Sujit's early years

It is uncertain of the extent of abuse that Sujit Kumar received during his formative years. At 8 years of age, he was taken to the Samabula Old People's Home in Suva, where because of his disruptive and aggressive behaviour he was tied to a bed for the next 22 years, before being released in 2003, and put into therapy.

It is understood from recent first hand accounts from neighbours, and from media reports, in the early 80's, that Sujit was confined with chickens from very early in his life, and this continued until he was bought into the Home by Social Workers in 1979.

Sujit Kumar's mother committed suicide in 1977. His father was murdered and put in the boot of his own taxi in 1981. His elderly grandparents were not able to take proper care for him either, after they found him, one night, in the middle of the road, left by his father, in a very poor condition.

The Superintendent of the Home, at the time he was admitted, in 1979, said: "Sujit would mostly hop around like a chicken, peck at his food, on the ground, perch and make a noise like the calling of a chicken," she said. "He would prefer to roost on the floor to go to sleep rather than sleep in a bed." But she considered that he was normal, and not mentally retarded as first thought.

"He was just different to other little boys because he has been so traumatised and mistreated." In 2003, the Rotary Club of Suva undertook to take care and to rehabilitate Sujit. He commenced therapy on July 1, 2003. Although he still cannot speak, he is now learning human behaviour.

Click here to read about the day Sujit's life changed forever

Sujit learning to trust	Sujit sleeping
Crawl before you walk	Learning to walk