Nayagarh: Two years back, Rajat Parida’s parents weren’t sure if their son would live let alone be able to walk and live a normal life. Doctors said it was unlikely that the 13-year-old boy would survive the 11kv shock he received after touching a live wire due to the negligence of the electric department.
However, even after doctors got his right arm amputated due to the electric shock, the little boy has stood strong and stands with a smile. Even as his parents were left worried, he was the one who kept reminding them not to worry. He believes he can achieve everything like any normal person.
To keep his parents happy, he goes to school all by himself and tries his best to live a normal life. However, a little help from the administration in providing him an artificial hand would give the boy a new lease of life, say his school teachers.
“He not only comes to school but is a very good student. Being from a poor family, his parents are not able to afford him an artificial hand. A little help from the administration would help him make his future bright,” his teachers said.
This is the plight of Rajat, son of Prafulla Parida of Badakutuni village under Odagaon block in Nayagarh district.
According to sources, the incident occurred two years back. An 11kv electric wire passes through Prafulla’s house. In the absence of parents, Rajat’s little sister, out of curiosity, took an iron rod and tried to touch the electric wire. In a bid to save her and snatch the iron rod, Rajat got shock on his right hand.
Now, the boy has to depend on his left hand for everything including writing his homework and taking his food.
On the other hand, no action was taken against the electricity department for their negligence who also did not extend a helping hand to the little boy.
With no help from the administration, the family had earlier approached the National Human Rights Commission for help, but to no avail. While Prafulla works as a daily wager, Rajat’s mother Renubala Parida is a housekeeper. The family finds it hard to arrange money for the boy’s artificial hand operation.
Locals sympathised with the boy and demanded necessary help for him.
PNN
