Blooming Against All Odds: The Bhumikanya of East Midnapore

We have all grown up listening to that powerful Rabindrasangeet — a song that speaks of rising above fear and self-doubt, of discovering strength within and winning over life’s challenges. While many of us simply heard it, only a rare few truly live by its spirit.

Pritikana Jana, lovingly known as Bhumikanya of East Midnapore, is one of those few. Despite facing several storms in her own life, she held tight to the flame of knowledge within her. And now, she uses that very flame to light the spark of possibility in others, helping dreams grow. 

Economics says labour means any work done in exchange for money. But in the language of love and compassion, those who work tirelessly to build a healthy, beautiful, and self-reliant society are the true workers of hope. The village of Gopalanagar in Birbhum district has become the workplace of one such inspiring woman. Originally from East Midnapore, Pritikana Jana came to Santiniketan for her studies. The dry, red soil of Birbhum gradually touched the sensitive heart of this determined and resilient young woman.

A law student, Pritikana, connected with several tree and animal welfare organizations through social media. While many destroy greenery, there are a few who protect it, who fight to bring new green life to the earth. Pritikana became one of them.

She started carrying seed balls in her bag, little bundles of hope. Wherever she found open space, she scattered them, hoping they would grow into trees and give the world fresh air to breathe. Alongside this, she also began caring for street animals, feeding and nurturing them with love. With this spirit, Pritikana set off on her journey, filled with kindness, courage, and the dream of a greener, more compassionate world.

Then came the COVID pandemic, a moment when the whole world stood still under the weight of an invisible virus. But what didn’t stop was the human spirit — the drive to create, to care, and to do good.

On her way to and from college, Pritikana would often observe the lives of people in Gopalanagar, a nearby village. She saw potential in the children there, bright minds full of possibilities, yet lacking the space or chance to dream. The pandemic made her worry even more, knowing it might push these children further away from education.

While villages closer to Santiniketan had access to learning, Gopalanagar, nearly 9–10 kilometres away, remained in the dark. So, with support from a local resident, Pritikana brought the light of education to the village. But for her, education was not just about textbooks. She also taught the children about hygiene and basic health practices. And to help their talents truly bloom, she introduced them to creative activities such as dance, music, painting, and other forms of artistic expression to unfold their inner talents. 

But where poverty is a daily reality, how can children get proper nutrition? Pritikana found a solution for that, too. She taught the children how to grow vegetables. Now, they receive nourishment straight from cultivation, using land in their own village. 

Of course, the journey was never easy. There were doubts, criticisms, and challenges along the way. But Pritikana faced it all head-on. Her own life struggles became her source of inner strength.

In a conversation with Bongodarshan, the Bengali portal of Get Bengal, she said, “I’m no longer alone. Many are now stepping forward to help these children. Some are teaching them art, helping to develop their sense of beauty. Others are supporting the food bank. What started with just my stipend has now become a shared mission, and I’m grateful for everyone who supports me in my journey.”

Even if society or destiny doesn’t give a woman the right to shape her own future, she must claim it for herself.

Once, Pritikana had to face the harsh mindset of people saying, “What’s the point of educating a girl? She’ll get married anyway.” But today, that same girl is studying law — driven by determination, not permission.

Bit by bit, she’s trying to weave a new kind of society, where people are known simply as human beings, not by caste, gender, or class. With the tenderness of a mother, she’s nurturing little buds and helping them bloom, dreaming of a world that’s more colourful, inclusive, and full of hope.