Mangalore : From No Hope to Earning New Lease of Life - Thank You Daijiworld Readers
December 16, 2009
Walter Nandalike
Editior-in-chief
Daijworld.com
Dear Readers,
This note of acknowledgement with great pride and humble gratitude comes from all of us at Daijiworld, after again many more families have now found new lease of life with your helping hand. It was just one simple call for help, but humanity responded at its highest best and monetary benefit poured in directly to the needy who had lost hope in their lives. But what is more satisfying and has left an indelible mark is that when needed most, it was only humanity that counted and when generous hearts decided to pool in contribution, caste, creed, religion and all other barriers just vanished and humane values prevailed. It is not the success of an individual or institution but victory of humaneness.
In the past three months we have published several appeals for help. Though we could not publish each and everything that had come to our tables, we have published a few after establishing through thorough scrutiny that they needed immediate attention.
Now we have these families back with us, who have come to us not just with a note of gratitude but with a heart that will remain every thankful to each of you. Though they very much wish to say a big ‘Thank You’ to each and everyone, they cannot do it owing to many obvious reasons. They wish to say again through us ‘your readers have given us new lease of life and kindled a new hope to live.’
Rayan Fernandes (24) : (Amount Received so far : Rs 7,63,000 and counting)
Rayan Fernandes(24), a resident of Mudar in Bajagoli near Karkala taluk and son of Felix Fernandes and Irine Fernades, met with a vehicle accident for no fault of his. The accident has left him paralyzed, as he has neither control over, nor any strength in his body, below his chest.
Ever since daijiworld published his appeal, he kept on calling us thanking for the support he received with each passing day. He was not only happy for the money that he received from donors but for the fact that several people from around the globe called him and consoled him while assuring their ceaseless prayers for his well-being.
He could not control his tears when he said that the help received from donors all over the world gave him strength and hope of recovering. He almost received the entire amount that he expecting and that was needed for him to lead normal life. "It may take some time, but I will be back. I will never forget anyone who has supported me in this moment of difficulty. I had completely lost hope. How can I repay your debt? But be sure that rest of my life is dedicated to you all...” He repeatedly says that he will pray for everyone at every moment of his life.
Sarojini : An Aged Mother Caring for Mentally-Challenged Offspring (Appr Rs 4 lac plus)
Sarojini has spent over four decades looking after three of her children and a grandchild. A small house near Bolor Sulthan Battery is the only asset in her name and even that is being disputed by her own relatives and a court case is on in the matter.
Of her six children, four were born mentally-challenged. Her eldest daughter Yogini passed away at the age of 48, while second daughter Yashoda (46), son Jagadeesha (43) and daughter Shobha (42), require her constant care.
Sarojini was totally shattered in her life, but she was living for the sake of her children. She loved them most but never ever had expected she would get help in the form of daijiworld readers, Neither had she known internet nor daijiworld. But when she came to know about the money received at her bank account through daijiworld readers worldwide, she ha no words "Cannot believe that even in this era we have people living amidst us who help us even when we do not ask for,” was her first reaction.
Though her children cannot come back to normalcy, today she feels much better since her children are everything for her. Tears rolled down her eyes when daijiworld correspondent met her to enquire about the response she received for the appeal published. "We don't know who they are, but I can only bless them. They will be given ten times more from the Almighty. Never in my life did I come a cross such nice people,” was only she could say.
Not only the individuals but even the well-known organizations such as Billawara Balaga Dubai, Billawara Balaga Abu Dhabi have extended their helping hand towards this cause.
Crawling Twins Remain Confined Within Four Walls of Home (Rs 2.5 lac plus)
Lakshman and Lokanath, who are twins, have not seen the outside world except when they were carried physically by the elders, when they were very small. They are 47 years old now, and are able to move about only by crawling. They are the members of a poverty-stricken family living in Bajal Jalligudde Jayanagar in the city.
The brothers have not gone to any school, neither do they know how to read and write. They can speak only Tulu. They live with their old mother, Swaraswati (70), who ekes out a living by washing utensils at a hotel in Balmatta in the city. Their mother gets about Rs 1,500 from her work, beside Rs 400 by way of widow pension. The two brothers too get monthly pension meant for the disabled persons through postal money order, which they receive through thumb impressions.
When the above story published on daijiworld in September 09, donors from around the world responded to the cause. Daijiworld correspondent indeed felt proud to go through the passbook entries of mother Sarsawathi, which clearly indicated that people had risen above the petty barriers of caste, creed and religion and joined hands in reaching out to this family with whom they hardly shared any familiar bond. People from every religion contributed and Saraswathi’s passbook proved that humane values always win over selfish motives of a few opportunists!
When contacted Saraswathi reacted with a big glee and profound happiness. "Now I feel much better, I can serve better food for my kids as I need not beg everyone. I do not know who you people are, but you are no less than angels to me and my children. How can I repay you ?. You continue reaching out others too. I bless you all and that is the only thing I can do for you,” she said.
Sayed Rumana Abdul Rehman (23) : (Rs 1.7 lac and counting)
Sayed Rumana Abdul Rehman, the 23-year-old daughter of Sayed Abdul Rehman Nazir and Farhat Abdul Rehman Nazir, has been suffering from polycystic kidney disease since the age of three. She has been under medical treatment since then and had to be hospitalized in Bombay Hospital in 2007, after developing serious complications. In July 2009, her condition turned worse and the doctors surgically removed one of her kidneys that had stopped functioning, and the family had to spend five lac rupees for this procedure. Her other kidney too is damaged and needs to be replaced through kidney transplant.
Parents of Ruman have acknowledged to daijiworld that they got lots of hope after the publication of their appeal for help. They are confident that Rumana will be back to normal soon after the treatment. But they gave big salaam to all those stood by them who despite no knowing the family personally willingly came forward to help.
Apart from above four, there a few others too who have received help from daijiworld readers. Most of them have acknowledged us for the response they received from all around.
We at daijiworld salute our readers for once again rising for a cause. In the last 9 years of our media mission, we are proud that over Rs 2.4 crore has been raised through our exclusive appeals on daijiworld. More than 52 families, individuals have been reached out during this period.
We will continue our mission as a part of our social commitment. But we assure you that every appeal received at daijiworld is strictly scrutinized and only deserved will be put forward before our esteemed readers. We do not accept donations on behalf of needy, but we publish direct contact and account number of beneficiaries so that you could reach out to them without any middlemen.
Thank you for saving so many lives and making our social commitment more stronger.