Dhenkanal: Setting an example for others, the family of farmer Kailash Nayak (55), who committed suicide over crop loss and loan burden at Talbarkote village under Sadar block in this district, donated his eyes Wednesday.
Though in mourning, Nayak’s family was quite content to have done something good that will help some visually challenged person to get eyes and see the beauty of life. It was also the last wish of Nayak, his wife said.
Through such a noble gesture, the family wants to keep the memory of Nayak alive. “If his eyes are used for challenged persons, we will be happy,” said a member of the family with teary eyes.
“We will think that he is alive. His eyes will give a new lease of life to someone,” said one of the children of the deceased farmer.
Medical authorities at the Dhenkanal District Headquarters Hospital operated on the eyes. “We have stored the eyes that will be transplanted to another needy,” said a senior doctor.
It may be noted here that Nayak committed suicide by consuming a pesticide-laced drink reportedly due to crop loss and debt burden.
Family members claimed that Kailash had taken three acres of land on lease for paddy cultivation. He had borrowed from local money lenders for the cultivation but suffered crop loss due to incessant rain in the aftermath of cyclonic storm Titli.
Kailash had taken up the matter of crop loss with the administration but the latter did little for him despite an agriculture officer visiting the affected farms and taking stock of the situation.
He failed to get loans from the cooperative agencies. Clueless, he took the extreme step Monday. Family members rushed him in a critical condition to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack where he died during treatment Tuesday.
Kailash is survived by his wife and two children. When contacted, BDO Saroj Kumar Dutta refused having any knowledge on Kailash’s suicide.
Chhabindra Behera, deputy director, agriculture, said he has asked the local gram sevak to collect details on Nayak’s death and report to him. He said the Collector will be apprised of the incident and further steps will be taken after receiving the report from the gram sevak.
PNN