Behind the Census figures: Assam teacher finds a family’s struggle for survival under a crumbling roof

The roof over Budhuram Marji’s head offers little protection from the hardships inside his home. Confined to his bed by a chronic illness, Marji is unable to work or contribute to the household. His wife, also bedridden, is in a similar condition.

Between them stands their only daughter, now the family’s sole support.

Her modest income has to cover her parents’ medical expenses as well as the family’s daily food needs. Living in a dilapidated hut in Tinikhonia village under Kekurijan Panchayat of Assam’s Behali Assembly constituency, the family has been left with few options as illness and financial distress continue to shape their everyday lives.

Their circumstances came to light almost by chance during a government census exercise.

Sonmoni Bora, a teacher from Uttar Gahigaon, had visited the village as part of his official duty when he came across the family. What was meant to be a routine field exercise brought him face to face with a household struggling with illness and deprivation.

Bora decided to intervene.

Using his own resources, he provided the family with financial assistance and purchased essential food supplies. His intervention was aimed at addressing the family’s immediate needs while drawing attention to the larger difficulties they continue to face.

He subsequently approached the media to highlight the family’s condition, hoping that the account would bring the household to the notice of the administration and people who may be able to provide further assistance.

For the family, the immediate concerns remain basic ones—food, medicines and the care of two bedridden parents.

The daughter’s earnings continue to sustain the household, but with medical expenses adding to the financial burden, the family remains vulnerable to any further setback.

Residents of the area have appreciated Bora’s decision to extend help beyond his official responsibilities. His intervention has also brought wider attention to a family whose difficulties had largely remained unnoticed.

The episode began with a routine government exercise but ended by revealing a more personal story: that of two ailing parents dependent on their daughter and a household struggling to make ends meet under a roof that itself is barely holding together.

For now, the assistance has provided some immediate relief. What the family continues to need is sustained support to meet its medical and basic living requirements.