Eminent Odisha Tablist Now Reels Under Financial Crisis Amid Fight With Cancer

Jagatsinghpur: Life is not a fairytale ride. When destiny plays cruel games with you, there aren't many ways to change your life's course. Something similar happened with Gatanath Parida, who hails from Makundapur village in Jagatsinghpur district.

Once an eminent tablist with scores of accolades from across the state and outside for his soothing and magical renditions, Gatanath is now reeling under financial crisis after he was diagnosed with cancer four years back. An ailing Gatanath who can hardly move now is keeping his trembling fingers away from creating those soulful tunes for which he was once famous for.

He now helplessly awaits any kind of charity he could get either through government channels or from any NGOs as he has exhausted all his life savings on his treatment in last four years.

Gatanath had a penchant for Tabla right from his childhood and he pursued his passion wholeheartedly. Tabla took him to many places and he was soon recognised by All India Radio as a percussionist. He was appointed as a Tabla teacher in a private organisation.

But as luck would have it, he was diagnosed with cancer four years back that halted his journey with a sudden jerk. Doctors here have advised him to move to other cancer speciality hospitals outside the state for advanced treatment. But shortage of money has pulled him back.

Arati Parida, his wife said, "He was the only bread earner in our house. His only source of income was playing Tabla, which he has stopped now due to his disease. We couldn't even send our son to school because of the dearth of money."

A breathless Gatanath appealed in front of OTV camera, "I don't have any money left with me. I appeal to the government and private parties for that matter to help me with money so that I can get myself treated."

The District Collector, Sangram Keshari Mohapatra said, "I know about his health condition and Rs 15,000 was granted to him from Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for his treatment. We will try to grant more money if and when required."