Attabira: In spite of leprosy eradication awareness programmes launched by the Central and State Governments across India, the mention of the very word creates a sinking feeling. And it has led to social boycott of people suffering from leprosy. It is not that just the victim suffers; their families are affected as well.
One such victim is Chhabila Deep who has been forced to sever ties with his family for more than 25 years. The 75-year-old, Chhabila left his village under Binika block in Subarnapur district 25 years ago.
“I really want to go back to my village, to my family. I still remember the faces of my loved ones. But the humiliation I suffered 25 years ago holds me back. All roads to return my near and dear seem blocked now,” Chhabila said in a voice choked with emotion.
Chhabila’s present address is on the banks of the Tinapada canal, near a distillery under Kadobahal panchayat. He lives in a very dilapidated hut which may collapse any moment.
Chhabila informed that he contracted leprosy approximately 30 years ago. Initially the disease was not diagnosed and he ignored it. By the time, he realised that leprosy had hit him, the rot had set in. His fingers and toes were affected the most. The disease slowly gnawed his whole body.
Chhabila knew that his family would be ostracised if he stayed. So he left his village 25 years back. His morning begins by begging for alms. The days when he cannot go out, he has no option but to go hungry.
For Chhabila, the disability pension he is getting from Kadobahal panchayat is a great help. However, he says he does not know what the actual amount is. “I get a pension of Rs 600 from the panchayat office. But I do not possess the pension documents. They are with the panchayat office,” he claims.
When asked about his family members, his eyes well up. “My family comprises my wife, two sons, and a daughter. Somehow, we managed to get our daughter marry off. But, it has been 25 years since I saw their faces,” he says in a chocked voice.
Local residents urged the administration to take steps for Chhabila’s rehabilitation. When asked, Attabira block development officer Pranab Kumar Chand said he had not been aware of Chhabila’s plight. After an inquiry, best possible help would be made available to him, said Chand.
PNN