Life has never been easy for 53-year-old Rohtash, a resident of the Tigri slum community. Born to landless farmer parents in Uttar Pradesh, Rohtash’s family migrated to Delhi when he was a small boy in search of better opportunities. His father found employment with the Delhi police, but tragedy struck when his father passed away when Rohtash was just 13 years old. His mother became the sole breadwinner, struggling to care for Rohtash and his three siblings. Without the opportunity to attend school, Rohtash fell into bad company at a young age. He succumbed to alcohol and drugs, which led to significant problems. He managed to secure a job as a sweeper in an office, but his addiction issues caused disruptions, and eventually, he was terminated.
It wasn’t until he received treatment at a government de-addiction center that he was able to break free from his destructive habits. In 2021, Rohtash’s health took a severe turn for the worse when he suffered a paralysis attack due to hypertension. Admitted to a government hospital, he spent 3 to 4 months receiving treatment. During his hospitalization, his siblings sold the shanty where he and his mother lived, leaving his belongings on a park bench, which became his new home. His sister reluctantly took their mother in, but Rohtash was left to fend for himself. The Asha team learned of his plight through the women’s group in the community and immediately sought him out. They found Rohtash on the brink of starvation, his medications depleted. The Asha team, with the help of their ambassadors, brought him to their center.
A nurse practitioner reviewed his medical records and resumed his hypertension treatment. The ambassadors gave Rohtash a bath, and the Asha team provided him with new clothes and slippers. Since then, Asha has become Rohtash’s sanctuary. Every morning, he slowly limps to the center for his meals under the Love and Lunch program, finding solace and companionship among those who visit. Rohtash often reflects on his past, lamenting the choices he made and urging young people to prioritize education. Rohtash is now on the road to recovery. He continues to receive medical care from Asha and recently had a dental check-up. The Asha team is tirelessly working to convince his siblings to take him in, providing a glimmer of hope for a more stable future. In Asha, there is always hope for a better future.
