A 65-year-old woman, who had left her home at Okkarai village in Tiruchi, finally united with the family after spending eight months at the night shelter for the destitute run by Coimbatore Corporation. The woman, Veerammal, was taken to her home by her son Moorthy on Monday, thanks to the efforts of Eera Nenjam Trust who traced Veerammal’s family.
It was in September last year that Veerammal was found in helpless condition at Gandhipuram bus stand. The police rescued her and shifted to the night shelter.
“When found at Gandhipuram, the woman had four sovereign of gold ornaments and ₹8,000 in hand. The woman said that she left home after a fight with son. Though asked, she did not reveal her address to the police. Later, they moved her to the night shelter,” said P. Mahendran, founder of Eera Nenjam Trust that takes care of the destitute at the night shelter.
After spending her days at the night shelter, where destitute and alms seekers rest at night, Veerammal wanted to go back to her family. After repeated attempts by volunteers, the woman finally revealed that her house is located in Okkarai.
“Though Veerammal did not give us the exact address, we traced her son Moorthi with the help of volunteers in Tiruchi. He was informed about his mother living in a night shelter in Coimbatore. Moorthy had been struggling to find his mother as police reportedly refused to register a ‘missing case’. He arrived Coimbatore on Monday,” said Mr. Mahendran.
The mother and son broke down after meeting each other after eight months. They were allowed to speak alone for sometime when their hearts melted in remorse over past deeds and reconciled each other.
“Moorthy thanked everyone who took care of Veerammal. The man has promised that he will take care of Veerammal for rest of the years,” said Mr. Mahendran and added that the money and gold were returned to the woman.
