Case Story: Compassion in Action

Mohan (27) and his sister Sharmila (21) from Talai, Dhadgaon, have lived for years with progressive disability, limping, and gradually losing vision. Their widowed mother, burdened by poverty, often explained the illness as “black magic,” echoing the fate of her late husband.

The Karuna evam Shanti Vahini Foundation (KeSVF) stood by the siblings from the time we enrolled them in our care. We provided Mohan with a walker to help him regain some mobility and ensured regular medicine support for both him and Sharmila. Yet, despite these efforts, the family’s challenges continued to grow. Their living conditions were becoming increasingly difficult. They needed structured medical evaluation and systemic support to address their worsening situation.

Recognizing the urgency, KeSVF formally approached District Collector Nandurbar, Dr. Mittali Sethi, presenting Mohan and Sharmila’s case. Dr. Sethi mobilized her team, who visited the siblings at their home. Both were formally assessed and identified with a genetic blood disorder, a moment that replaced years of uncertainty and superstition with medical clarity. For their family, it was the first time someone explained the illness, offering hope instead of fear. Yet the journey was far from complete: the neurological evaluation was still pending, and Mohan continued to struggle with his fading vision.

Soon after, the Collector’s Office arranged an ambulance journey of nearly two and a half hours to Civil Hospital, Nandurbar, accompanied by an ASHA worker and the Medical Officer. At the hospital, CT scans were conducted for both siblings to assess neurological aspects, Mohan’s bacterial eye infection treated by ophthalmologists, and regular physiotherapy sessions were initiated, with exercises recorded for follow-up at home. For three days, KeSVF’s nurse Rahul was with Mohan and Sharmila, ensuring they received their medicines, were supported through the hospital process, and were safely taken home after discharge. Post-discharge, our nursing team continued physiotherapy sessions at home, sustaining the progress made in hospital.

Today, Mohan has received his disability certificate and welfare benefits, securing financial relief and recognition of his rights. Sharmila’s certification process is underway. Team KeSVF is deeply grateful to District Collector Dr. Mittali Sethi and her team, whose compassionate leadership became the turning point in Mohan and Sharmila’s journey.

This photo of Mohan and Sharmila was taken with informed consent. Special thanks to KeSVF field team members Yateen, Rahul, and Dasharath for their tireless efforts.