On International Women’s Day, residents pay tribute to domestic workers in Bhopal

BHOPAL: In a touching display of appreciation, women residents of a prominent residential society in Bhopal marked International Women's Day by felicitating their domestic workers with flowers, garlands, sweets, gifts, and a lavish special lunch. The heartfelt gesture transformed the Surabhi Life Spaces community hall into a venue of joy and tears, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of these essential workers. Over a dozen of maids, who tirelessly manage households, childcare, and daily chores, were the stars of the event. Overwhelmed by the recognition, many broke down in tears while receiving their honours. "We work hard every day, but today we feel valued and respected," said Vimla, a 35-year-old domestic worker with over a decade of service in the society. "This is the first time someone has made us feel like heroes," said Jyoti, another domestic worker. Organized by the women's wing of the society, the initiative saw residents like , Kahkassha Saxena, Kiran Soni, Vinita Pandey, Hemlata Sejkar, Arti Dua, Poonam Chaturvedi, Malti Mehrishi, Seema Dhankani, Niharika Shrivastav and other women garland workers personally. "These women are the backbone of our homes," said Kiran Soni and Poonam Chaturvedi. The program included speeches praising the workers' resilience amid rising living costs and the challenges of the pandemic.