SINGLE MOM GETS IT DONE

-Written by Niknang A Marak, Fifth Semester, Media Technologies 2023.

Debita and her Kids

Debita R Marak, a resilient single mother hailing from Assam's Goalpara district, has forged her path through life in the hills of Shillong Nongrim Hills.Her daily grind involves earning her livelihood by washing clothes for households on an hourly basis. In the quiet corners of Shillong, where the rolling hills echo with stories of struggle and survival, Debita's tale stands out as a testament to strength and perseverance.

Debita's educational journey, though limited to class 9 at Pedal Loba Higher Secondary School in Meghalaya, laid the foundation for her tenacity. Life took an unexpected turn when she married Simion Sangma in 2014. However, the union was cut short with Simion's untimely departure, leaving Debita to navigate the challenging terrain of single parenthood.

Undeterred by the hardships that came her way, Debita embraced the responsibility of being both mother and father to her two precious children. Jerrytiu, a 9-year-old boy attending Providence School in class 2, and Senity, a 6-year-old girl enrolled in Auxilium School, became the focal points of her life. As the sun rises over the hills, Debita begins her day at 4 am, cooking a simple meal for her children before embarking on a day of hard work.

Jerrytiu and Senity

With an admirable work ethic, Debita takes on laundry duties in four households, two in Nongshiliang and two in Nongrim Hills. Her workday stretches from 6 am to 3 pm, encompassing hours of toil and dedication. As the morning sun bathes the hills in golden hues, Debita returns home at 7 am to attend to her children. She ensures they are ready for school, a routine that involves love, care, and the seamless coordination of a one-woman show.

Debita doing her daily chores.

Her afternoons are a delicate dance between domestic chores and professional responsibilities. From 9 am to 2:30 pm, Debita tirelessly labors to provide for her family. At noon, she interrupts her routine to pick up Jerrytiu from school, exemplifying the juggling act that defines her life. The afternoons are marked by her return to work, concluding just in time for Senity's school dismissal at 3 pm.

Debita droping Jerrytiu to School.

Debita dropping Senity to school.

The evenings in the Marak household are a blend of warmth and educational commitment. By 4 pm, Debita dons her apron once again, preparing a nourishing dinner for her children. A brief respite follows, offering a moment to reflect on the day's challenges. However, the quietude is short-lived as Debita then shuttles Senity to tuition from 6 pm to 7 pm, a testament to her dedication to her children's education.

Yet, her responsibilities don't end there. Debita takes on the role of both tutor and nurturer in the evenings, ensuring her children receive the educational support they need. In the quiet moments between lessons, she imparts not just knowledge but life lessons, weaving a tapestry of resilience and determination.

Sundays hold a special place in the Marak family calendar. The trio, clad in their Sunday best, travels to the church in Rynjah, finding solace and strength in their faith. Occasionally, the hills echo with laughter as Debita takes her children to Golflink and Park, offering them moments of joy amidst life's challenges.

Debita's income from her labor is not just a means of survival; it's a lifeline that sustains dreams and aspirations. With no other source of income, she feeds her children, sends them to school, and even manages to pay rent, all through the sweat of her brow and the strength of her spirit. It's a testament to her unwavering determination and undying love for her children.

Debita doing her chores after dropping her kids to school

As she tucks her children into bed each night, Debita's thoughts often drift to her departed husband. She admits to missing him dearly, acknowledging that life would have been easier with his presence. Yet, in the face of adversity, she stands tall, embodying the strength of a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances.

Debita R Marak is more than a single mother; she's an inspiration. Her story transcends the hills of Shillong, reaching out to every single mother facing the trials of life alone. In her resilience, we find a universal truth—that love, determination, and hard work can conquer even the steepest of hills.