Shivaprasad Vakwady
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala

Karkala, Nov 22: A mother on her deathbed donated her own kidney to save her daughter. On watching this scene from a TV serial, young Pratheeksha asked her mother if her legs would get cured if she sold her kidney. On hearing this, the mother, Jyothi Salian, felt an inexpressible ache in her heart.

Jyothi's two children, 22-year-old Prajwal and 20-year-old Pratheeksha, suffered from physical disability since they were a year old. The family resides at Darkas House in Nitte village of Karkala taluk. Their father Shekhar Salian had to leave his job to look after the children.

The siblings are unable to stand on their own feet. Jyothi is now the pillar of strength and supports the family by rolling beedis. On consultation with the doctor they were told the nerves, bones and muscles have become soft and so they are unable to walk independently. In addition, the blood relationship between husband and wife was the main reason for the children's disability, they were told.

The children were born at Kasturba Rotary Hospital, Karkala. For a year, they seemed normal just like other kids, but things started to deteriorate thereafter. However, the parents refused to get bogged down and mustering all courage, decided to give a new lease of life for their children, no matter what it took.

The parents have been providing the necessary treatment to the children through both forms of treatment - Homoeopathy and Ayurveda. In addition, the parents have approached many doctors all over the state like Peenya Ayurveda Pandit, Nelamagala, bone specialists in Moodbidri, KMC in Manipal and Mangaluru. The parents have tried physiotherapy, caliper shoe at Wenlock and so on, but with little result.

It was not a problem for the family to take care of the children in their childhood, but now the two of them are adults. But they need help even to go to the toilet. Shekhar Salian left his job at a private factory to take care of his children. The children were educated initially at Arunodaya Special School, Karkala. The parents used to drop the children to school by carrying them everyday. After 4 years, seeing their interest in studies and activities, the teachers of the school suggested that the parents admit the children in a good government school. The parents enrolled them in Government Higher Primary School, Borgalgudde. Thereafter, the secondary school education was provided at home by appointing two teachers at the parents' own expense. Despite all the odds, Pratheeksha passed with a commendable 70% and Prajwal secured 68%. Now they are pursuing PUC in arts from Board High School, Karkala. The parents have appointed private lecturers and are paying them from their own pocket.

The siblings want to pursue higher studies, but the family is suffering from dire financial problems. Moreover, Dr Jayashri from Bengaluru has advised the parents to go for advanced treatment for the siblings in January 2017. The parents are ready to sacrifice anything. The family is hopeful of help from philanthropists and well-wishers.

Those who wish to join hands with the parents to give the youngsters a new lease of life may send their contributions to:

Jyothi Salian
Vijaya Bank, Nitte branch
Account number - 116601010006470
IFSC - VIJB0001166

Address:
Jyothi Salian
Ganttukku
Darkas House
Borgalgudde, Nitte - 574110
Karkala taluk.

Contact number: 9845213246