A glimmer of hope in the life of Taramoni Das

Taramoni Das, living at Teesta River basin's Baishshopara village of Mahishkhocha union at Aditmari upazila in Lalmonirhat has received assistance of Tk 20 thousand from a kind hearted Dhaka resident (who requests to remain anonymous) last Friday.After reading news headlined "107 Year Old Taramoni Das struggles to survive", which was published at Star Insight in the Daily Star on 8 April 2015, the woman decided to come forward and lend a helping hand to Taramoni Das. "I will continue my support to Taramoni Das according to my ability in the future," the donor informed the Daily Star.

After receiving the fund, Taramoni cried out in happiness at her home on Friday morning. Nearby villagers gathered and was also happy to learn that the senior citizen had received such support. She will use the fund to make her life better."I will repair the fences of my house. I will purchase some bamboos for producing bamboos made goods," Old Taramoni said. "If I didn't get the fund, I couldn't repair fences of my tin-shed hut and I would face a lot suffering in the coming rainy season," she said,thanking Almighty and her donor for the kindness she has received. 

Taramoni Das, old widow of the village Baishsho Para is struggling for her daily bread at the age of 107. She has been preparing different kinds of handicraft items with bamboo since she was a teenager. She works hard in her hut from morning to nightfall everyday producing baskets, dali, kula (winnowing tray), sieve and others, which brings her Tk 40 to 45 income a day. She got married to Tarok Chandra Das, of Baishsho Para village at Mohishkhocha union of Aditmari in 1923 when she was 16. She had learnt to make things out of bamboo at her parents' house at Kathal Bari village of Kurigram. After marriage, she continued the job to help her husband. She became mother of five daughters and one son. Taramoni lost her husband Tarok Chandra 18 years ago and since then she has been bearing the burden of the family. 

The generosity bestowed upon her will make the next few months easier and more bearable for Taramoni. She is happy and remains determined to workhard everyday to produce things out of bamboo. That is her trade, and she hopes to continue it until her death.