Nandahandi: At a young age, a child has to carry the burden of running the family. Studies have come to an end. The family business, which was once run by his parents, is now on the shoulders of this young boy to provide for his family.
Buda Nayak, a 16-year-old boy, had to drop out of school after his father, who was a mason by profession, fell from a height while working, breaking his right leg. Since then, he has been unable to continue his work. Managing a family of five became extremely difficult for the family. To support them, Buda started working in a shop at the age of 8. After three years, he returned home from the hostel and worked in another shop. Despite the hardships, he managed to keep the family going.
Buda, realizing the need for education, has continued studying on his own and has opened a small shop with the savings he had accumulated over time. He sells goods at the base of a tree in the village and is able to support his family and provide education for his two younger siblings.
When seeking help from the government, Buda’s family was only provided with 25 kg of rice, and they did not receive any assistance under the housing scheme. After several attempts, the family is still struggling. With the onset of Kalabaisakhi (summer storms), the family’s situation has worsened. Brinda, Buda’s mother, has submitted an application to the administration, requesting them to provide a stall for their family shop and include them in the housing scheme.
It remains to be seen whether the administration will take notice of this poor family’s plight and extend their support.
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