Tied by chains, bound by poverty: 7 year-old girl Mukeshwari's silent struggle, fight for dignity

Instead of being held, kissed and protected, Mukeshwari Gond has spent most of her childhood tied in the courtyard of her broken home. Born in Dhodrasimoda village under Raighar block of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, the seven-year-old has known pain far too early.

Mukeshwari, daughter of Deoji Gond, is mentally challenged. Her condition became evident when she was just two years old. Since then, her parents have taken her to hospitals in Hatabharndi, Umerkote, Nabarangpur and even Koraput, but to no avail.

Deoji Gond and his wife survive on daily wage labour. With no land, no permanent house and no government assistance, they are forced to work daily to feed their family. Unable to constantly supervise Mukeshwari and fearing she might wander off or meet with an accident, they tie her with a rope around her ankle before leaving for work. The parents insist this painful decision is driven by fear, not cruelty.

A Life Without Support

For five long years, the minor has lived restrained, watching the world pass by. The family lives in extreme poverty, struggling to meet basic needs while coping with their daughter’s condition. Villagers, including Ram Gond, have expressed concern over the child’s suffering.

Shyam Singh Gond, a neighbour, said the child’s mental condition has deteriorated after being restrained for years.

“She has been living like this for nearly seven years. If she is not restrained, she may wander away. Her parents have no option but to secure her, as staying back to guard her would prevent them from going to work and earning a livelihood,” he said.

Hope from the Administration

After the matter was brought to the attention of the Raighar Block Development Officer, Ritu Singh, officials assured that the health department would be informed and steps would be taken to provide Mukeshwari with government assistance at the earliest.

“We have been alerted about the medical assistance and treatment she can receive from the government, as well as the benefits she is eligible for through the Panchayat. We will reach out to the family at the earliest, complete the necessary procedures and ensure that appropriate steps are taken for her recovery,” said Raighar Block Development Officer Ritu Singh.

Mukeshwari’s story is not just one family’s tragedy but a reflection of systemic gaps faced by the poorest. With timely medical care and state support, her parents hope their daughter may finally live with dignity and safety, untied, unafraid, and cared for.

If anybody is interested in extending a helping hand, pls contact
Address:Dhodrasimoda village, Raighar block, Nabarangpur district
Name: Mukeshwari Gond
Village: Dhodrasimoda village
Block: Raighar block 
District: Nabarangpur district
Ph No: 9040502425