We help a two and a half year old

When such a tragedy happens, it shakes a whole village like an earthquake. But the worst hit was Milan, who was two and a half years old. He now stands alone.

Unity

His parents Putali and Dharmaraj were once a happy couple. They lived in the mountains of Mugu, in the village of Loharbada, where we opened our first birth center in 2012. As simple burden bearers, they earned just enough to live a frugal life. When Putali became pregnant, they both looked forward to soon being a real family. Finally, in January 2014, her first child was born at Back to Life’s birth center. It was a complication-free birth, both parents were very happy about the little progenitor. They gave him the name Milan. In Nepali it means “unity”.

End of happiness

But their happiness did not last long. Milan was just over two years old when Dharmaraj caught his wife in the act of adultery. In a rage, he killed his wife and her lover on the spot. When Dhamaraj finally came to his senses, he broke down in remorse and turned himself in to the police. Since then he has been in prison and little Milan was left alone. Murder in Nepal is punishable by 20 years in prison.

Milan’s grandmother Hari Shobha is 65 years old – an almost biblical age considering the hard life in Mugu. The widow takes care of her grandson as best she can. During the day, an aunt looks after the toddler, but every evening Milan is taken back to the old woman’s house. On her own, Hari cannot support the child and herself. Until now, she lived off what Milan’s parents brought home. In deep sorrow, she tells us: “I am a moon that has already passed over the mountains and will soon be at the end of my life. I don’t know how many days I have left. Who will look after Milan when I’m gone?”

Assistance

Back to Life immediately accepted Milan and his grandmother into our outreach program in 2016, and the two have been receiving basic groceries as well as clothing and other household necessities on a regular basis ever since. We take care that the little one can stay with her. Hari feels too old for income support. If something happens to the grandmother, we will also take care of Milan’s further care and accommodation. In addition, Back to Life will also provide him with academic support as soon as he is old enough. We will make sure that Milan will get his opportunities in life.