LIFE OF MIGRANT WOMEN IN BHUBANESWAR
(International Women’s Day Special Article)
By Shabiha Nur Khatoon
In an increasingly dynamic age, students and professionals are moving out of small towns and villages, migrating to cities in search of opportunities for higher studies and livelihood prospects. Many of us dream of bagging rewarding jobs in the newly emerging avenues of the economy and flock to the cities, but the process of adjusting to an unfamiliar city is seldom smooth.
On the occasion of Women’s Day—a day to celebrate and appreciate the women in our lives and around the world—The Indus Valley Times gets in touch with a few women who share their experiences of shifting to Bhubaneswar for higher studies and job opportunities.
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is a place where the old meets the new. Ancient temples stand alongside modern shopping malls and large tech parks. Beyond these, the Temple City also holds many untold stories of migrant women who have come to Bhubaneswar seeking better opportunities and a stable life.
Many women from different parts of the country and even the world come here to study or work, leaving behind their homes and comfort zones to grow and succeed. Their stories are truly inspiring, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle.
Priya Singh, a 22-year-old student from Bihar, moved to Bhubaneswar in 2022 to pursue a degree in English Literature. “Back home, education was limited, and I had to travel long distances just to go to school,” Priya says.
She further adds, “When I learned about the different colleges and courses offered here, I made up my mind to come. Nothing comes easy. During my initial days in Bhubaneswar, I struggled a lot as I had to find accommodation that suited my needs and was close to my college. It took a while to adjust, but the biggest challenge was overcoming my deep attachment to family and friends, which can hold you back from stepping out of your comfort zone. Luckily, I made some amazing friends who helped me understand the city better. To support my expenses, I work part-time at a café.”
Sneha Yadav, a software professional, moved to Bhubaneswar just a year ago for better opportunities. “Last year, I moved to Bhubaneswar. No doubt, it is one of the best cities, but the main difficulty I faced initially was the language barrier. I didn’t understand what people were saying, and I felt lonely. But I didn’t give up. Now, after a year, I can understand and speak a little Odia.
Besides the language, the busy, fast-paced life in Bhubaneswar can also be overwhelming. For women like us who come from small towns or villages, where life is slower and people know each other, the city can feel isolating,” says Sneha.
Anindita Mitra, a nurse from West Bengal, explains, “My family depends on me financially. I send money home every month. Sometimes, it’s tiring, but I remind myself that I’m doing this for a better future—for both my family and myself. Along with managing family responsibilities, I am learning to be independent.”
Sneha, Anindita, and Priya represent many women who are far away from home but are gradually making Bhubaneswar their own. They are adjusting to the city’s fast-paced life, overcoming challenges, and carving out a niche for themselves.
So, Bhubaneswar is not just a Temple City or an IT hub—it is a city of dreams for many women in pursuit of a better life.
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