Seventeen-year-old Mona Lisa from Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh became an internet sensation after visiting the Prayagraj Mahakumbh to sell garlands. What’s surprising is her house story. Despite having standing walls, her home lacks a proper roof, covered instead with plastic sheets and wooden poles as the second installment of the Prime Minister's housing scheme hasn't been received. Notably, Mona Lisa's home is located right across from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s helipad in Maheshwar.
Mona Lisa, with her magical blue eyes, traces her family roots back to Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, having settled in Madhya Pradesh nearly 150 years ago. About 30 years ago, the nomadic family found a home in Maheshwar, the town of Goddess Devi Ahilya. They make ends meet by selling rudraksha beads, spiritual items like sphatik, and shivlings at various religious festivals.
Important Meeting in Maheshwar on 24th
The cabinet meeting of the Madhya Pradesh government is scheduled for January 24th in Maheshwar, coinciding with the 300th anniversary of Devi Ahilya's birth, in a field located right in front of Mona Lisa’s house.
Mona Lisa Among Four Siblings
Mona Lisa’s aunt, Rubina, says Mona Lisa has a younger sister and two brothers. Mona Lisa has some schooling and can sign her name. The whole family, including her parents and grandmother, travel across the country to fairs to sell garlands and rudraksha beads.
Joyful Yet Troublesome Virality
Aunt Rubina shares, Mona Lisa has joined her family at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela. The viral sensation brings happiness, yet constant inquiries hinder their sales of garlands, affecting their business. Although they initially planned to return to Khargone, they’ve decided to stay until the festival ends.
Source: aajtak
'The Blessings of the Poor are with You'
Aunt Rubina expresses her heartache, stating, “Our home is incomplete. We hope you, leaders, and the government will help us. The blessings of the poor will be with you. Some have been allocated cottages, and some have not. It distresses Mona Lisa. We make our living selling garlands. People exclaim that Mona Lisa is viral, and she is harassed from all sides. We wish to call her back, but fear others will be troubled.”
Source: aajtak
Surviving by Selling Garlands and Rudraksha
Social worker Hemant Jain from Maheshwar states that Mona Lisa’s popularity brought attention not only to Maheshwar but the entire Madhya Pradesh. The community, known for traveling, sells Himalayan rudraksha at fairs. They provide for themselves by selling garlands, moving locations as needed. Despite having established a home in Maheshwar, the second financial installment under the Prime Minister's housing scheme was not disbursed, leaving the roof unfinished. They deserve access to education, health, and housing provided by the authorities.
The Authorities Respond
The Municipal Council Maheshwar's CMO, Priyank Pandya, mentions that no complaint has been received in this regard. If any formal request is made, it will be addressed.
