Hariom Kashyap, Arriving with Kanwar from Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, Suddenly Falls Ill; Referred from Sultanganj to Mayaganj Hospital
Sultanganj/Bhagalpur (Correspondent): During the world-famous Shravani Mela, the Kanwaria path stretching from Sultanganj in Bihar to Deoghar in Jharkhand is currently overflowing with waves of faith and devotion. Millions of Shiva devotees from every corner of the country are setting out on this arduous foot pilgrimage with their prayers and wishes. Meanwhile, a sudden deterioration in the health of a kanwaria who had arrived from Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh to offer water to Baba Baidyanath created a flutter among the administrative machinery and health department. Kanwaria Hariom Kashyap was brought to the Sultanganj Community Health Centre (CHC) in critical condition with the help of family members and medical staff, where, failing to show improvement even after primary treatment, doctors referred him to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital (Mayaganj) in Bhagalpur for advanced medical care.
Hariom Kashyap Arrived with Unwavering Faith from Fatehpur
Resident of Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh, Hariom Kashyap had been preparing for this sacred pilgrimage of Baba Bholenath for several days:
Long Journey and Resolve: Hariom arrived in Sultanganj along with his family and a few local companions. His aspiration was to fill sacred water from the Uttarahini Ganga and complete the long and arduous foot journey of approximately 105 kilometers.
Rituals at Ganga Bank and Sudden Crisis: Upon reaching Sultanganj on Thursday, after taking a holy dip in the Ganga and commencing his journey, he suddenly began complaining of severe chest pain and dizziness due to extreme physical fatigue, humid weather, and dehydration. Before long, his health began deteriorating rapidly.
Commotion at the Sultanganj Health Center
As soon as news of Hariom Kashyap falling ill reached his companions and medical personnel present there, chaos ensued on the spot:
Prompt Action: Traveling family members, without wasting any time, immediately rushed him to the Sultanganj Community Health Centre (CHC) with the assistance of the local police and health department.
Primary Treatment: Doctors and the medical team deployed in the hospital's emergency ward immediately sprang into action and initiated treatment for Hariom. Oxygen support and intravenous drips (glucose/saline) were administered to control his worsening condition.
Referred to Mayaganj Hospital Seeing Critical Condition
Despite primary treatment at the Sultanganj hospital, when Hariom's health showed no significant improvement and his distress mounted, the doctors made a major decision:
Need for Advanced Treatment: On-duty physicians stated that the patient was experiencing extreme weakness and potential cardiac or other serious health complications, which required high-level medical equipment and the supervision of specialist doctors.
Dispatched to Mayaganj Hospital: Considering the gravity of the situation, doctors immediately referred him to Mayaganj Hospital (JLNMCH) in Bhagalpur. He was dispatched to Bhagalpur via ambulance under the supervision of family members and health workers, where his treatment remains ongoing.
State of Healthcare Services and Administrative Vigilance on the Kanwaria Path
This incident has once again underscored the importance of health security during travel along the Kanwaria path:
Role of Health Camps: Health camps and medical posts have been set up by the administration at various locations within the Shravani Mela zone to provide immediate relief if any pilgrim falls ill.
Administrative Appeal: The district administration and health department continuously appeal to kanwarias to undertake the journey keeping their physical endurance in mind. Dehydration becomes common due to intense heat, humidity, and excessive walking, which makes consuming ample water, ORS, and fluids along the route essential.
The sudden illness of Hariom Kashyap, who came with hopes of Baba Baidyanath from Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, demonstrates that the Kanwar pilgrimage is as physically challenging as it is spiritually sacred. Amidst the rush from Sultanganj to Mayaganj Hospital, the promptness of health workers and the administration was commendable. Everyone is praying to Baba Bholenath for Hariom Kashyap to recover completely at the earliest and resume his incomplete journey with renewed enthusiasm.
