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People often say that social media ranting doesn't help in governance. Let me share what I witnessed over the last 24 hours.
On the evening of 3rd June, an Odia friend called me seeking help. A 22-year-old youth, Devendra Suna from Balangir, employed as a salesman in a major retail chain, had passed away at Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, due to complications arising from sickle cell disease.
Devendra came from a poor family. A few years ago, the family had already lost another son to the same disease. His elderly parents had no means to clear the pending hospital bills or bring their son's mortal remains home. I was asked whether we should start a crowdfunding campaign.
My response was simple. We had already lost the young man. If crowdfunding had to be done, it should be for someone who could still be saved. For Devendra, I felt the State should stand with the family.
Within minutes, we collected the necessary documents and his father's appeal and posted the issue on X.
Frankly, at nearly 10 PM, I expected nothing.
But within hours, Odisha Health Minister @MahalingMukesh responded. Despite the late hour, the Balangir district administration reached out. Soon, the intervention of @CMO_Odisha followed. They assured us that the issue would be addressed first thing in the morning.
And they kept their word.
Before Devendra's cousin could even reach the hospital the next morning, calls had already come from the Health Minister's office and the Labour Department. The matter was being actively monitored by both the Health Minister's office and the Chief Minister's Office.
Officials held discussions with the hospital, coordinated with relatives in Bengaluru and explored every possible solution. Two district administrations became involved. Multiple agencies worked together. It felt like a war room where everyone had one objective — ensuring that a grieving family was not left helpless.
By around 4 PM, all pending issues had been resolved. ₹1.50 lakh was sanctioned from the Red Cross Fund of the Collector & District Magistrate, Balangir towards settlement of the medical dues. Through extensive coordination, Devendra's mortal remains finally began the journey back home to Balangir in a fully equipped ambulance, allowing his elderly parents to perform the last rites with dignity.
What I witnessed over these hours was not politics.
It was governance.
It was empathy.
It was the power of responsive administration.
Heartfelt thanks to Hon'ble Chief Minister @MohanMOdisha, Health Minister @MahalingMukesh, @CMO_Odisha, @HFWOdisha, @IPR_Odisha, the Balangir district administration, officials across departments, the Labour Department, Maa Tarini Seva Trust and everyone who quietly worked behind the scenes.
In an age where cynicism is fashionable and many dismiss social media as mere ranting, this experience reminded me that sincere appeals, backed by compassionate and responsive governance, can indeed make a difference.
Yesterday, a poor family feared they would not even be able to bring their son home.
Today, Devendra is on his final journey to Balangir.
Sometimes, governance is not about grand announcements.
Sometimes, it is simply about ensuring that grieving parents get to bid farewell to their son with dignity.
That, perhaps, is what humanity is all about.
Om Shanti. 🙏
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