Odisha Man's 300-Km Rickshaw Journey for Wife's Treatment Defies All Odds
In an extraordinary display of devotion and resilience, a 70-year-old man from Odisha pedalled a rickshaw van for 300 kilometers from Sambalpur to Cuttack to ensure his wife received critical medical treatment, braving old age and freezing temperatures throughout the arduous journey.
A Journey Born of Necessity and Love
Babu Lohar, a rickshaw puller by profession, embarked on this remarkable trip after his wife, Jyoti, suffered a paralytic stroke in November last year. Officials at the local health centre in Modipada, Sambalpur, where the couple resides, referred them to the state-run SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for specialized care.
"I did not have money to hire any vehicle, so I took out my rickshaw van. I put some old cushions on the rickshaw and let my wife lie on them. I pedalled chanting God's name," Lohar recounted, highlighting the financial constraints that forced this unconventional mode of transport.
Nine Days of Determination on the Highway
Covering approximately 30 kilometers each day and halting near roadside shops at night, Lohar spent nine grueling days on the road before reaching the Cuttack hospital. After two months of prolonged treatment for his wife, he began the return journey to Modipada on January 19 this year, continuing to pedal the rickshaw with Jyoti onboard.
"I have two loves in my life. One is my wife whom I am taking back home, and the other is my rickshaw van. I cannot leave either of them," a proud Babu Lohar declared as he pedalled across the highway, steadfastly refusing assistance from police or locals who offered help.
Unexpected Challenges and Heartwarming Encounters
The couple's journey faced an additional hurdle when they met with a minor accident near Choudwar under Tangi Police Station in Cuttack district. A vehicle brushed against their rickshaw while overtaking, causing Jyoti to fall and hit her head, though Lohar remained uninjured.
Local authorities at the Tangi community health centre provided medical attention, bandaged Jyoti's injury, and offered food and overnight shelter to protect them from the cold. They resumed their journey to Sambalpur on the morning of January 20.
Police Intervention and Emotional Refusal
Tangi police station officer-in-charge Bikash Sethi spotted the elderly man pulling the rickshaw with his wife lying on it and immediately offered to arrange proper vehicle transport. "I offered to arrange a vehicle for them considering the woman's health and the man's age, but he politely refused," Sethi revealed.
The officer expressed deep admiration for Lohar's determination, stating, "His determination and emotional attachment are deeply moving. I haven't seen anything like this ever." After repeated requests, Lohar only accepted some cash for food during their remaining journey, maintaining his independence.
Highlighting Systemic Healthcare Challenges
Lohar's incredible journey underscores the harsh realities faced by impoverished and elderly citizens in accessing basic healthcare and transportation facilities in India. While his story has become a talking point across the internet, government authorities have yet to formally react to this incident that powerfully illustrates both systemic gaps and extraordinary human spirit.
The couple's situation is particularly poignant as Lohar explained he has no family members except his wife and his rickshaw, making their bond and his determination even more remarkable. This story serves as both a testament to unwavering marital devotion and a stark reminder of the healthcare accessibility issues that persist in many regions.
