Izak

23-year old Ijak Rai was pained that he couldn’t stand on his own feet and support his family...

‘Dreams begin to take shape’, efforts by Operation Blessing

23-year old Ijak Rai was pained that he couldn’t stand on his own feet and support his family. Living in the remote hills of Sikkim, life has not been easy for Ijak Rai. Having lost his mother seven years back, Ijak and his siblings are taken care by his father, Tusidas Rai.

Tusidas struggles hard as a farmer to provide for his family. He grows vegetables in a small piece of land he owns. But the high altitudes and extreme weather conditions makes it difficult for cultivation. The income is barely enough to support their simple way of life.

To reduce the burden of his father, Ijak Rai too wants to start a small business and supplement the family income. Though the investment he needed was little, it is unthinkable in his family’s situation. Unemployment haunted him. He is worried about his family’s future. He is not educated and so he wants his siblings to get the best education possible. Little, Yojana and Sulaiman carries a dream of becoming a Doctor and Engineer. He wants to ensure that their dreams come true. But with no income from his side, his family’s future looked bleak.

In addition to all his problems, he suffered with blisters in his mouth, which made him difficult to eat and talk. The poor financial condition didn’t permit him to consult the doctor. It looked like Ijak would have to just bear his pain when Operation Blessing Team showed up in his village. In the camp, he was treated and given necessary medicines. Moved by the Operation Blessing’s team love and care, he opened and shared his dreams about his family.

Operation Blessing explored the ways to help him out. Tracing their ancestry to Nepal, they are hard working and lead a simple way of life. But the hilly terrain made even the simplest chores difficult for them. It was a tedious and dangerous travel to bring the essential items for the village because of the bad roads and hilly terrain. We came to know that there is a great demand for chicken meat in this area.

And so, Operation Blessing decided to set up a Poultry farm for Ijak. We purchased the necessary wood materials for the shed. Ijak was so excited to build his own shed for his chickens. He was determined and completed the task all by himself. Then, Operation Blessing provided him few chickens to start a business of his own, which always he dreamt.

Adding to the joy, Operation Blessing provided the necessary school supplies – school bags, uniform, note books, shoes and stationery – for Ijak’s brother and sister. They are thrilled to wear their new school uniforms and determined to study well and have a better future.

Now, his pain is relieved. He is rearing chicken and an owner of a Poultry Farm in a small village, Turuk of Southern Sikkim. His dreams began to take shape. He is happy for making good profits and supplementing his family’s income. He is now assured of better future for his brother and sister. Along with this, he spends time with them and teaches them music.

Ijak said, ‘I can feel my life began to take a new shape. You gave such an opportunity. I am confident I can lead a good life and give better future for my family. My father’s burden is reduced. I am so grateful to Operation Blessing.’

It was the gift of Operation Blessing partners that has taken away a great burden from Ijak’s life and added immense joy!