Jetha Murmu, a visually impaired singer from Jhapa who made a living by singing on the streets and in marketplaces, died on Friday. He was 39. Murmu was a familiar presence for commuters along the Jhapa section of the East-West Highway.

Family sources said Murmu died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Itahari. Dil Kumar Rajbanshi, a leader of the visually impaired community, confirmed his death.

Until Friday afternoon, Murmu had been singing on the streets of Sunsari. After returning to his room in the evening, he suddenly fell ill and was taken to hospital for treatment. He had been suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol-related health problems and had been unwell for some time.

Jetha once drew the attention of passers-by in Jhapa by singing the song, ‘Kaha Thiyau Timi Rangamanch Uthepachhi Aayau’. Pedestrians hurrying towards their destinations would stop for a moment. Some would praise his singing before moving on, while others would take out Rs10 or Rs20 from their pockets and place the money in his hand.

That footpath was his stage. The small contributions he received from passers-by were what kept his family going.

Jetha’s life was marked by several ups and downs. Born in Dangabari in Jhapa, he belonged to the impoverished and endangered Santhal community. He pursued his education amid poverty and hardship. Fond of humming songs from an early age, his passion for music eventually led him to the city. After passing the School Leaving Certificate examination from Himalaya Secondary School in Prithvinagar, he began travelling to Birtamod to pursue higher education and study music.

Jetha received guidance from senior musician Kusheshwar Rai. He was also honoured by various literary and musical organisations. But the recognition could not sustain his livelihood. His family’s financial responsibilities forced him to continue struggling to make ends meet.

He married Rama Bishwakarma, a visually impaired woman from Sindhupalchok whom he had met in Kathmandu. Rama, too, earned her living by singing on the streets. The two fell in love and got married. They later returned to Jhapa. They have a daughter.

To make ends meet, Murmu had been travelling around the marketplaces of Sunsari, along the footpaths around Itahari and Dharan, to sing for the past year.

“He could not only sing but also entertain people by imitating different sounds,” said Rajbanshi, the leader of the visually impaired community. “However, he never received opportunities and support commensurate with his talent.”