A differently abled resident of the Coimbatore Corporation’s night shelter at R.S. Puram, operated by Malarum Vizhigal NGO, was reunited with his family after nine years.
L. Selvanathan(46), who had been living in the shelter since 2015, was admitted following an accident that left him unable to walk and caused memory loss.
Mr. Selvanathan, a former crane operator, became an active member of the shelter’s operations over the years. On December 7, 2024, he regained his memory and expressed a desire to reconnect with his family. He travelled to Kethanur, his hometown in Palladam, where he located his relatives. Two days later, he returned to the shelter with his family.
K. Gangadharan, caretaker of the shelter, said, “When Selvanathan was admitted, his legs were paralyzed. We arranged for him to receive differently-abled aids from the government. Over time, he learned photography and started repairing LED bulbs to earn money, all while sitting in a wheelchair. We also arranged a marriage for him, and the couple adopted a girl child. His relatives expressed gratitude for the care he received during his stay. A farewell ceremony will be held in his honour, organised by the shelter’s volunteers and inmates.”
The NGO also arranged free cataract operations for eight members at a private hospital in the city.
Published – December 24, 2024 05:57 pm IST