Charar-e-Sharief, April 5: In an era dominated by modern healthcare facilities, a woman from Charar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir has quietly upheld a decades-old tradition of home-based childbirth assistance, serving her community with dedication for over 30 years.

Known locally for her experience and compassion, the elderly midwife has assisted in the safe delivery of hundreds of babies across nearby villages, often stepping in during emergencies when access to hospitals was limited or delayed. Her work, rooted in traditional knowledge passed down through generations, reflects a blend of skill, patience, and deep community trust.
Residents say her presence has been a source of reassurance, especially during harsh winters or times of uncertainty when transportation to medical facilities becomes difficult. “She has helped bring life into this world for decades. Many families here owe her gratitude,” said a local resident.
Despite lacking formal medical training, she has relied on practical experience, traditional techniques, and an instinct developed over years of service. Her role goes beyond childbirth assistance—she provides emotional support to mothers, guides families through the process, and ensures basic care during and after delivery.
However, with the expansion of institutional healthcare and growing awareness about maternal safety, home deliveries have significantly declined in recent years. Government initiatives promoting hospital births, trained medical staff, and improved infrastructure have transformed maternal healthcare across Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, in remote pockets, traditional midwives like her still play a supplementary role when immediate medical help is unavailable.
Health experts acknowledge that while institutional deliveries are crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality, the contribution of traditional birth attendants in earlier decades cannot be overlooked. They served as the only accessible support system in times when healthcare facilities were scarce.
Now in the later years of her life, the woman continues her service, though at a reduced pace. Her legacy lives on not only in the countless children she helped deliver but also in the respect she commands within her community.
Her story stands as a testament to resilience, service, and the enduring value of traditional knowledge—quietly bridging the past and present in the journey of motherhood.