Like many mothers, Rajeshwari Karnan
was delighted when she gave birth to a son. The 23-year-old farm
labourer and her husband, Karnan Perumal, 26, already had a two-year-old
daughter, but like many in the state of Tamil Nadu, they considered a
boy a particular blessing.
So when Rahul arrived in May, they were especially delighted.
However, just over a week later, their joy turned to misery.
One afternoon, says Rajeshwari,
she was washing her daughter when she suddenly heard Rahul screaming
from inside the hut. She ran towards him, but before she could get
there, a neighbour shouted to her the words she will never forget: ‘Your
baby is on fire!’
So when Rahul arrived in May, they were especially delighted.
However, just over a week later, their joy turned to misery.
One day Rajeshwari Karnan suddenly heard her
baby Rahul (pictured) screaming from inside the hut. She ran towards
him, but before she could get there, a neighbour shouted 'Your baby is
on fire!'
