Charubala Barik has been using the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to bring about real change in and around her village of Temri. Till date, she has helped approximately 7,000 people
MARIA FERNANDES | NT
While most of us use Twitter (now known as X) for personal, professional and social use, Charubala Barik has made it a hotline to help the poor and needy in and around her village of Temri in Bargarh district of Odisha.
From helping elderly people secure pensions, getting widows financial aid under the social security schemes to assisting individuals with disabilities access their rightful benefits, her work spans multiple areas. Her handle @CharubalaB has 11k followers to date.
“At present, I am continuing my fight for the rights of migrant workers who are staying abroad due to poverty and also for basic education facilities for children. Safety and security of people, construction of new roads, bridges, etcetera, are also on my list of targets to be achieved,” says the 26-year-old post-graduate student who is fondly known as Deepa by her villagers.
Beyond personal assistance, the selfless young woman has also addressed community issues. “My aim has always been to ensure that government welfare schemes reach the people they are meant for,” she states.
Hailing from a working-class background, Deepa witnessed the struggles of the people in her village and realised the severity of the issues they faced. “My desire to help people has been there since I was a child but I did not know how to go about it,” she shares. Then in 2019, her parents gifted her an Android on her birthday and with help from a local activist Dibas Kumar Sahu who introduced her to Twitter, her journey began. “It wasn’t just a gadget; it became my gateway to the world of possibilities. Sahu showed me how Twitter could be a platform to raise the voices of those who are unheard by tagging and connecting with senior government officials. I was inspired by the idea that I could bring real change to my village using this simple yet powerful tool,” she says. “It was a way to bridge the gap between the people in need and those in power.”
Her first achievement was during the aftermath of Cyclone Fani in 2019. A couple in her neighbouring village had lost their home to the cyclone. To help them, Deepa tweeted their story, tagging the Chief Minister and other officials along with the social media grievance cell. “To my surprise, within 48 hours, officials visited their home and soon they received Rs. 98,000 to rebuild their house. That moment made me realise how impactful this platform could be,” she says.
One achievement that holds a special place in her heart is the construction of a 10km RD road from Temri, to Goibahali via Palsada, where her maternal uncle›s home is located. “This project is deeply personal to me. As a child, I vividly remember travelling with my uncle on a rainy day when the river was in full swing. Unfortunately, we were swept away by the river’s current—a terrifying and life-changing experience. From that day, it became my dream to ensure no one else faced such danger while travelling,” she says. Years later, she tweeted about the dire need for a bridge over the river and a proper road connecting the areas. Over time the road was completed. “The road stands as a testament to the power of determination and advocacy. It’s not just a road—it’s a lifeline for the community and a dream comes true for me,” she says.
Deepa believes the most common problems that villagers face are a lack of awareness and access to government welfare schemes. “Often, they don’t know what benefits they’re entitled to or how to apply for them. Infrastructure issues—like poor roads, damaged dams or a lack of basic amenities—are also widespread,” she says. Another serious concern, she states, is that many government employees are not doing their duty honestly. “So many brokers/agents are acting as middle men and looting common innocent persons,” she laments.
Deepa too faces many obstacles while trying to help the villagers. One of the main challenges has been bureaucratic delays. Additionally, being a woman in a rural setting, she has faced scepticism and criticism from some people who doubted her intentions. “But I’ve always believed in my mission, and these challenges only made me more determined to succeed,” she shares.
Patience and persistence have been her greatest allies. Following up relentlessly and using the available social media tools she has ensured accountability. “I also relied on the support of like-minded individuals and mentors who encouraged me to keep going,” she says. Empathy, she believes, is the foundation of everything she does.
For other youngsters who are considering social work as an instrument to make a difference in society, Deepa states that you don’t need to wait for a perfect moment or resources to start making a difference. “Look around you; there are issues that need attention right now. With empathy, determination, and tools like social media, you can create real change,” she says. “Start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid of challenges. Every step you take can inspire others and build a better society.”
