A Second Chance In Life
Shivji Bitha, a 54-year-old resident of Panchrukhi village in Bihar, spent his days running a humble laundry stall, ironing clothes for his neighbors.
Despite having three sons, none supported him financially, leaving Shivji solely responsible for his wife and daughter.
While his earnings were modest, they brought a sense of pride and purpose. But when cataracts began to cloud his vision, Shivji’s life descended into darkness, both literally and figuratively.
The Struggle Begins
As his eyesight worsened, Shivji struggled to maintain the quality of his work.
The once-crisp shirts and neatly pressed trousers he delivered now carried imperfections—wrinkles left unchecked or burns caused by his trembling hands. Loyal customers began to lose faith in his services, and his earnings dwindled to almost nothing.
I could see the disappointment in their eyes, but I was powerless to fix it,
Shivji recalls.
Each failed attempt to iron a garment perfectly added to his frustration and despair. Tasks he once performed with ease became insurmountable challenges.
Over two long years, Shivji’s world shrank, as did his sense of independence. He became increasingly reliant on his wife for even the simplest tasks.
I had never felt so helpless. It was as if my entire world was slipping away from me, one piece at a time,
he laments.
A Ray of Hope
Just as Shivji was beginning to lose hope, a free eye screening camp organized by Akhand Jyoti arrived in his village. A neighbor encouraged him to attend, promising that it might be his chance to reclaim his life.
Nervous yet hopeful, Shivji walked into the camp, where the doctors diagnosed him with bilateral cataracts. The team assured him that free surgery could restore his vision.
I was hesitant at first,
Shivji admits.
I had no money and didn’t know if I could trust the process. But the doctors treated me with such kindness and respect, explaining every detail.
Akhand Jyoti arranged transportation to their nearest surgical hospital, where a skilled team performed the life-changing procedure.
Returning to Life
The morning after his surgery, Shivji removed the bandages from his eyes and was overwhelmed by what he saw: the world in vivid clarity.
I couldn’t stop crying, he recalls.
For the first time in years, I saw my wife’s face clearly and the vibrant colors of the world around me.
Today, Shivji is back at his laundry stall, ironing clothes with his signature precision. His loyal customers have returned, along with new ones drawn by his reputation for quality work. His income is steady once again, and so is his dignity.
It’s like I’ve been given a second chance at life, Shivji says, his voice filled with gratitude.
Akhand Jyoti didn’t just restore my vision—they restored my hope, my livelihood, and my sense of purpose.
Impact Beyond Vision
Through Akhand Jyoti’s intervention, Shivji’s story is no longer one of despair but one of resilience and transformation. His regained independence has eased the burden on his wife and brought stability back to his household.
Shivji’s journey is a testament to the power of sight—how a simple act of restoring vision can illuminate not just one life, but the lives of an entire family.
