The Fatal Disease - 1917 Diarrhoea

By Dr. H S Swadhin Kumar Pal

The year 1917 stands as a sombre chapter in the annals of our history, etched deeply in the collective memory of those who lived through it. In the small, remote village of Limaliguda, where life usually moved at a steady, predictable pace, an unexpected and lethal wave of death arrived with the first light of February. What began on February 11th, 1917, in the neighbouring village of Jaltar, quickly spread like wildfire to Limaliguda, leaving a wake of devastation that was beyond comprehension. This epidemic, as simple and common as diarrhoea might seem in today's world, proved to be a fatal adversary. The disease, brought on by the lack of proper sanitation, the influx of migrant populations, and the general vulnerability of the community to such outbreaks, took root swiftly. In just a few days, from the morning of February 11th to the evening of February 14th, 1917, the entire region of Limaliguda and its surrounding areas found themselves under siege by a relentless and deadly disease. Dr. H S Swadhin Kumar Pal, my father, a dedicated Govt. Teacher Retiree, chronicled the tragedy in meticulous detail, drawing from his personal experiences and his firsthand observations. As a migrant from Jaltar himself, he witnessed the immense human suffering firsthand, struggling not only with medical complications but also with the deep emotional toll the epidemic exacted on the community. His journey to Limaliguda was not only a professional mission but a personal one-his desire to save those suffering and his determination to understand the disease that swept through the land with such force. In this account, Dr. Pal offers a detailed medical perspective on the disease, its symptoms, and the rapid devastation it caused. Yet, beyond the medical discourse, this book is also a narrative of compassion, of resilience, and of the deep ties that bind a community together in the face of catastrophe. His voice, both scientific and empathetic, captures the profound grief of families who lost loved ones in a matter of days, and the tireless efforts of the medical staff who struggled with meagre resources. I, Jubak Chandra Pal, the editor of this work, have undertaken the task of preserving my father's words and translating them into Odia, so that his invaluable insights may reach the wider community. This translation seeks to bridge the gap between generations, allowing the younger population to grasp the magnitude of this crisis, and to learn from the wisdom of those who lived through it. In these pages, readers will find not just a historical account of an epidemic, but also a cautionary tale. The story of the 1917 diarrhoeal epidemic is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of life and the importance of preparedness and hygiene in preventing such outbreaks. It highlights the limitations of medical science at the time, but also the profound dedication of doctors and public health workers, who faced insurmountable odds yet persevered. As you turn these pages, may you reflect on the immense strength shown by the people of Limaliguda, and indeed, all of India, during that trying period. Their resilience in the face of such loss is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and their story must never be forgotten. This book is not just a recounting of an epidemic. It is a tribute to all those who lived and died during the 1917 outbreak, to the tireless medical professionals who worked with all their might, and to the community that, despite its suffering, came together to face an invisible enemy. It is my hope that this work will serve as both a historical record and a beacon of awareness for future generations. May this book help us remember that, in times of crisis, it is not only science but also solidarity, compassion, and an unwavering will to survive that light the path to healing.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F2Y35PN4
• ISBN13: 9798315936527
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 82 Pages
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"