IT News
Imphal, Dec 1:
Amid the challenges gripping Manipur, a generous donation of medical equipment has brought hope to many in need. The JNIMS Relief Committee and Relief Committee Manipur reported that Sridivya Bonam, a Group Product Manager at Google in Washington, donated a laparoscopic endoscopy light source to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). This act of kindness directly enabled life-saving surgery for Laishram Memma, an internally displaced person (IDP) whose home was destroyed during the violence that razed over 20 Meitei villages.
Laishram Memma, originally from Ngathal village in Churachandpur, has been living in a relief camp in Imphal West since losing her home. She had suffered years of delayed medical treatment due to appendicitis and subsequent hernia complications.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, her condition worsened, and she was advised to seek laparoscopic surgery at JNIMS. However, the procedure was stalled because the hospital lacked functional equipment, leaving Memma’s family unable to afford the costly alternative at a private hospital.
Her plight was highlighted on social media by a volunteer, catching the attention of Bisoya Loitongbam, a Manipuri studying at Oxford under the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship. Bisoya contacted JNIMS and learned that the surgery was delayed due to a damaged light source in their laparoscopic equipment. Determined to help, Bisoya reached out to her friend and former classmate, Sridivya Bonam, who promptly donated the funds needed to replace the equipment. The new equipment was delivered to JNIMS on November 7, and Memma underwent surgery successfully on November 11, performed by Dr. Somorjit, Head of Surgery.
Since the donation, JNIMS has performed approximately 30 surgeries using the equipment, benefiting numerous other patients. The Relief Committees praised Bisoya’s decision to direct the donation toward hospital resources, ensuring a lasting impact rather than covering a one-time private hospital expense.
In a social media post, Bisoya expressed gratitude to Bonam, calling her a “beautiful soul” whose kindness and willingness to help strangers were deeply inspiring. Bisoya also noted that even small personal sacrifices can bring immense relief to those in need.
This story of compassion and collaboration serves as a beacon of hope amid adversity, highlighting the transformative power of generosity. The Relief Committees have called on citizens across India to extend financial, physical, and moral support to the internally displaced, emphasizing the importance of collective action in times of crisis.
