Three Physically Challenged Under One Roof, with Poverty to Battle
 
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
 
Mangalore, Jul 20: Sarojini, a widow and resident of Bolur, Sulthan Battery has had a hard life. Among her six children (two sons and four daughters), three who were physically challenged have died. Her elder daughter Yashodha (45) is speech-impaired and bed-ridden. Her younger sister Shobha (35) is also in a similar condition.

Not only that, her 8-year-old grandson too is physically challenged.

Their's is not a congenital disorder, but acquired with age. Raghuveer, Sarojini's son is the only source of income for the family.

Physically challenged women are eligible for Rs 700 under the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project, which the family has been getting. However, due to government apathy, Sarojini has not been getting her senior citizen pension. She managed to build a house after working in nearby houses.
 
Sarojini at her age should have been relaxing and spending the twilight days of her life with her children and grandchildren, instead, she has to take care of her invalid daughters and a grandson. When the media approached her, all she wanted was a better place to stay or some arrangement made to shift all of them, including herself, to an ashram. 
 
As the news spread, one Rajesh from Pandeshwar came forward to donate 25 kg of rice every month. Corporator Divakar agreed to give Rs 500 per month.
 
In an overwhelming act of kindness and integrity, Ashok and Michael collected Rs 30,000 for the family. The amount may not sound huge, except that they collected it by stopping those who were going to use that money to bribe officials at the RTO to get their work done quickly. Not only did they help the family, but also did their bit against corruption.

Likewise, Kulshekar residents Richard and his wife Allys of Lions Club, Mangalore visited their house and agreed to contribute Rs 500 every month.
 
Individuals, organisations and philanthropists are requested to contribute towards the cause.
 

Details:

Sarojini
W/o Harishchandra Devadiga
Appi Compound, Kallavu Mane
Sulthan Battery Road, Near Urva Market,
Ashok Nagar Post.

Mobile number: 9448486937

Bank account details:

Canara Bank
Urva Market
Ashok Nagar
A/C no: 1602101006213

IFS Code: CNRB0001602