Pugilist Aruna Mishra (left) and former kabaddi captain Shanti Devi: Jobs wanted

Jamshedpur, March 8: Awards and felicitations are not the real thrill for this sportsperson.

Hard to believe, but true.

Job worries have so harassed ace pugilist from Jharkhand, Aruna Mishra, that she rated a permanent job above most felicitations for her achievements.

This comes after she left the steel city today to take part in the International Women’s Day function in New Delhi organised by the women and child development ministry, government of India, where she would felicitated tomorrow.

Aruna spoke to The Telegraph on the ocassion of International Women’s Day on March 8.

“I received an invite from the ministry of women and child development. Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee would grace the occasion. This is perhaps the greatest award for any woman, particularly on women’s day. But if one talks about what is more essential, I would say it is a job and not an award,” said Aruna.

Aruna said that women are now coming forward to do different things.

“The women are more self confident now which is very good. They should not look back and continue their efforts in achieving what they have aimed for,” she said.

“I feel privileged for being born as a woman and it is a great feeling to receive the award from such a great personality on International Women’s Day. But I would rather go for a job than felicitations, as the former is a necessity for me,” said the pugilist.

Although the state government has been delaying giving her a job for a long time, sports minister Bandhu Tirkey had assured her of a job by the end of March when he visited the steel city a few days ago.

Aruna said that even the chief minister has assured her a job.

Talking about her expectations on this day, Aruna was clear about her game plan.

“I just want to keep up my performance as long as possible. The award sure has made me feel very special and also serves as an inspiration to perform better and keep up the good work. I am very happy about it,” said the ace pugilist.