The narrative outlines the tragic journey of Sarangthem Hemchand Meitei, a 35-year-old father and Tata driver from Ukhongsang Mayai Leikai, who epitomizes the sudden turn of fate from a life filled with joy to one filled with despair. Initially living happily with his wife, Sarangthem Ongbi Bembem, and their two children, Hemchand managed to provide for his family’s needs through hard work. However, his life took a devastating turn in June 2024 when he was electrocuted while loading boulders onto his vehicle, suffering severe injuries that left him partially incapacitated.
Despite his injuries, Hemchand attempted to return to work to support his family but soon faced further misfortune. By June 2025, he was diagnosed with Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia, leading to his admission into the ICU for a week. The family’s financial situation deteriorated rapidly as they sold their possessions to pay for his treatment. His condition did not improve, prompting a referral to JNIMS for more advanced care, where he began chemotherapy.
As treatment costs escalated, Hemchand was compelled to sell his ancestral land, resulting in the loss of his home. He now resides in his relative’s backyard, struggling to continue chemotherapy due to financial constraints, even in a subsidized government hospital. The dire situation has left his wife, Bembem, heartbroken and at a crossroads, torn between providing for their children’s basic needs or prioritizing her husband’s treatment. In a plea to the public for assistance, she expresses her anguish and desperation for support to secure a brighter future for her children amidst overwhelming hardship and uncertainty.