Sukhro’s Story

Seventy-year-old Sukhro is a member of an isolated tribe called the Toto residing in Totopara in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India. Totopara is a small enclave located at the foot of the Himalayas just to the south of the borderline between Bhutan and West Bengal.

Sukhro had bilateral mature cataract which prevented him from seeing for almost 19 years. His condition had taken a huge toll. With the intervention of Sightsavers, Sukhro got his eyes operated under the Rural Eye Health Programme.  Sukhro enjoyed every aspect of the treatment because he knew it would lead to him having his vision restored.  When Sightsavers team met Sukhro in December 2020, they were amazed to find him making ‘Tukri’, a basket made from bamboo. The transformation in Sukhro’s life was a delight for everyone.