Light of Hope: The untold story of Shivam and Premjeet
Korea. The life of 75-year-old Premjeet, who lives in Salgawan, a small village in Sonhat development block, turned dark when doctors told him that he had skin cancer. This news was no less than a thunderbolt for his son Bihari and grandson Shivam. This family, struggling with financial constraints, started thinking about how to complete the expensive treatment process. Ayushman card provided initial relief, but when doctors told them that the treatment would be long and expensive, their worries increased. This was the time when the Chief Minister Special Health Assistance Scheme brought a ray of hope. The hospital management applied under the scheme and soon Rs 3 lakh 36 thousand were approved for the treatment.
Shivam fulfilled his duty
Shivam took full responsibility of his grandfather’s treatment. He would roam around the hospital, get his grandfather tested, arrange for medicines and be present with his grandfather all the time.
Sanskar (culture) is the real asset
Premjeet’s eyes were filled with pride and gratitude for his grandson. He said, ‘At this point of my life when I was broken, Shivam held me.’ He recited a couplet and said, ‘If the son is a bad son then why should we save money, if the son is a good son then why should we save money.’ Not money, but culture is the real wealth. I have earned a cultured grandson.
Government scheme became a lifesaver
Shivam says, ‘If there was no Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayta Yojana, we would not have been able to get our grandfather treated. This scheme is really a boon for the poor. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.’
Beginning of new hope
Today Premjit’s health is better than before. Satisfaction and confidence are visible on his face. Shivam’s sacrifice and the Chief Minister’s scheme not only gave Premjit a new life, but also showed that when the family and the government are together, even the biggest difficulties can be overcome. This story is not just about the fight against cancer, but also about the victory of family, culture and hope.