Bimal Kumar, 43, worked as a painter. When plastering the walls of a three-story building, he fell from the top directly onto the tarmac floor.

The fall ended in tragedy: the impact broke four of his rib bones, and fractured his spine, with over 6 bones injured directly. “It is so painful to see my brother in this condition. It is a shame that construction workers constantly have to risk their lives to make a living,” says Bimal’s sister.

“My brother was placed in the ICU for more than 3 days and the doctors suggested that it might take up to a week’s worth of time to operate on him given his condition. Who knows what might happen within a week, especially in a critical case like this. I just want my brother to be able to speak at least,” she pleaded. “That will be enough.”

Although his contractor has covered a portion of Bimal’s medical expenses, Bimal’s hardships are far from over. Doctors have said that it may be months before he can even sit up on his own.

Alongside Bimal, his family members are facing trials of their own. Bimal has two children who are currently unwell and refuse to eat properly without their father’s presence. With the sole earner of the family severely injured, the rest of them are uncertain about their future.

Bimal’s story is one among countless other construction workers’, who have had to risk their lives at work. How many other workers will have to face a similar plight before policies ensuring their safety touch their lives for the better?

This painting depicts the patient’s injury, his struggle, and his gradual healinge.

Stay tuned for our upcoming exhibition!

(The name of the patient has been changed to protect his identity.)