Mohd Irfan
In a scathing critique of successive governments, human rights activist and advocate Deepika Pushkar Nath has brought to light the dire situation faced by the residents of Paralkote village in Mandi, Poonch district. The village, known for its high prevalence of deaf and mute individuals, has been suffering from severe neglect and lack of basic amenities, according to Nath.
During a recent media interview, Nath shared her firsthand experience of visiting Paralkote, braving tough terrain to understand the challenges faced by its inhabitants. Her visit revealed a stark reality: a village devoid of proper roads, functioning healthcare facilities, and adequate educational institutions.
“There is no road at all, one middle school that too is crumbling, coupled with no primary healthcare center,” Nath lamented. She expressed deep concern over the absence of educational facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for special educators in the village. “People of Paralkote are demanding that special teachers be appointed here so that they aren’t deprived of mandatory education, which is after all part and parcel of our life,” she asserted.
The advocate highlighted the villagers’ plea for special status, which could potentially open up employment opportunities for the deaf and mute residents. Currently, their only source of livelihood is sporadic work as porters or construction laborers for the army, leaving them without a stable income.
Nath didn’t mince words in her criticism of the government’s development claims. “It’s ironic that we talk about being a global power and global leader when we have deaf and mute people in Paralkote living in such conditions,” she remarked, calling the situation “bizarre and absurd.”
The activist revealed a troubling lack of action despite a 2018 High Court directive ordering a survey and rehabilitation of Paralkote. “It’s an irony that till date, no survey has been conducted and no rehabilitation has been done,” Nath stated, describing it as a “sordid saga” of neglect. In response to this inaction, Nath announced her intention to seek intervention from international agencies. “I am contemplating writing to international agencies to draw their attention towards this Paralkote village, requesting them to send experts and doctors to investigate the causes behind the high incidence of deafness and muteness among the villagers,” she explained. Nath shared a particularly alarming anecdote about a girl who suddenly became deaf and mute at the age of eight, underscoring the urgency of understanding the root causes of these conditions. She also highlighted the grave risks faced by villagers due to the lack of infrastructure, mentioning incidents where pregnant women have died en route to hospitals due to the absence of proper roads.
The advocate didn’t spare the local administration either, questioning the Poonch district officials about their responsibility towards these marginalized villagers. “Isn’t it the responsibility of the district administration of Poonch to address the plight of the deaf and mute villagers of Paralkote?” she asked pointedly.
Nath’s commitment extends beyond Paralkote. She announced her intention to adopt and work for several other villages in the Rajouri district facing similar challenges, including Manyal A, Manyal B, and Azmatabad.
When questioned about the authenticity of her promises, given the track record of politicians making unfulfilled claims, Nath distinguished herself from such practices. “I don’t make promises unless I have the capacity to fulfill them. I’m not among those who come during elections with false claims,” she affirmed, emphasizing her unique approach as a political figure with a different mindset.
The advocate concluded her interview with a call to action, urging organizations and NGOs to join her efforts in assisting the Paralkote villagers. “It’s a noble service to come to the rescue of these villagers. I request everyone to come forward,” she appealed. As Nath continues her crusade for the rights and welfare of Paralkote’s residents, her actions shine a spotlight on the stark disparities that exist within India’s development narrative. The coming months will likely reveal whether her impassioned plea will catalyze meaningful change for these long-neglected communities or if they will continue to remain on the fringes of India’s progress.
