Surviving on daily wages: The quiet struggle of a former President’s family

"We survive by fishing and working as daily wage labourers.”

These words reflect the pain and struggle of a family that was once connected to the highest office of the country. In Rangia, the family of former Indian President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed is today facing deep hardship.

In Borkukuria village, his nephew Jiauddin Ali Ahmed lives a life far removed from power or privilege. To feed his family, Jiauddin catches fish from ponds and wetlands and sells them in local markets. When fishing is not possible, he works as a daily wage labourer to earn a small income.

What hurts the most is that his two sons are graduates. Despite their education, they have no stable jobs. Along with their father, they spend their days doing daily labour and catching fish just to keep the household running.

"We couldn't pay for their school or college fees, they earned it themselves", their mother said. "But I do feel proud to call myself as Daughter-in-law of our former President", she says, beaming with pride.

This family, once known for its connection to a former President of India, now lives a very ordinary life filled with uncertainty and struggle. There is no comfort, no security—only hard work and hope.

With folded hands, the family has appealed to the government to help their two educated sons find employment, so they can live with dignity and build a better future.

This is not just a story of poverty, but a reminder that education and legacy do not always protect families from hardship—and that help, when given in time, can change lives.

Also Read: ‘You Cannot Trade Indians’ Privacy’: SC Comes Down Hard on Meta, WhatsApp