In the village of Silaunja, India, Suman Devi’s days are a quiet testament to profound love and unwavering dedication. She is a daughter to two fathers: Ramvriksh Manjhi, who raised her, and Gonga Manjhi, who welcomed her as his own after her marriage. These two distinct, yet equally important, paternal bonds have woven a powerful tapestry of kinship in her life, one that was recently tested and strengthened by adversity.

A Father's Fall, A Daughter's Unwavering Support

The quiet rhythm of their lives was disrupted in late January 2025 when Suman’s father, Ramvriksh, suffered a fall that left him with a fractured leg, unable to walk or even stand. In a community where access to advanced medical care can be a significant challenge, the situation was daunting. However, Suman was not alone. With the support of Tzu Chi volunteers, her father was hospitalized and received the surgery he needed.

“They helped me install this,” Ramvriksh said, gripping a safety handrail by his door. “It’s so much easier to use the stairs now. Without it, every step was painful.” His voice softened as he spoke of his daughter. “When I got sick, Tzu Chi took me to the hospital for treatment. My daughter was with me the whole time, whether at home or in the hospital. She never left my side.”

After his discharge, the care continued. A nurse from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), Alice Lee (李翠珊), made daily visits to change his dressings and guide him through rehabilitation exercises, ensuring his recovery was steady and safe.

Two Fathers, One Heart of Gratitude

Suman’s devotion extends equally to her father-in-law, Gonga Manjhi. He lives in a traditional mud-and-thatch house by the river, while her father resides in a sturdier home built by Tzu Chi. Despite the distance, the families are deeply connected.

One morning, as Suman washed clothes in the courtyard, Gonga quietly brought her buckets of water. He has never seen her merely as a daughter-in-law, but as his own child. “Suman is a very good person. She never argues and is excellent at managing the household,” Gonga shared. “She is very good to me. I see her father every day; he’s doing much better now and can even walk over on his own.” During Ramvriksh’s hospitalization, Gonga offered his full support, embodying the spirit of family unity.

On a recent visit, volunteers found the two fathers sitting together outside Ramvriksh’s home, chatting comfortably like old friends. Their bond, strengthened through Suman, was a picture of serene companionship.

An Act of Reverence, A Wish for the Future

Suman’s care is expressed in simple, profound actions. She brings her father warm meals and, in a gesture of deep respect, washes his feet. As she gently bathed his feet, Ramvriksh’s eyes welled with tears. “I used to take care of her, and now that I’m old, she is taking care of me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “In the hospital, she fed me and massaged my legs. I did not raise this daughter in vain.”

This act of reverence is deeply rooted in Indian culture and mirrors the "bathing the Buddha's feet" ritual Suman participated in during a recent Buddha Day ceremony. “Touching my father’s feet before I leave the house is a way of showing the deepest respect,” she explained softly.

When asked if caring for two households is difficult, Suman shook her head. “My mother-in-law was at home helping with chores and looking after my children, so I have nothing to complain about.”

Her own wishes are simple and selfless. “I don’t have many desires for myself. I just hope my children can receive a good education and have a successful future,” she said. “I didn’t study much, but I want them to have better opportunities.” Her commitment also extends to her community. “Whenever Tzu Chi needs help, I will go. Even if I have things to do at home, I will put them aside to help first.”

In the story of house number 16 in Silaunja, a daughter’s filial piety, a father’s gratitude, a father-in-law’s love, and a community’s support have intertwined to create a portrait of warmth and resilience, showing how simple acts of kindness can sustain a family and uplift a village.

Written by Cheng-Hsuan Wang (王承瑄)

Source: 兩位父親一樣親 印度蘇蔓行善也盡孝