Thrissur: A woman pens a letter to tell the public how her son had met a tragic experience while travelling pillion on a bike without a helmet.
35-year-old Paulson, who became physically disabled and emotionally disturbed after a road accident five years ago, visited Mathrubhumi’s office on Saturday with his mother’s letter.
These are the words of the 65-year-old mother Annie Joseph. “I’m writing this letter with great difficulty. On January 9, 2014, my son Paulson, who was travelling in the bike with his friend on the national highway, met with an accident when a lorry hit the bike. My son, who was pillion riding without a helmet, hit his head on a rock. He was seriously injured in the accident and was immediately admitted to the hospital. Though his life was saved, he could not return to his original state, both physically and mentally. He lost his sight and hearing on one side. He is unable to sense any smell. He tends to suffer from epilepsy frequently. It is a humble request that everyone wear a helmet when riding a bike. We need to protect our body, not the police.”
Paulson was a Mathrubhumi agent. His friend Lijo Kainatan who was riding the bike with a helmet at the time of the accident fell into a pool of water but escaped unhurt.
“Paulson lost his sense of smell, taste and eyesight when he sustained frontal lobe injury in the front of his brain. The grievous injury also caused behavioural changes in him,” said Dr S Ramesh of Thrissur Jubilee Mission hospital who treated Paulson.
Paulson is a good singer. Music has really helped me regain my mind. “Though I can still sing, I could not stress many words. I’m unable to go for any work. My father’s disability pension and my mother's old age pension are our bread and butter. Since we fall under BPL category, we could get free rice. My two married sisters also help us” said Paulson.
