"Poltu” – the name itself has been an inspiration for
many by now including all of us who were engaged in different capacity in this
journey for about last 18 to 20 months.
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| Poltu & Basanti : 3-Jan-2016 |
It was exactly a year back, on 3rd January 2015
morning, when we all were anxiously waiting for the completion of a very
critical, complex and major operation conducted by a group of expert doctors of
BGS Global Hospital, Led by Dr. Anand Subramanyan. The successful HEART
Transplantation was a life changing event for not only Poltu & his family,
but also all of us who took this challenge inspired by the ideology and spirit
of Thakur Sri Ramakrishna, Maa Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda led by my
friend Partha Adhikari. Ref: Facebook Page for Poltu
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| Poltu - June 2014 |
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| November 2014 |
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| November 2014 |
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| December 2014 |
Today we have come across an eventful year, with challenging
& critical moments as well as very inspiring, motivating, happy and
pleasant occasions reaching & overcoming one after another milestone. Poltu
is a completely transformed personality now who ably supported by his wife
Basanti is leading & motivating us every day leading from the front. Basanti
has been a powerful support in every occasion with her determination, care,
calmness and extremely strong mental framework. She has been at the receiving
end for more than 5 years when Poltu was suffering from Heart disease and shown
a never-give up willingness even when it was told that only option to save
Poltu’s life is to have Heart Transplantation.
It was a long struggle to get Poltu undergo the medical
treatment and be prepared for such a critical operation of heart
transplantation from June to November 2014. Then it was a period of waiting
& praying for a donor heart, which by God’s grace was not a long wait. 1st
January of each year is celebrated as Kalpataru Day with great joy by devotees
of Sri Ramakrishna all over the world because it was on 1.1.1886 that the Great
Master made public his divinity and blessed all assembled at Cossipore Garden
ground, declaring "Tomaader Chaitanya hok" "may you be spiritually
illimined". That day he revealed himself as the Kalpataru, the divine
wish-fulfilling tree that grants boons to all without any distinction.
And on 1st January 2015, we got the best news from the doctors about the
potential match of a donor heart. Poltu was hospitalized on 2nd January and was
being prepared for the transplantation. Our sincere thanks to the Family of the
Noble Donor, who amidst the toughest & sad situation of losing a young
life, decided to dedicate his organs for supporting other life.
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| 3-Jan-2015: Media waiting outside Hospital before Heart Arrival |
We spent entire night preparing and counting down the time.
Finally on 3rd January early morning the Donor Heart reached to BGS Hospital
among very high media & TV coverage. Thanks to Bangalore Traffic Police for
making it a smooth journey providing signal free green corridor in the road.
The operation started at around 10 AM on 3rd January and lasted for almost 4
hours. It was a moment of joy for everyone including the medical staff, doctors
and all who contributed to this cause when Poltu was gifted with the Donor
Heart successfully under the supervision of team of expert doctors at BGS
Global Hospital. This event was highly broadcasted as a successful Organ
Donation and Live Transportation of Heart under the guidance of Bangalore
traffic police through Green corridor. A series of media coverage since
4th January (links below) reveal that the story of getting second life to Poltu
Bera and associated campaign touched people’s heart. However, every moment
post operation was life threatening and Poltu sailed through all obstacles.
There were some major crisis within 2 days, but effort from all concerned
proved too strong for any casualty..
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| Press Conference at Taj Vivanta by BGS Global Hospital |
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| 21-Jan-2015 : Coming out of Hospital |
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| Partha and Sandip with Dr. Anand (Center) |
After going through series of treatment, medication and
examinations finally Poltu was released from Hospital on 21st January.
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| 21-Jan-2015: Just out from Hospital |
He
attended a press conference at Taj Vivanta, Bangalore organized by BGS Global
Hospital on 20th January. Since then it started another tough challenge for all
of us to sustain the expenses & tough challenge Post Heart Transplantation.
We kept them in a nearby rented place close enough to the hospital for reasons.
We are so proud for Poltu who has shown tremendous courage & character to
go through this tough process.
Many thanks to Reena Raju and her Foundation “Light
a Life” (ReenaRajuFoundation), who not only supported with financial help, arranging medicines at a
lower cost but also preparing Poltu & his wife physically & mentally to
go through this tough journey throughout their life.
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| With Reena Raju |
We are so fortunate to have Dr. Anand who has been the
strongest pillar of support, guidance, treatment and in fact everything for
Poltu. We also sincerely convey our thanks & gratitude to not only Dr.
Anand, but the entire team of Expert doctors, nurses, medical & non-medical
staff members of BGS Global hospital.
Last but not the least, our heartfelt thanks and sincere
gratitude to all well wishers who directly & indirectly participated,
contributed and supported this noble cause pre & post transplantation. We are
so grateful to them all over the world whose financial support &
contribution made it possible.
Poltu was made ready to resume light work by July 2015. The
volunteer team led by Partha started the job hunt for both Poltu & Basanti.
It was not easy considering Poltu can’t take up physically and mentally
challenging work, he should not get exposed to any harmful chemical substances,
our society treats that Poltu is a patient although he is fit enough, both of
them have to work in close vicinity. Going back to village is ruled out as they
were needed to be in Bangalore for continued treatment and earning in his
village will not be of any sustainable amount.
Finally, it was divine bliss that he got a job of security guard
in Vivekananda Ashrama (RKM), Ulsoor from mid of July 2015. We shifted them close
to the workplace. Today Poltu is
spending more than 12 hours on his duty – which reflects that he become a
normal man with physical and mental strength. Basanti also started working and
earning for their own as a cook. Now they are planning to bring their daughter
back from Village who is with her grandparents there. Although Poltu is still
financially supported & guided, but we are confident that Poltu & his
family will be victorious throughout their life.
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| September 2015 - Poltu at work |
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| 3-Jan-2016 |
It’s only the start of the long journey for Poltu, Basanti
& their family and for all of us. We pray for their wellness, prosperity &
happiness in their life and of course the support from each one of you will
make this happen.
Wish you and your family a Happy, Prosperous, Peaceful &
Joyful New Year. May 2016 fulfill all the dreams and wishes.
Jai Thakur-Maa-Swamiji.
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