An elderly lady from Odisha, Cuttack has set an example of generosity for many generations to come. 63-year-old Minati Patnaik donated all her property and other assets to a rickshaw puller making him a crorepati. She decided to change the life of this rickshaw puller in acknowledgement of the 25 years of service he gave to her and her family.
Ms Patnaik who is from Sutahat area has donated her three-storey house, gold, ornaments and all her possessions to Budha Samal, a rickshaw puller who has been serving her family for more than two decades. Samal survives with his wife and two sons. Buddha and his family had been serving Minati and her family members, who passed away for over 25 years. The lady was shattered when her entire family members were no longer alive and Budha and his family were the only pillars of support for her.
Minati was living happily with her husband and daughter until a tragedy struck their happiness. She lost her husband to kidney failure last year and her daughter Komal died of cardiac arrest recently. “My husband passed away in 2020 while my daughter died in 2021. After that, all these properties have no value for me,” she said.
Speaking to India Today, Minati Patnaik said "I was shattered and living in grief after the deaths of my husband and daughter at regular intervals. After my tragic loss, none of my relatives supported me. I was completely alone. However, this rickshaw puller and his family stood by me during my difficult times and took care of my health without expecting anything in return.”
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Meanwhile, Buddha said that he never knew that something like this would ever happen while serving Minati and her family, adding that he never carries any other passenger in his rickshaw and has always dedicated his services to Minati and her family. He will continue to care for her till she is alive, Budha further said.
Adding that she always wanted to donate her wealth to a poor family, Minati said, "I decided to legally donate everything to Budha and his family so that no one harasses them after my death.”
Budha used to drive Minati’s daughter to college and was the family's rickshaw puller. Minati’s truth grew in him gradually and his dedication towards her and her family had earned him the reward, she says. I did not do them any great service by giving them my property. They deserve it," Minati added.
Though Minati’s sisters opposed her decision of giving away her property to the rickshaw puller, Minati was staunch and went on with her decision. To ensure that her property is properly transferred to Budha after her death, Minati followed all th legal procedures to make it smooth for Budha.
An overjoyed Budha said that he was taken aback when Minati told him about her decision. “I am overjoyed that Maa has made such an important decision that will have an impact on my and my family's lives. I can now live under one roof with my family,” said Budha Samal.
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Budha quit his rickshaw pulling job two years ago after Minati asked him and his family to shift in her house four months ago on her request. Budha’s wife said that they have always considered Minati as their mother and her entire family was at her disposal whenever she needed them. “We are relieved that my family and Maa will be able to stay in this house,” she said.
This kind gesture by Minati Patnaik for her helpers will surely warm anyone’s heart and make them witness the power of kindness.