Rourkela: A Sambalpur-based electrician, despite his modest income, has emerged as a lifeline for underprivileged families — accompanying critically ill patients to hospitals and caring for them like family.Chaturbhuj Gardia (38), of Indira Colony in Vishalkhinda village under Dhankauda block, supports his wife, two children and ailing parents, while devoting time to aiding the poor, elderly, persons with disabilities, widows, orphans and mentally ill.A school dropout after Class IX, Gardia took up electrical repair work two decades ago to support his family, especially as his mother battled mental illness. His journey into social service began around 2000, when he accompanied a critically ill patient to a Sambalpur hospital at someone’s request.Paridhi Dhurua, a fatherless child from Rengali block, was admitted to VIMSAR, Burla, on March 5. After 10 days, doctors referred the child to Sishu Bhavan in Cuttack. The child’s widowed mother, who works as a domestic, sought help. Gardia stepped in, took them to Cuttack by a passenger train, facilitated admission and stayed for several days to offer support.He also helped the mother apply online for an income certificate after she was denied Red Cross financial aid due to lack of documentation.Gardia has similarly supported the Ranbida family of Ajitpur Shasan. Ashish Ranbida, who is disabled due to polio, lost his father Jhumar Ranbida to cancer in 2010. During his illness, Gardia accompanied Jhumar to hospitals in Burla and Cuttack and stayed with him throughout treatment. After his death, Gardia continued to assist the family—accompanying Ashish to VIMSAR multiple times and helping him secure a disability certificate.He also supports Ashish’s son Manish, now three, who was born with a club foot. Gardia regularly accompanies the child for treatment in Burla. Around the time of Manish’s birth, his mother developed mental health issues and was admitted to the psychiatric department, during which Gardia stood by the family and even approached the collector seeking assistance for the child’s treatment.“Chaturbhuj is like god for us. Despite our endless struggles, he has been a pillar of strength,” said Godabari Ranbida, Ashish’s mother. “He not only helps our family but stands by anyone in distress.”Gardia remains unwavering in his commitment. “I cannot bear to see others suffer, especially those from underprivileged families. I will continue to serve as long as I am alive,” he said.
