Raksha, a Gramin Dak Sevak posted at Sarsoo Post Office in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district, walked 10 to 12 kilometres every day—navigating winding mountain trails to deliver mail to some of the region’s most remote and far-flung villages. Her journey took her through dense forests and narrow paths, in scorching summers, harsh winters, and punishing monsoons alike, when isolation only deepened, and access became even harder.

The dangers multiplied during the rainy season. Slippery terrain, poisonous insects, snakes, and wild animals hidden in the thick undergrowth made each walk a test of survival. Yet Raksha pressed on. She delivered letters and carried pension payments to people across nearly 15 villages under her post office—often serving as the only link between elderly residents and the outside world.

“I have to deliver the mail and carry pension payments to people in about 15 villages that come under this post office,” says Raksha, whose designation is that of Assistant Branch Post Master (Mail Deliverer). Risky or not, she has to carry on undaunted to ensure that the mails reach their destinations on time. Despite the dangers though, Raksha enjoys her work and is committed to the job.

Shabnam, another woman Gramin Dak Sevak posted at Kolang in Mandi District, agrees that the rainy season is the worst when rills turn into brooks that are difficult to cross. “Four years ago, when I started working, it took me quite some time to adjust to the job, which meant walking for hours. With........

© The Better India