With Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring war against black money, several ways are being devised by the corrupt to desperately save their illegal wealth. Many are choosing bank accounts of unsuspecting poor families to stash away their illegal wealth before the December deadline.

But, a poor family in Kolkata has set an example by showing courage to say no to black money and refusing to fall into that trap. This, despite the lure of easy cash in the face of extreme adversity.

TEEN SUFFERING FROM WILSON'S DISEASE



Parents of 17-year-old Sumana Pal, who is suffering from the rare Wilson's disease, has refused to accept multiple cash donations in black money from people who have suddenly come forward with help.

Despite facing an acute crisis of funds for their daughter's very expensive treatment, the family has decided not to accept any aid in black money.

"We were worried about how to arrange money for her treatment. Surprisingly, many came forward to help but with their black money. They said if we keep a major portion of their money in our account and return them later, we can take a small percentage for Sumana's treatment," Sumana's father Kanan Behari Pal said.

Diagnosed with the rare disorder which cripples the body's nervous system, Sumana has been fighting for her life since she was in class 6. For the last nine years, the Pal household has been running pillar to post to arrange funds for their daughter's treatment.

While they need at least Rs 1.5 lakh every month for medical expenses, Sumana's father barely manages about Rs 20,000 from his small printing press business.

Exhausting all their savings, the family has managed to keep Sumana alive only through donations. But the government's sudden demonetisation announcement has come as a bolt from the blue.

"Medicines for her treatment are all imported as they are not manufactured in India. Each bottle of 100 capsules cost 600 pounds or close to Rs 60,000. She needs two bottles per month. Without that, she runs the risk of slipping into coma once again," Kakali Pal, her worried mother explained.

APARTMENT SOLD OFF TO MEET MEDICAL EXPENSES

To meet the medical expenses, the family sold off their own apartment and now live in a one room accommodation in the northern fringes of the city. Though struggling to make ends meet, they remain steadfast in their resolve.

"We may be poor, but we have a self-esteem. We are determined to walk on the right path to keep Sumana alive," adds Kakali.

While the family refuses to compromise, they desperately seek the prime minister's help to keep their daughter alive.

"We fully endorse Modi Ji's fight against corruption but we hope that helps families like ours in return," said an emotional Behari Pal reminding that even he is fighting a battle, but of another kind - to save his only daughter.



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