The Life and Legacy of Ehsaas: The “Mowgli Girl”
Ehsaas, often referred to as the “Mowgli girl,” captured the hearts of many in India. She was discovered as a child wandering alone in the forests, seemingly disconnected from the world. Her story is one of hope, care, and the journey of rehabilitation.
Ehsaas first gained attention in January 2017 when she was found on a road in the Motipur area of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district. At that time, she seemed to have little to no exposure to human interaction. She moved on all fours, avoided human contact, resisted wearing clothing, and communicated through screams and gestures, earning her the nickname “Mowgli girl,” reminiscent of the character from Kipling’s stories.
After her rescue, the local Child Welfare Committee initially named her Pooja, but she was later given the name Ehsaas and moved to the Nirvan Rajkiya Bal Grih Visheshikrit in Lucknow, where she spent most of her life.
A Journey to Rehabilitation
Over the years, her caretakers, led by Suresh Singh Dhapola from the Nirvan Foundation, worked tirelessly to help her adjust and thrive in society. Gradually, she learned to wear clothes, recognized her caregivers, and formed emotional bonds, especially with Rani, a key caretaker whom she affectionately called “Amma.”
Rani shared her hopes for Ehsaas’s recovery, saying, “She used to call me Amma. I always hoped she would recover further. Now, all we have are her memories.”
Ongoing Health Struggles
Despite years of care, Ehsaas faced many health challenges. Medical evaluations showed that her brain was severely underdeveloped, leading to intellectual disabilities and frequent epileptic seizures. She required ongoing medical treatment and supervision.
Tragically, after several hospitalizations, her health took a turn for the worse. She was admitted to the hospital on June 8, 2023, but her condition further declined, and she passed away on June 15 at the age of 18 at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow. The cause of death was reported as septicaemia, stemming from lung disease.
Though she is no longer with us, Ehsaas will always be remembered as the “Mowgli girl” who rose from the depths of isolation to touch many lives. Her journey illustrates both the challenges she faced and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. For her caretakers and supporters, she was not just a label, but a young woman whose life was a testament to the power of love and rehabilitation.
