Truck driver donates kidney after daughter dumped by in-laws

AHMEDABAD: In India, patriarchal prejudice can be lethal. Suvarna Chavan, 22, was thrown out by her in-laws months after her marriage when her kidneys failed. The in-laws said she deserved to be dumped on the road.
Suvarna’s father Sriram Chavan, a truck driver who has studied only up to class X, stepped up and with actions steeped in love and desperation showed the courage and selflessness that ‘beti bachao’ missions require.
Chavan not only sold his 2-acre land to raise money for a transplant for Suvarna but also gave his own organ to save her. “I have three daughters and a son. I know people will sell everything off for a male child,” said Chavan, a native of Jalgaon in Maharashtra. “But I love my daughters as much, or rather a bit more,” he said.
Chavan and his wife Malubai were relieved that their parental responsibilities had been fulfilled when they had Suvarna — their youngest daughter who has a science degree — married in April 2018.
The relief was short-lived because soon after marriage Suvarna suffered from bouts of acute vomiting, migraine, and unconsciousness. She also lost her appetite.
“When her in-laws learnt of her kidney failure, they said they would not care about a girl who cannot work and may not have children,” Malubai said.
Suvarna’s parents were shaken but in the end their resolve to save her overcame despair. Chavan took Suvarna to Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital in Nadiad. When the in-laws refused to return the 10-odd tolas of gold gifted in dowry, Chavan sold his land for Rs 6 lakh for the treatment.
“My family has limited income because only my mother works. She earns money as farm labourer and domestic help,” Suvarna said. “My medicines cost Rs 33,000 per month. My father has given me his all. If I become well, I will take up a good job and look after him. I will never let him drive trucks again.”