Once a breadwinner, now bedridden: Odisha vegetable vendor lost a leg, then his livelihood

He once lived with a smile, earning his livelihood by selling vegetables. Despite poverty, he never complained. He believed that as long as God had given him hands and legs, he must work hard and he did, every single day.

Today, fate has taken away the very leg with which he pedalled his bicycle to the market. This is the heartbreaking story of Jadu Kheti, a vegetable vendor from Sarangapali village under Binika block in Odisha's Subarnapur district.

For years, Jadu walked the roads carrying heavy sacks of vegetables on his head, selling produce to support his family. He was healthy, hardworking, and full of hope. His biggest dream was to educate his son and daughter and give them a better future.

But everything changed when a severe infection developed in his leg. Doctors advised amputation to save his life. Following medical advice, Jadu’s leg was surgically removed, turning him into a person with disability and leaving his future uncertain.

After the amputation, life came to a standstill. The family was entirely dependent on Jadu’s daily earnings. Once he was confined to home, their only source of income disappeared. Today, the man who once carried quintals of vegetables now struggles to walk even a few steps with the support of a stick.

The situation forced a painful reversal of roles. Jadu’s 18-year-old son, Rabi, who wanted to continue his studies, was compelled to migrate to another state as a daily wage labourer to support the family. As Jadu narrates this reality, tears roll down his face.

“I am a poor man. I was earning my living by selling vegetables. However, I am not able to continue my business after my leg was amputated. My whole saving was finished in the treatment. Now, my 18-year-old son is working as a migrant labourer and sending me some money to earn a living for the family,” said Jadu Kheti.

It has been three years since Jadu suffered severe infections that ultimately led to the loss of his leg. Doctors say that with an artificial limb, he could regain mobility and live a more independent life. However, extreme poverty has made it impossible for the family to arrange the required funds.

At present, Jadu survives on the small amount of money sent by his son, which barely meets daily expenses. An artificial leg remains a distant dream. The family continues to hope for help-either from the government or from compassionate individuals that could restore Jadu’s mobility and dignity.

“We are facing lots of difficulties after my father's leg was amputated. My brother is working to earn little money for the family,” said Sarita Kheti, Jadu's daughter.

“Jadu was the head of the family. The family is now going through a difficult time as he is no more able to work We request the government to provide them 35 kg rice and allowance of Rs 3500 per month,” said Prafulla Tripathy, a villager.

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Meanwhile, when contacted about the matter, Subarnapur District Collector assured that necessary assistance would be provided to Jadu Kheti.

“Our medical team will conduct an inquiry and provide a report. If required, necessary help will be provided,” said Subarnapur District Collector Nruparaj Sahu.

If anybody is interested in extending a helping hand to Jadu, they can contact in the address: Name- Jadu Kheti, Village- Sarangapali, Block- Binika, District- Subarnapur, Ph No-6372941977.