Miracle baby celebrates first birthday

NIRMAL MANGAR
GANGTOK, May 26: Asha, the miracle baby today blew her birthday candle and cut the birthday cake with the help of her mother at Mamtalaya where both of them are presently staying.
It was a happy moment for both the mother and the child when the staff of Mamtalaya, a short stay home for destitute women today observed the first birthday of the child with joy and fanfare.
Despite all odds and circumstances Asha, who turned one today, had underwent pains and sorrow ever since her birth.
This girl, who was dumped by her very mother and her parents in a sewerage pipe in 6th Mile a year ago, was given a new lease of life with the efforts of many including Dr Priya Reddy.
She was rescued by some of the people who heard her cries and was instantly taken to the nearby Manipal hospital.
This unwanted and underweight girl child has started gaining weight today and is one amongst the most loved baby at Mamtalaya.
Bhima Gurung, Chairperson, Social Welfare Board, Sarita Gurung, counselor, Bharati Dewan, Superintendent, staffs of Mamtalaya and others were present to share the moment of joy with Asha.
Although the hope of her survival was low at first, the tireless effort of the staff of intensive natal care unit of Manipal and the effort of the local people made Asha survive.
She made newspaper headlines, became household talks and funds started percolating in to bring Asha back to her normal conditions.
Finally Asha got recovered and was taken to Mamtalaya, located at Amdo Golai bye-Pass along with her mother and she has been staying there for the past eight months.
“It was my ignorance and wrong decision to dump the baby, now she is the reason and my biggest strength for my living,” says Hark Maya Gurung, Asha’s mother.
She also said that the supportive staff at Mamtalaya has turned out to be a beacon of hope for many such destitute and unwedded mothers.
“Asha has become a part of our family and she is the dearest amongst all’ says Bharati Dewan, the Supretdentient of the destitute home.

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