Ulfat Bano, a 55-year-old resident of Hirapora village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, has been delivering letters on foot every day for the past three decades, earning widespread appreciation for her dedication.
Working as a postal employee, she collects around 25 letters each morning from the Shopian post office and sets out on foot to deliver them across her village. Without access to a postal van or even a bicycle, she walks long distances through difficult terrain to ensure every letter reaches its recipient.
Her route takes her across stone pathways, scattered homes and remote hamlets, often under challenging weather conditions. During winters, when heavy snowfall covers the region and disrupts normal life, she continues her work, walking through knee-deep snow with an umbrella in one hand and a mailbag in the other.
Despite the hardships, her routine has remained unchanged for 30 years. Known as the region’s first woman postworker, she continues to serve as a vital link connecting Hirapora with the outside world.
In a sector largely dominated by men, Ulfat Bano earns around Rs 22,000 per month and continues her duties with commitment, even as she nears retirement.
Speaking about her work, she said the job is demanding but her passion keeps her going. She added that delivering letters carrying good news, including job offers and messages from loved ones, brings joy to many families and gives her a sense of purpose.
Her unwavering service in challenging conditions has drawn praise from various quarters, highlighting her role as a symbol of dedication and resilience.
