What Happened to Dana Majhi, whose story of plight rattled a nation

Bhubaneswar/Bhawanipatna: Do you still remember Dana Majhi, who became a symbol of poverty & government apathy after he was forced to carry the body of his dead wife on his shoulders for nearly 12 kms some three years back? OTV team reached Dana Majhi’s village in Melghara under Thuamul Rampur of Kalahandi district to check how life has changed for him, whose shocking story of plight and helplessness opened doors of assistance with help pouring in from everywhere.

After crossing the rocky and hilly terrain, OTV reached the village with a hope that things must have improved in Dana Majhi’s village which saw leaders cutting across party lines making a beeline after his story of plight surfaced.

The locals too had pinned hopes that government babu’s attention would usher in some development. However, things have not changed much even though three years have passed since. The village still lacks basic amenities including proper roads, bridge, electricity and other facilities.

“Everybody assured that there will be better roads and other facilities, all such assurances proved to be false,” said Yudhistir, a local resident.

The only thing that could bring some solace is the fact that our Dana Majhi appeared much content as he was seen playing with her daughter from his third wife. Dana Majhi is happy with his family now. After purchasing a motorcycle from the money that he received as assistance, he has now started construction of a pucca house as well.

“Somehow I am surviving with my family. Bulk of the construction work of my house is complete,” said Dana Majhi.

Majhi further stated that the condition of the village is yet to improve. Though BDO had inspected the dilapidated condition of the school, steps are yet to be taken to repair it.