Rakesh

Ramulu along with his three brothers used to cultivate their ancestral land of just 2 acres near Jaffergadda in the district of Warangal...

Ramulu along with his three brothers used to cultivate their ancestral land of just 2 acres near Jaffergadda in the district of Warangal for their livelihood. Few years back, a severe drought hit their village and the entire family had to migrate to the town for a living. Ramulu got a job as a daily wage laborer in the market area. After a year, he got married to Radhamma and in two years time they were blessed with a baby boy whom they named Rakesh. The couple was very happy for the child, but the only thing worrying them was that whenever he tried to drink milk it would fall out and Rakesh seemed to be struggling while trying to swallow. They were clueless about what was wrong until they took him to a doctor. The doctor informed them that Rakesh was born with a cleft palate and this was making it difficult for him to eat or drink anything. When the couple asked for a remedy for this deformity, the doctor told them that it could be operated but it would cost a lot. With the meager income of Ramulu, this was way too much for him to spend on the operation. He and his wife had to postpone the operation to a time when they could collect enough money for it, compromising on making their son enjoy a normal life.

For years they struggled to manage. As Rakesh was growing up, it was becoming difficult for him to speak properly and sometime his friends mocked the way he spoke. Rakesh was hurt and retired to his shell and stayed away from socializing. However he proved to be a good student.

After seven years, while Ramulu was working at the market, one of his friends told him about Operation Blessing India’s cleft lip and palate project, where the entire operation expenses would be borne by OBI. The friend came to know about this when one of his relative’s sons, who was born with a cleft lip was operated through this project of OBI. This was great news for Ramulu and he immediately shared this with Radhamma.  The couple was very glad that their son would be normal soon. Without further delay, the next day Rakesh was brought to the OBI partner hospital in Hyderabad and the doctor checked him. Then the date for the operation was set. On the set date, Rakesh was brought and was admitted in the hospital for the surgery. After the surgery, the doctor briefed the couple on suggestions on things to be followed for Rakesh to speak fluently.

Ramulu and Radhamma were very happy to see their son’s deformity completely healed. Rakesh is now able to speak better than before. He now mingles with his classmates since no one mocks him anymore. Ramulu and Radhamma are thankful to OBI for making this happen and said, “We thank Operation Blessing India in helping our son get operated and for giving him a better life. You eased our burden, thank you once again.”