Thycaud 'Ammathottil' receives their 600th newborn amidst heavy rain, named 'Rithu'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A seven-day-old newborn arrived at the Ammathottil electronic cradle of the Kerala state government on Saturday. The alert message arrived on the mobile phone of the officials at 11;40 am amidst heavy downpour outside. This is the 600th infant to reach the electronic cradle set up by the Kerala State Council of Child Welfare.

Minister Veena George, who attended a children’s workshop on Friday had beseeched the young mothers to hand over their newborn to the government; only if they deem it impossible to adapt to motherhood. Just one day after the Minister’s request, the alert in the Ammathottil cradle went on, announcing the arrival of another infant. Secretary G.L. Arungopi informed the minister about the child's arrival. The minister meanwhile praised the 'stranger mother' for acting pragmatically and then named the newborn as Rithu.

As soon as a beep alert went on, the baby was nursed, and taken to the adoption centre by the nurse, workers and security personnel on duty. The newborn was then taken to Thycaud Government Hospital for a medical checkup. Rithu is the third child to have arrived at the Ammathottil cradle in May.

So far in 2024, 25 children from this orphanage saw glimpses of new life after getting adopted by new parents. For the adoption process, interested parents can contact the committee officials.