Suraj Verma is a young artist from Baloda Bazar district in Chhattisgarh, India. Despite facing a renal problem and financial hardships, Suraj has turned to art to fund his medical expenses and support his family. His inspiring journey teaches us that even in difficult times, one can find hope and strength through creativity and determination.
In 2019, Suraj was diagnosed with a kidney issue. However, due to financial difficulties, he struggled to afford the necessary treatment. Nevertheless, his passion for sketching provided him with a solution. Suraj started creating portraits of people and selling them to cover his medical expenses and help his family.
In mid-2018, Suraj experienced severe stomach pain and swelling in his body, which led him to the emergency wing of a private hospital in Nagpur. After several tests, it was discovered that he had a kidney issue that required regular dialysis sessions. Dialysis is an expensive treatment that helps maintain kidney function, but it was challenging for Suraj, especially considering his financial situation. Suraj’s family consists of his mother, sister, and elder brother, and his father works as a farmer.
Initially, Suraj had to stay near the hospital to undergo regular medications and dialysis sessions, which lasted for two to three months. During this time, he had no access to insurance or financial assistance, making things even more difficult for him.
One day, Suraj’s aunt visited him and advised him to use social media positively instead of exposing himself to harmful radiation from his mobile phone. This advice led Suraj to discover his passion for sketching. He started buying pencils and drawing books and began sketching people he had befriended. Despite his health struggles, Suraj found purpose and joy through his art.
Suraj shared his determination to become self-reliant through his art, allowing him to cover his medical expenses without burdening his family. His art caught the attention of the Sumit Foundation, an organization that helps people in need. They connected Suraj with a professional artist who further improved his skills. The foundation aimed to make Suraj self-reliant and independent.
At first, Suraj was unsure if anyone would buy his paintings. However, as his art circulated among people, some of them started requesting portraits of themselves, gods, and their children. When Suraj presented them with their sketches and paintings, they offered to pay whatever they could. While the money he collects is not enough to cover all his medical expenses, it helps with his regular medications, which cost him a significant amount. Suraj also contributes any remaining funds to his family’s needs.
To date, Suraj has created and sold over 200 paintings, and he continues to make portraits every day. Dr. Sainath Pattewar, a nephrologist who treated Suraj, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and timely medical intervention. Unfortunately, in Suraj’s case, his kidney was permanently damaged and required a transplant. The early medications he received did not yield positive results.
Suraj’s journey showcases his resilience and determination to overcome adversity. Through his artwork, he not only sustains his medical needs but also supports his family. His story teaches us that even in the face of challenges, one can find solace and purpose through their passions.
