Bhubaneswar, Jan. 28 -- A lady artiste has braved all odds like social stigma and acute poverty and is currently struggling hard to make ends meet for her family by performing 'Danda Nrutya'.

Meet Droupadi Jagadala from Talapadar village in Boudh district. The 16-year-old Droupadi lost her mother in her childhood. The hapless lady is leading a miserable life in a thatched hut along with her family members. Her family comprising her old and ailing father and four sisters are dependent on her to sustain their livelihood.

Droupadi, who is a Danda artiste, is striving hard to make the ends meet from her meagre income.

As per locals, Droupadi is a good student. However, she was forced to leave studies after matriculation as the financial co...