In Mokama, Bihar, the story of 9-year-old Shivam and 7-year-old Shivani is a testament to the challenges faced by orphaned children. Following the passing of their parents, the siblings have been left to navigate a difficult world, desperately seeking support.
Their mother, Sanjula Devi, died two years ago during childbirth, and their father, Dukhhharan Rai, passed away last year due to an illness. The children now face complete abandonment.
Initially, their uncle, Nepali Kumar, took on their care, but he soon found himself unable to continue because of his own financial struggles. The children were forced to seek refuge with relatives but found that situation unsustainable, and they have been moving between different homes.
Reports suggest that the relatives have stopped providing support. Shivani has returned to her uncle’s care. Meanwhile, Shivam, a fourth-grade student, is no longer attending school and has begun working with his impoverished uncle to help make ends meet.
The children’s uncle has stated that these orphans are not receiving any assistance from the government. He has been attempting to obtain their parents’ death certificates but has been experiencing difficulties. Officials have promised to speed up the process of issuing the death certificates, and they also stated that the child protection department would be notified so that the children can benefit from government programs.