Daijiworld Media Network- Bhopal

Bhopal, Jun 24: In a heartwarming tale of grit and perseverance, Savitri Bai Sisodia, a middle-aged woman labourer from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh, struck fortune when she discovered a 2.69-carat diamond while digging in a government-leased mine on Monday.

A resident of Devendra Nagar, Savitri Bai had been toiling for the past two years in the Chopra area under the blistering sun, navigating layers of rock and dust, driven by a single hope — to find a diamond that could transform her family’s fate.

According to officials, she had taken a small patch of land on lease from the state government, a common practice in Panna, a region renowned for its rich diamond deposits. Each year, the government leases out small 25x30 ft plots at nominal rates ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 350, allowing thousands to try their luck. However, only a few manage to hit the glittering jackpot.

Diamond Officer Anupam Singh, who verified and deposited the gemstone, stated that the diamond will now be placed for auction as per standard procedures. “After deducting applicable government royalty and taxes, the proceeds from the auction will be handed over to Savitri Bai,” he confirmed.

The exact value of the 2.69-carat diamond is yet to be determined, but the find has sparked hope among the local mining community.

This discovery is yet another testament to Panna’s reputation as a diamond hotspot. In November 2024, a labourer named Dilip Mistry found a 7.44-carat diamond — his second find in just three months. Earlier, in July 2024, a 19.22-carat gem was unearthed by another local, further bolstering the region's diamond legacy.

While only a lucky few get rewarded, thousands continue to dig with hope in their hearts and dreams in their eyes — much like Savitri Bai, whose perseverance has finally borne fruit.