh region, PM Modi spoke about Maithili Bhue, who until a few years ago regularly visited the forest to meet the needs of her family.

According to the Prime Minister, Maithili would often go into the forest to collect firewood, Mahua flowers, Kendu leaves, bamboo shoots and other forest produce. The forest was an important source of livelihood and fulfilled several needs of her family a...