The Lost Lalis
Her rough brown hair was entangled with strands of dry hay as she had been lying on a pile. She looked at me with curious eyes. She was wearing a shabby frock, quite unlikely for a woman her age. I had never seen someone like her in my family before; she was so different. I was told that she was my aunt from my mother's side (a distant relative). She smiled at me like a child and extended her right hand, where she was holding something. She gave me a small glass marble as I forwarded my hand. As I had been taught by my elders, I replied with a smiling "Thank you" to her. She giggled like a child and went away happily. I was 5, and that was my first memory of Lali Masi.
My board exam results were about to be announced in a couple of days. We had to visit my grandmother's house for some urgent work. One of the aunts, Lali Masi's younger sister, took me to their house in the afternoon. Lali Masi was sitting at the corner of the balcony, her legs stretched, looking blankly at the sky. I asked her, "How are you, Lali Masi?" She looked at me. Her eyes filled with tears as if she had so many words to say but could not. She was shabbier and dirtier than before; her giggling, childlike self was turned into a living statue of helplessness and sadness. I was told that she used to sit there most of the time, looking at the sky. Although I could not decipher what she wanted to say, I could sense the immense pain she was bearing with her that was repressed inside her. That was the last time I saw her.
Like any girl of that age, I, too, was guilty of forgetting about her amidst my busy life after that. Studies, career and job - everything was happening fast. Almost after 10 years, I learned that Lali Masi had run away from home, never to be found again. Even after many searches and police complaints, there was no trace of her. No one saw her ever again.
In our country, there are numerous Lali Masis who go missing, never to be found again. Our ignorance and unawareness about such individuals never let them lead a decent life, and they end up being neglected and lost in oblivion. According to a report, 70 million of the Indian population suffer from some sort of disability and have little or no scope for opportunities and jobs.
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| Source: NFHS 5 |
We can join hands in such a noble cause so that no individual with a disability becomes another Lost Lali.
This post is a part of “International Day of Persons with Disability” blog hop hosted by Sakshi Varma – Tripleamommy. (www.tripleamommy.com).
#IDPD2024Bloghop
Access all posts of this blog hop here.
The statistics are so insightful. Thanks for sharing. The higher % of people with mental disabilities specially women between the age of 15-34 renders them even more vulnerable to abandonment and crimes 😢.
ReplyDeleteTrue, a lot of their missing cases are not even lodged. Hoping to provide a better future for those with mental disabilities in future.
DeleteOne simple practical problem in a country like India is that people are struggling to survive and hence disability becomes an additional burden. That's why people go missing. I wonder again and again to whom does an economic superpower India actually belong?
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree, it becomes a huge burden for those who have to go through the struggle to provide the bare minimum for them and their families. Still, things are a bit better nowadays, compared to what we had seen while growing up. Let us hope for a better and more inclusive society and continue with our advocacy.
DeleteVery well presented...Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThe statistics of disabled household population is interesting...Though the gross number of 27.8 Lakhs seems quite understated...It could very well be around 3% of overall population.
Sachin Jakhotia
https://shlokabiity.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the insight. While the data collected is based on field surveys conducted, many households provide wrong information and hide individuals with disabilities.
DeleteDisability is so misunderstood in our country that neglect is unfortunately common. Your Lali Masi sounds like a kind, lovable soul.
ReplyDeleteYes, she was. She was loved by all too.
DeleteSorry to hear this. Your story reminded me of a similar person, my friend's maasi.I hope we understand them better and are able to give them our love and care, because that's all they want from us, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYes, apart from love what they need is understanding. In those times, not many were aware of ways to deal with those with mental disabilities. Although she was loved by all, she was not understood by anyone, I guess!!
DeleteThis is a deeply moving reflection on the silent struggles of those with disabilities, often ignored and forgotten by society. Lali Masi’s story highlights the painful truth about how many such individuals live in isolation, unseen and unheard. Your post is a powerful reminder of the need for empathy, awareness, and inclusion for people with disabilities, who deserve dignity and a chance at a better life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading
DeleteThis is disheartening. I always wonder how the disabled persons hold on to their reality. Sometimes, it's such a feeling of helplessness.
ReplyDeleteReally, although she was loved by all, she was never understood.
DeleteI had a distant Bua who had mental retardation and as children we sometimes we would find her mannerism funny but when I grew up I realised that it was a mental disability that made her behave differently. I feel sad that lali Masi' had that life, I hope we can make the world a better place for all of the people who are different.
ReplyDeleteYes, we need to come together and actively make this world better for all.
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