Kendrapara: When parents become old they want their children to take care of them. But Babaji Charan Nayak, 62, is forced to shoulder the burden of his six-member family as his two sons are visually impaired. His married daughter, expelled by her in-laws for giving birth to a polio afflicted child, also stays with him with her minor son.
Babaji is a resident of Kushiapala village in Derabish block. He works as a labourer to support his family.
Babaji has two sons aged 34 and 36, but they are visually impaired. His elder son, Ramakanta Nayak, was born blind. His younger son, Chandrakanta Nayak, was helping his father run the family by working in a company outside the district.
But Chandrakanta developed brain tumour. Babaji managed to treat Chandrakanta by borrowing around Rs 3 lakh. But Chandrakanta became blind after surgery. Babaji needs another Rs 3 lakh to treat Chandrakanta.
“How can I get money to provide treatment to my younger son. I am struggling hard to support my family. My daughter Gayatri who is married is staying with me as her in-laws expelled her. With my limited income, I have been facing lots of problems to support my family,” said Babaji Nayak.
“Most of the time I am unable to buy medicines for my sons and my polio afflicted grandson. My youngest son badly requires proper treatment, but I am unable to provide it. Why has God given me such a life to me and my family?” asks Babaji with tears in his eyes.
Government aid is a day dream for Babaji’s family. Although an IAY was allotted to her husband’s name some years back, it was cornered by somebody. So we are staying in a thatched house, said Bharati Nayak, the wife of Babaji.
The family and fellow villagers have asked the district administration to help treat Babaji’s brain tumour afflicted son Chandrakanta and his polio-afflicted grandson.
A pucca house should be allotted to Babaji after an inquiry, the villagers of Kusiapala said.
When contacted, Gopabandhu Bhosagar, the BDO of Derabsih block, said the matter has come to his knowledge. He said he has ordered an inquiry and promised to help Babaji’s family.
PNN