Bhiwandi:
Nagesh Bhoir cherished taking part in Govinda at Dahi Handi each Janamashtmi. Climbing up a human pyramid to interrupt the curd pot, amid the roaring chants of “Govinda Ala Re“, gave him an adrenaline rush.
It was with the identical pleasure that he climbed a human pyramid in Bhiwandi in 2009. Then, his toes slipped.
He got here crashing down.
Nagesh was simply 24.
Seventeen years have handed since that fall. Nagesh, now 41, has not been capable of stand on his toes since.
Nagesh Bhoir along with his sister
The accident left him with a extreme spinal harm. At this time, his frail physique is confined to a mattress or a wheelchair, his life eternally divided right into a “earlier than” and “after” that Dahi Handi.
However the fall did greater than change Nagesh’s life. It pushed his whole household into years of emotional ache and monetary hardship.
Nagesh requires frequent hospital visits and specialised medical care, with remedy wanted each two months. The recurring bills have positioned a relentless monetary burden on his household.
Damaged Guarantees, Insufficient Assist
Over time, many promised help and a few did lengthen a serving to hand. However the price of Nagesh’s persevering with remedy has far exceeded what the household can afford.
Nagesh suffered a spinal harm
Nagesh lives along with his ageing dad and mom and elder sister. His father, who as soon as supported the household by a private-sector job, is now retired.
Nagesh had solely not too long ago begun serving to his father financially when tragedy struck.
At this time, a small group of loyal mates contributes a portion of their salaries to assist meet his medical bills.
Nagesh’s Message To Govindas
Regardless of every thing, Nagesh has a message for individuals who proceed to take part in Dahi Handi celebrations.
His attraction is easy: have a good time, compete and construct human pyramids-but do not forget that it’s a sport, and don’t threat your lives.
“A single slip may imply a giant mishap. It would not simply have an effect on the Govinda; it alters the lifetime of all the household eternally,” he mentioned.
A Mom’s Enchantment To The Chief Minister
For Nagesh’s mom, the previous 17 years have meant watching her son wrestle with the results of an accident that occurred when he was simply 24.
Now, struggling to fulfill his persevering with medical bills, she has made an emotional attraction to Maharashtra Chief Minister.
“We are not looking for one-time monetary assist. We urge the federal government to make a everlasting provision for his recurring month-to-month medical expenditure,” she mentioned.
Seventeen years after that fall, Nagesh’s household remains to be asking for assist to ensure his future just isn’t outlined by the following medical invoice.
(With Inputs From Bhupendra Ambavane)
