Odisha, Odisha — As Mother’s Day celebrations unfold across the country, elderly women at a Balasore old age home continue to face isolation and struggle, cherishing memories of families now distant.

The old age home in Balasore has become a refuge for many elderly mothers who have faced alleged neglect and mistreatment at home. Behind the celebrations and online tributes, these women long for affection and emotional support from their children. For several of them, the shelter has become their final refuge after years of harassment.

Durgamani Pramanik, a mother of three sons from Jaleswar, is one such resident. She had once taken pride in raising her family but now spends her days at the old age home after allegedly facing repeated harassment from her sons and daughters-in-law. Durgamani shared her experience, saying, “My sons constantly argued with me, and I could no longer bear the daily conflicts, so I came here. They would promise to look after me and provide food, but after a few days, disputes would begin again. Even if they come to take me back now, I will not return. I only pray that my sons live a good life, but they should not mistreat me. It is all right if they cannot feed me, but I cannot tolerate torture. People without children are living better lives.”

Background

The situation at the old age home highlights the struggles faced by elderly mothers in Balasore, who are forced to live in isolation due to strained family relations and alleged neglect. The old age home has become a sanctuary for them, providing a safe space to live out their days.

Another resident, Asha Patra, shared a similar experience. Suffering from paralysis and strained family relations, she and her husband Jogendra eventually left their home and shifted to the old age home. Asha Patra said, “I did not have a good relationship with my daughter-in-law. I have been staying here for the past year and have not gone back. My husband and I left our home.” Jogendra added, “My wife and daughter-in-law have a strained relationship. They would neither speak to her properly nor give her food, though they behaved normally with me. I felt hurt seeing her treated that way, so we decided to leave. We do miss our family, but we will not return.”

Community Impact

The stories of these women serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many elderly mothers in Odisha. The old age home has become a refuge for those who have been abandoned or mistreated by their families. The residents of the old age home are struggling to come to terms with their new reality, and their stories highlight the need for a change in the way society treats its elderly.

What Happens Next

As the celebrations continue, the question remains as to what the future holds for these women and whether their stories will lead to a change in the way society treats its elderly. The old age home continues to provide a safe space for them, but a more comprehensive solution is needed to address the root causes of the problem. The stories of Durgamani Pramanik, Asha Patra, and others like them will hopefully inspire a re-evaluation of the way society cares for its elderly.