Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 4: The story of a former teacher in Diglipur, now forced to beg on the streets after a paralytic condition left him incapacitated, has brought into focus the human cost of illness and the fragile safety nets available to vulnerable individuals in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Sunil Chandra Mandal, aged around 45 to 46 years, is a resident of Sita Nagar, Ward No. 1 in Diglipur. Once educated and self-reliant, Mandal today depends on alms collected in the local market to survive. His condition came to light during an interaction with a local digital creator Valli Jase that sought to highlight his plight and encourage public support.
A graduate in Chemistry, Mandal completed his B.Sc. degree in 1996. For several years, he remained actively engaged in the field of education. He ran his own coaching centre for nearly seven to eight years, teaching Mathematics and English to students in his locality. His role as an educator extended beyond private tutoring, as he also worked for five to six years as a teacher at a private Anand Marga School, where he earned a monthly salary of ₹6,000.
Despite modest earnings, Mandal managed to sustain himself through his profession. However, his life took a sudden and severe turn approximately seven to eight months ago when he reportedly suffered from paralysis. The condition left him physically weakened and unable to continue his work, effectively cutting off his only source of income.
According to Mandal, his situation worsened after he fell ill, as he was allegedly abandoned by his wife and family. Left without support at a time of medical and financial distress, he found himself struggling to meet even the most basic needs.
With no regular income and limited mobility, Mandal now spends his days in the Diglipur market area, where he begs to afford simple items such as tea and biscuits. His daily survival depends largely on the kindness of strangers and occasional assistance from passersby.
He further stated that despite possessing a medical card, he has not received any financial aid from the concerned government office. The lack of assistance has added to his hardship, raising questions about the accessibility and effectiveness of welfare mechanisms meant to support individuals in such conditions.
Mandal’s living situation remains equally concerning. He claimed that even basic necessities like drinking water are not available at his residence, leaving him entirely dependent on external sources for survival. The absence of such fundamental amenities underscores the severity of his condition and the challenges he continues to face.
Mandal’s case highlights systemic gaps, particularly in identifying and assisting individuals who become vulnerable due to sudden health crises. His educational background and years of service as a teacher further emphasise the stark contrast between his past contributions and present condition.
As Mandal continues to struggle for survival, his story stands as a reminder of the importance of community support, responsive governance, and accessible welfare systems.
