Udupi, Jul 5, 2010

 In Moodupalimar, which comes under Palimar Gram Panchayat  of Udupi district, lives a poverty-stricken family of five which has the additional responsibility of caring for two physically and mentally challenged children.

K Ibrahim and Mariyamma have two children, who despite being adults need special attention and care equal to that given to infants.

25-year-old Asif can move from one place to another but is fully dependent on others for all his daily needs. His 23-year-old sister Sainaz also suffers from the same disease and is in the same situation.

Both children are lovingly cared for by their mother Mariyamma who says, “They are a gift from God and I have to take care of them. I have been with them right from birth and have never left them even for a day. They are my two eyes. Allah wished that they should be like this and I am living with his blessing.”

Ibrahim and Mariyamma have six children—four girls and two boys. When things were going bad, as the head of the house, Ibrahim who had to take care of his children, their education, household expenses and other things, had no other go than leaving home in search of a job.

He went to Saudi Arabia around six years ago for a small labourer job and has still not returned home.

“I can’t come home as I have married off two of my daughters. Sainaz is completely bed-ridden, and the younger one has finished her PUC. My wife does everything at home—looks after the children, especially the two special ones. I do not know when can I come back to see my family. I am burdened with the huge loan taken for my daughters’ wedding, education, and living of my family”, said Ibrahim over phone when Daijiworld correspondent spoke to him.

The younger son Mustafa, who had to dropout after high school, is working in a mobile shop near Udupi.

The family has no other income. But the sad part is, even the government is not concerned enough to help them.

“Every time election comes, politicians visit our house. They promise that once the election is over they will see that help is provided by the government. But at least four governments have changed since then. No one is helping us. Living a decent life has become very difficult. We are struggling to live”, says Mariyamma, seeking some kind of help from generous donors.

Their house was built years ago and is on the verge of collapse as it needs some repair work.

Francis D’Souza, recently elected representative of Gram Panchayat, contacted Daijiworld to explain the pathetic story of this family expecting some kind of relief from the readers. He said that he would try for governmental help too but is not very optimistic about securing immediate help.

After verification of the situation personally by the Daijiworld team, we request help for the family.

There is no hope that the two special children will ever be able to lead a normal life, but they still have every right to a decent life.

You can reach out Mariyamma’s family at:

Account Name: Mariyamma
A/c no. 01292210009729
Swift: synb0000129
Syndicate Bank
Palimar Branch
Pin: 574112
Udupi Taluk