(Second from left) Dinesh Manjhi, his mother Mahapati Devi and maternal grandmother Kaileshari Devi at his village. Telegraph picture

Patna, Sept. 24: Dinesh Manhji, a resident of Baragovind village in East Champaran district, could have had a happier homecoming. The feisty 20-year-old, who was a victim of the Mumbai serial blasts on July 13, however, is happy to return home and start life afresh.

Dinesh, who lost his right leg in the blast, has decided to start a business in his village. He has called back his elder brother Bindeshwar, a daily wager in Punjab, home so that the two of them can work together.

“The loss of my leg taught me a valuable lesson. I would rather stay with my family even if I earn less,” Dinesh told The Telegraph over phone from his village.

He returned home 20 days back and got a warm welcome from his fellow villagers.

“Most of them came to see me. It was a very nice feeling,” he said. “For a month, I used to be all alone through the day in my rented room in Mumbai, as the other occupants used to go out to work.”

Dinesh was released from the hospital after a few days. However, he was forced to stay back in Mumbai as the doctors advised him to continue with the treatment.

His mother, Mahapati Devi, is only too happy to have both her sons home. “I appeal to everyone not to send their sons to other states. It is really hurtful to see one’s child undergo such an ordeal for the sake of earning a livelihood,” she said, adding that she felt very bad when she saw Dinesh walking on crutches.

Her son has decided to open a shop with the help of his former employer Panna Lal, who has promised financial aid to the youth.

“He has asked me to start a shop and has also promised to provide the initial capital,” Dinesh said.

Lal has been a Good Samaritan for Dinesh in more than one way. Though the youth could not continue to work at Lal’s bakery after the incident, the employer provided him with food and also with the money to buy a ticket back home.

Dinesh does have a capital of Rs 2.25 lakh to start his venture. This money is the accumulated sum provided to him by the Centre, the Maharashtra government and benevolent donations. The government of his own state, however, is yet to extend any help to him.

“I haven’t got any help from the Bihar government yet,” he said.

Social worker Amar, who has been working for the uplift of the Mushahar community to which Dinesh belongs, said: “The officials of the state government told us that there is no provision to extend help to such victims.”

Help, however, could be on its way. The proposal of the state labour department of providing financial help to migrant labourers who become partially or fully handicapped while working outside the state has been approved by the finance department.

“We would soon send the amendment proposal for the cabinet’s approval. Dinesh would be entitled to a financial help of Rs 37,500 after the approval. The amendment would be effective from April 1 this year,” a senior state government official said.

The Telegraph, in its July 18 edition, had reported on the proposal of the labour department.

When informed about the probable help from the state government, Mahapati said it would be a big help for her family. She is, however, worried as Dinesh intends to go back to Mumbai to get an artificial leg fixed and also to meet Lal.

“I am just going for a short trip. I have convinced my family members not to worry,” Dinesh said.

The worried mother, however, is not willing to take any chances. She has decided to send her elder son along with the younger one.