At 4 in the afternoon, Pinky Karmakar was having lunch, it was the first proper meal since the morning, and she contacted her for an interview. Pinky works as a permanent worker at Borborooah Tea Estate in Upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district with a daily salary of Rs 205 (new wage rate) and is responsible for looking after tea plantation workers by the Covid agreement.
In 2012 Pinky, who was aspiring to become an archer at the age of 17, went to Nottinghamshire from the narrow alleys of this tea plantation. Represented the country in the “torchbearer” race of the London Olympics.
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Pinky’s good old days during the London Olympics 2012
“People don’t allow me to forget my Olympic days,” Pinky says. “I clearly remember when I wasn’t able to hold the torch with the flame. It was heavy and I needed to lift it with one hand and raise the other hand.
The very feeling of pride that I was doing it for my county in London gave me enough strength to pull through. I met many people and possibly football legend David Beckham when his academy gave us the jerseys. Those were the best days of my life.
Pinky’s life as a coach for UNICEF’s sports development program
The young woman from the tea plantation was selected from 20 schools where Pinky used to be the coach for UNICEF’s sports development program. Furthermore, she once ran night schools for uneducated adults in tea gardens and neighboring areas.
Pinky forgot the proud memories of the London Olympics and continued to participate in wellness projects.
Pinky’s short but proud Olympic career
Pinky’s short but proud Olympic career has brought her fame, fame, and admiration from her people and the state government.
After returning from London, she was greeted on the Dibrugarh red carpet. Politicians, ministers, and the MLA packed her home, congratulating her on her achievements, especially that of the tea plantation.
Pinky’s agony after Olympic fame
“Nobody, and I mean nobody even bothered to know whether I am dead or alive. People don’t let me overcome my agony, they keep on asking what happened? You did so much and got nothing in return. I am not sure what to do with my life. They said I need to complete my studies. I have my old retired father and my brother and sister at home to look after,” says Pinky.
Pinky’s association with UNICEF ended in 2012
Although her relationship with UNICEF ended after 2012, Pinky continued to serve as a student development instructor under ABITA, paying her 7,000 rupees a month.
To do this, you need to visit the three gardens once a week and sometimes the ABITA office in Dibrugarh, where your travel expenses are included in your monthly salary.
Pinky’s contribution went in vain since the government is not appreciative
“Based on Pinky’s experience, we believe that our respective governments have failed the Assam tea community. We ask the current government to appreciate Pinky’s contribution and appreciate her enthusiasm,” said the representative of all Assam tea student associations in the Dibrugarh district.
The representative added, “She represented India and will meet with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma soon”.
Pinky congratulates Lovlina Borgohain
On that day Assam sports icon Lovlina Borgohain arrived in New Delhi and received a warm welcome. Pinky expressed her happiness. She said: “I am happy for Lovlina.
She has left us and the country very proud. My only concern is that no athlete should be in my position.” Ten years later, they caught one uncured sore that is painful.
