New father's joy turns to tragedy as he dies in Mysuru hospital courtyard, unable to afford shelter

Shivagopalaiah, unable to afford a Rs 30 dormitory fee at a Mysuru hospital, died in the courtyard after three nights sleeping outdoors following the birth of his son.
People sleep outside Cheluvamba Hospital in Mysuru
People sleep outside Cheluvamba Hospital in Mysuru Photo | Udayashankar S
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2 min read

MYSURU: Poverty can be excruciatingly cruel, and this heart-wrenching turn of events is proof. A 35-year-old man, filled with joy at the birth of his son, died in his sleep outside in Cheluvamba Hospital courtyard.His penury prevented him from taking shelter in the hospital dormitory from the biting cold, and succumbed to it after spending three nights outside.

Shivagopalaiah had come to Mysuru on Friday from Chowdalli village in Gundlupet taluk with hope in his heart, which turned to joy on the arrival of his newborn son that afternoon.

His wife, Ashwathamma, had delivered a healthy baby boy via Caesarean-section, and their lives were filled with joy. Yet, as she rested in the hospital’s ICU with her newborn, Shivagopalaiah found himself sleeping outdoors, unable to afford even the nominal Rs 30 fee for the dormitory facility meant for caregivers and attendants of patients.

Despite his hardships, he was determined to stay close, fearing he might be needed by the doctors at any moment as his wife and newborn baby were in the ICU. Over three nights, he braved the cold, clinging to the joy of his son’s birth while silently enduring his own struggles, physical and financial. But on Monday morning, that endurance ended as his lifeless body was discovered in the hospital’s courtyard.

According to Suresh, a fellow attendant who had befriended him during the hospital stay, Shivagopalaiah’s struggles were evident from the start. “He had no money, not even for a meal. We helped him get food, and one of the doctors gave him money to buy milk powder for the baby. He was so happy about the newborn baby…”

Suresh’s voice choked, recalling the man who slept on the cold ground each night, refusing to leave his wife and child even for a moment.

Dr KR Dakshayini, Dean and Director of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, said while dormitory facilities were available, Shivagopalaiah chose not to use them. “We received information about this tragedy this morning. Police have conducted a spot mahazar, but the exact reason will be confirmed after the reports arrive.”

Ashwathamma, still recuperating in the ICU, remains oblivious to her husband’s death. A family that should have been celebrating the new arrival, is set to be drowned in deep sorrow.

There was not a dry eye among those who had got to know Shivagopalaiah. Attendants and hospital staff alike reflected on the tragedy with heavy hearts. “When his baby was born, he had wept with joy…. It is so hard to believe that a person I became so close to in three days is no more…..” said Suresh, his voice trailing off.

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