Allu Pedda Surappuda and Munna: an example of love and resilience
Allu Pedda Surappuda spent his whole life working as a shepherd. Indeed, he truly loves looking after his sheep, but he also notes that this is a precarious livelihood, as sheep often fall sick or die unexpectedly. When that happens, he takes on daily wage jobs to ensure that he can keep providing for his family. Although Allu Pedda’s family has never lived in abundance and he regrets that he was not able to send his children to school, he has always worked hard to ensure that they have everything that they need, despite setbacks along the way.
When he was about 35, Allu Pedda was diagnosed with leprosy. By then, he had already lost feeling in his legs, his fingers and toes had curled inwards, and he was beginning to develop an ulcer. He received multi-drug therapy at Chelluru hospital, and while it cured his leprosy, what was meant to be a six-month treatment program stretched to two years as he experienced severe reactions to the treatment. This led to lingering nerve pain in his arms and legs; even now, he cannot walk for more than five minutes, and cannot walk at all without a crutch.
Now I am suffering with joint pain and a small ulcer...I have to depend on this stick, without it I cannot walk.
Allu Pedda Surappuda
He continued to work for a time, but recently, his son took over his flock, allowing him to focus on his health. Living close to his son’s family has also been good because it meant he gets to spend lots of time with his eight-year-old grandson, Munna. Indeed, the two share a special bond. Munna is proud to proclaim that “I love my grandfather very much!” and although he currently only has 20 rupees to his name, one day he would like to buy his grandfather a sheep, a bike, and lots of samosas, his favourite food.
Allu Pedda goes to the clinic in the nearest town to have his dressings changed, but Munna is his daily caregiver, bringing water for his ulcers and helping keep his spirits high.
And both Munna and his sister are currently achieving Allu Pedda’s dream of education. They have performed remarkably well in their classes, and are excited to keep learning.
Allu Pedda’s many faithful years of working as a shepherd paved the way for the next generations to experience what he never could, and he could not be prouder.