For Nagamma, caring for family comes before Deepavali

From new clothes and festive delicacies to family gatherings, Deepavali is a time of joy and celebration. But for some families, the occasion is a much quieter affair.

Today, Nagamma Rajagopal will spend Deepavali much like any other day: caring for her loved ones and worrying about how to put food on the table.

Two years ago, her husband, labourer Parthiban Dharmalingam, 64, was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him bedridden.

Since then, Nagamma has had her hands full caring for him while raising her four grandchildren amidst the family’s financial struggles.

“It has been a tough time for me, full of ups and downs. But prayers and going to the temple help get me by. I pray for my children to be good, and for any kind of help,” Nagamma, 63, told FMT Lifestyle.

There will be no shopping trips or lavish Deepavali feast this year. Instead, Nagamma’s greatest concern is simply making sure her family has enough to get by.

For her grandchildren, the festival is unlikely to bring the usual excitement of new clothes, treats and celebrations.

Nagamma has been looking after the four children – aged eight, nine, 11 and 13 – since they were left in her care about five years ago. One attends a special school because of learning difficulties.

The family lives in a modest home in Klang, where much of the furniture has been donated by well-wishers. Parts of the house, including the back door, have fallen into disrepair.

Nagamma works as a cleaner at a nearby school, earning about RM1,200 a month, supplemented by some welfare assistance. But with six people relying largely on that modest income, there is barely enough to go around.

“I don’t know how much time I have left. I’m not young anymore. It’s very difficult, especially since I have a leg injury after an accident. But what else can I do?” Nagamma said.

Most of her salary goes towards food, school supplies and transport for her grandchildren. In months when she cannot afford the school transport fees, she has little choice but to walk the children about 2km to school, despite her leg injury.

Nagamma rises at 4am each morning to prepare breakfast and help the children get ready for school. She then heads to work, returning in the evening to rest and prepare for another day.

Looking after four energetic grandchildren is no easy task, but Nagamma has grown accustomed to the daily challenges.

Her greatest wish is to see them grow up and become independent. And while some have suggested that other families might be able to take them in, she cannot bear the thought of separating them.

“I cannot let them go. Their parents told me to take care of them. We are a family,” Nagamma stressed.

Fundraising efforts for Nagamma and her family are currently being carried out by the Inner Wheel Club of Klang, a women’s volunteer service organisation. The group recently visited them with Deepavali cookies and clothes for the children.

Its president, Dr Sri Lakshmi Kanniah, said the NGO learnt of Nagamma’s plight last year. When its members first visited the family’s home, they found it in disrepair, with little furniture and limited lighting.

The group has since been trying to ease some of their financial burdens. The family remains in need of essential supplies, as well as assistance from a caregiver to help Nagamma look after her husband.

Despite the hardships she has endured, Sri Lakshmi said what struck her most was Nagamma’s positive outlook and determination to keep her family together.

“As we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let us not forget those less fortunate like Nagamma and her family,” Sri Lakshmi said.

“I hope more people will come forward to help – not only to bring them some Deepavali cheer, but also to make a lasting difference in their lives.”

To help Nagamma and her family, contact the Inner Wheel Club of Klang at [email protected].

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