Ratlam: Shakuntala Ben, a role model for many in Alot, dies of Covid at 82

Alot (Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh): After losing two of her younger brothers in last eight days, Shakuntala Ben lost battle to Covid while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Indore on Monday evening.

She was 82 and was cremated in Indore. Shakuntala Ben was familiar with another name Meera Ben as she was a role model for many in Alot. At the time when people didn’t send daughters to schools, Shakuntala Ben completed education till MA from Banasthali Vidyapith in Tonk district of Rajasthan.

She not only set an example for others but encouraged other parents to send their daughters to school and allow them to receive higher education. Being the eldest among seven siblings, she helped her father in agriculture work.

Shakuntala was fond of horse riding and music. She often used to ride on a horse on the farm to inspect crops at the time when women in rural areas did not come out of the house. Even at 82, she hardly depended on anyone.

Moreover, she dedicated her life to bringing up two younger brothers Ghevarmal Banthia and Gyanchand Banthia and four sisters. Both Banthia brothers died within four days after undergoing treatment for novel coronavirus in Indore.

Many prominent personalities from Alot and its adjoining areas expressed condolence on her demise. Shakuntala Ben not only helped her father Chandmal Banthia to bring up her siblings but also looked after family’s farm related work.