In the narrative of Sarangthem Hemchand Meitei, a 35-year-old Tata driver from Thoubal district, we see how a family’s joy can turn into sorrow through fate’s unpredictable nature. Hemchand lived a modest life with his wife, Sarangthem Ongbi Bembem, and their two children until June 2024 when a tragic accident involving an electric high-tension line left him severely injured. Despite his initial recovery, he faced further misfortune when diagnosed with Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia in June 2025, which necessitated expensive treatment.
After a week in ICU care, lack of funds forced his family to sell possessions for medical expenses, and subsequently, they sold ancestral land to pay for ongoing chemotherapy. Now, they are living in a relative’s backyard, struggling as Hemchand’s medical costs surpass their means. Sarangthem Ongbi Bembem has reached out to the public, expressing her despair over having to choose between her husband’s health and her children’s future, seeking assistance to sustain her family during these grave challenges. The family’s situation illustrates the harsh realities faced when unforeseen circumstances lead to a profound struggle for survival and hope.
