30 Years And Counting, A Touching Tale Of Voiceless Friendship

Sanjeev Kumar Sahu and Alok Kumar Pati, both aged 45 years, cannot speak since birth, but their impediment has never come in the path of their friendship.   

At a time when many don't value their relationships and it takes less than few seconds to break ties, it is astonishing how friendship between Sanjeev and Alok has stood the test of time. 

For the past 30 years, the duo has been maintaining their silent friendship without any misunderstanding and differences. Their bond which blossomed from their school days has become an epitome of true and lasting friendship.

Sanjeev Sahu, who studied till matriculation, is owner of a petrol pump. He is married to Laxmipriya Sahu and has two daughters. While one reads in Class VIII and Class II. He lives in Nayapalli Brit Colony. Unlike him, Sanjeev’s wife and two daughters can speak. 

Similarly, Alok Pati works in State secretariat. His wife is also speech-impaired. The couple has a son. Alok, who hails from Sundargarh lives in Bhubaneswar. 

The two friends regularly meet at a tea stall close to Jaydev Bhawan. As Alok works at the secretariat, Sanjeev regularly comes to meet him at the tea stall where they enjoy spending time together and chatting via sign language.