Odisha: Mamata Bhoi, 20-year old tribal girl of Gobardhan Badmal village in Jujumura block was honoured by the district administration on Wednesday, June 26 for showing exemplary courage by rejecting to tie the nuptial knot to her groom, who had arrived drunk at their wedding on May 12th, this year. Her act was lauded by the residents of the district.

Mamata was honoured by Sambalpur Collector Subham Saxena along with SP Sanjeev Arora at a function to mark the International day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking, here on Wednesday. She was felicitated with a shawl, citation and Rs.10,000 in cash.

She said that her groom was in an inebriated state and could not even stand straight at her wedding mandap. On seeing him in that situation, she decided to stand up for herself as she realised she cannot lead a happy life with him.

She says “I am happy that I took this bold decision”. Her aunt Subasini Dharua said, her niece wasn’t from a well-to-do family and it wasn’t easy for her to send the groom back from the wedding mandap. She also added that Mamata is all set to marry a man from Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district and the wedding is scheduled on July 8.

They have been careful enough and have enquired that the man doesn’t consume liquor or any other intoxicant.

SP Sanjeev Arora congratulated Mamata for her bold move and said that she has sent out a message to all girls to be careful when they choose their life partner.