Red Cross relief

Grinding poverty and unfortunate family circumstances drove pavement dweller Subramanian Naidu to approach the Red Cross for assistance to pay for the treatment of his daughter who was suffering from tuberculosis. The Naidu family lived on the footpath of P. D’Mello Road, but their hut had been demolished by the Bombay Municipal Corporation resulting in their having to huddle under a plastic sheet tied to a tree. Two of his daughters had been deserted by their husbands. Naidu lived with his wife, two daughters and a 10-year-old grandson. His wife and elder daughter did odd jobs for survival as Naidu, crippled in both legs, could only propel himself about on a small wood platform with wheels and was unable to work. The Newsletter of the Indian Red Cross Society, Maharashtra State, January-June, 2001, sent to Parsiana by Homai Modi, honorary secretary of the Society, has published details of the case.

The Red Cross got into action, first providing the family with warm clothing, for the weather was inclement. But before the application for medical assistance could be processed, Naidu’s daughter passed away. The hospital refused to release the body until the bill of Rs 2,000 was paid. The Bombay City Branch of the Red Cross sanctioned the amount and also provided a further Rs 1,000 to cover funeral expenses.

Naidu subsequently approached the Red Cross for money with which to purchase a tricycle as it would increase his mobility and enable him to do odd jobs. Though the applicant was nearing 80 years, the Society sanctioned Rs 6,000 for the tricycle, which was presented to him at the Red Cross office. The recipient was so grateful that he gave a box of sweetmeats to the staff, Newsletter notes. Naidu now plans to sell handkerchiefs and similar wares, he informed the Red Cross.