It’s a crime to be poor in our country,” said a tearful Nutan Zatale. Having already lost one child to medical tragedy, Nutan and her husband, Sharad, are now at a breaking point, struggling to fund a life-saving MIC-KEY Button surgery for their nine-year-old son, Daksh. The couple, who survive on unpredictable odd jobs, have drained their entire life savings. “We are literally living in an ‘aaj kamaya toh aaj khaya’ situation,” said Sharad.

Nutan and Sharad Zatale with their son Daksh. PICS/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR