Vipul Rai, all of 10 years of age, is the younger son of Karma & Laukha Rai and was born in a remote village of West Bengal. Coming from a farmers’ family, his parents found it quite hard to make ends meet. They were living in a small hut, furnished to the barest minimum. The evening’s were spent in the light of the kerosene lamp as they had no electricity.

On the fateful day, soon after Vipul turned 3, tragedy struck the home. Vipul was alone at home, playing, when he inadvertently overturned the kerosene lamp and caught fire. He was immediately rushed to the Government Hospital by the neighbours, but the doctors were helpless and Vipul lost the use of his right hand.

Due to acute poverty and with the hope of a better life, the family moved to Goa and are now located in a slum in Margao. Karma works at a construction site and supports his family with his meager income. His elder brother, Viplo studies in class 9 in a local school.

UPDATE: We are happy to report Vipul is doing extremely well following his serious operation in Apollo Hospital Margao. He is still receiving special care but hopefully will be discharged on Saturday.  He will go to the hospital as an Outpatient for dressings . In two month time his intensive physiotherapy treatment starts.

I would like to thank all concerned who have contributed  in many different ways.

God bless you

Anita and Matthew

El Shaddai would like to help Vipul and others like him lead better and more enriching lives. If you would like to help us help them, please donate towards our Emergency Healthcare Fund.