Deserted by family, two old women find rescuers

MONDAY, 18 JUNE 2012 00:17       PNS |

 BHUBANESWAR: Every mother in the society makes priceless sacrifice for the happiness of her children and to see them as good human beings amidst insurmountable obstacles. Even she goes hungry to feed her children. But when she becomes old and infirm, faces torture instead of love, affection and proper care from her children and family members. In such situation what will she do? Where will she go? Whom will she tell her sad story?

The above questions are now hammering the minds of Sabitri Sahu of Balabhadrapur and Saibani Sahu of Bandhamunhi village in Nayagarh district. After being cast aside by their family members, they roamed around the capital city and finally reached their destination to live a safe life. Getting information about the old women from the public, Maa Ghar Foundation came for their rescue.

One of the two old women, Sabitri (70), was locked in a room for five days by her elder son in order to forcibly get a plot registered in his name. After the death of her husband Indramani Sahu, she was targeted by her son for the plot that was in her name. When Savitri did not agree with the proposal of her son and daughter-in-law, they started torturing her. She started begging for food from the villagers when she was released from the room. Later, Savitri came to Bhubaneswar in search of her second son’s house but could not find it out. She was suffering from fever during the last five days.

The other old woman, Saibani Sahu (65), also left home due to torture by her husband Sibram Sahu. She was a thorn for her husband as he had an extra-marital affair, she said. Recently, she was beaten up by Sibram. Pained and frustrated, Saibani left home and came to the State capital.

“We rescued the two elderly women from two different places of the city. After a thorough counselling session with their family members, we will hand them over to the concerned families and if needed, we will take legal action under the Maintenance of Senior Citizens Act, 2007,” said Maa Ghar Foundation trustee Rutuparna Mohanty.

“It is an increasing trend in the society. Such incidents are happening due to degradation of moral values. Self-centric attitude, consumerism and single-family concept are some of the reasons behind the issue. The parents feel protected within the family, but today the definition of responsibility towards senior citizens has changed in our society,” said Mohanty.