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The clock had almost struck 9 PM one September evening in 2020, when a group of miscreants attacked 42-year-old Uttam Naik with acid through a window. Within seconds, his head, the right side of his face and neck, his hands, chest and even his abdomen was suddenly left with severe burns, the skin and flesh in these areas melting away, leaving him writhing in excruciating pain.
A gruesome acid attack brought his life to a standstill
“He was working at a construction site. That night, he was sitting in the place of the security guard, who was taking a short break, when some people came and threw acid on him. He has no enemies, and he’s a good man. He worked hard to send money to his parents and provide for them. My friend’s life was turned upside-down in the worst way possible, and seeing him in so much pain, as he fought to survive, was heart-wrenching.” - Gautam, Uttam’s friend
Hailing from Bhadrak, Orissa, Uttam is the eldest son of his parents and was the breadwinner of his family. A hard-working and responsible man, he never shied away from his responsibilities. He always took care of his parents and even got his younger sister married. In 2019, he made the decision to move to Bangalore, seeking better opportunities, and landed a job as an office boy in a small construction company. He was also set to get married in only a few months' time, when the attack occurred.
The sweltering acid had also destroyed his right eye and his eyesight
What followed was a series surgeries to save Uttam’s life. The acid attack had left him with burns and injuries so severe that he had been in critical condition and required prolonged treatment, along with a long hospitalisations, until he was out of danger.“His employer compensated him with a monthly salary of 12,000 rupees, which is how he was able bear the expenses of his initial treatment and daily tests. He was in so much pain, he couldn’s sit up or speak. I would stay with him at the hospital at night, and be woken up by his blood-curdling screams. I couldn’t hold back the tears, seeing him in this state. I was angry and heartbroken for my dear friend.” - Gautam
Despite all the help, he was falling short on funds for his treatment
Anyone who knew Uttam, knew that he is a kind-hearted soul who keeps to his own business. He was polite, a fast learner, a respected colleague at his workplace and an absolute delight to work with. This incident came as a shock to everyone, and knowing his financial predicament, all his colleagues came together to help him with his medical expenses.“In mere seconds, everything he had worked for and was looking forward to, was cruelly taken away from him. But the Uttam we know is very strong-willed. Despite what he was going through, he strived hard to get better and his motivation was his parents. However, soon, even the help he was receiving from his friends and colleagues wasn’t enough to meet his medical expenses.” - Gautam.
His friends made a small appeal, and you immediately jumped to action
As they had been running out of means to support Uttam’s recovery, his friends began looking for other ways to help him. That’s when they came across Milaap and set up a fundraiser in the hope of receiving assistance in footing his medical bills and continuing his treatment. Help came in the form of thousands of kind souls like you, who heard their appeal and offered generous contributions as well as prayers wishing Uttam a speedy recovery.I have Milaap and the doctors at the hospital to thank for being alive today. When I was low on hopes, and losing my will to live, the doctors gave me the boost I needed. They urged me to not give up, to keep fighting and even assured me that they would try their hardest to help me lead a normal life again. With help from all the kind people that donated through Milaap, I have now completed my treatment successfully. Today I run a tea shop in my hometown to support my family. Had it not been for you, I wouldn't be here. While my appearance maybe disfigured, it hasn't shaken my spirit. I'm still standing strong and healthy as ever. I am grateful to all of you who made this happen for me." - Uttam
Accidents can happen anytime and they come without warning. The stark truth is that not everyone is as lucky as Uttam - not everyone's family is able to arrange enough funds in time for the extensive treatment that follows trauma cases. Patients linger in unbearable pain and suffering for many years, unable to get the medical care they deserve to recuperate properly. Trauma patients often hang between life and death, in a vegetative state, as a result.
This is where you can step in and contribute to Milaap’s Accident Emergency Response Fund, and be a beacon of light for those whose lives were turned upside-down by accidents. Click here to learn more about how you can make a difference.
