Rinky Digal
Many children lost their parents in the communal riots of 2008 in Odisha. One such child was Rinky Digal. She was just over a year old when the riots broke out. Her father, Naita Digal took the family and ran into the nearby jungle alongwith many others.
They hid there for three days. In the mean time, Rinky’s mother, Draupadi contracted malarial fever and was getting worse for the lack of medicines and food. As her condition worsened, Naita decided to take the risk of venturing out for the life of his wife. But before he could do anything a snake bit Rinky’s mother which ultimately snatched her away from this world. The situation was so tense that Draupadi couldn’t even get a proper burial.
Her death left the family in deep grief. There was no food or water for 3-4 days.
“My Father planned not leave the village and was stubborn despite all odds. He was ready to die and sometimes behaved abnormal after my mother’s death.
The situation of my family deteriorated as my father who was the source of income was deprived of any jobs,” Rinky recollects her memories as told by her brothers and grandparents.
Thankfully they came to know the Rehabilitative initiative of victimized children undertaken by IEA. “My childhood and education would have been spoiled had my care been not addressed at the appropriate time” she adds.
Now she stays in care center run by IEA and are provided food and education. There are other girls staying there who share a similar story. Speaking about their stay at the center, the girls say, “We are thankful to IEA. We are bonded in Spirit and togetherness. After a long time we are experiencing this unity and friendship.”
IEA prays and requests for the continuity of support for Rinky and her friends at this Children’s Home. It takes just Rs.800/ month to support the studies and education of a girl. We hope you can find it in your heart to donate generously for the betterment of their future.
