Kerala's own Nidhi

A relief it is, to chance upon a news story carrying empathy and compassion instead of the usual atrocities. Some stories deserving more attention may get sidelined in the newspaper, paving the way for the political kerkefulle columns. It is a quotidian thing, evoking no surprise. One such news appeared a month back in the newspaper and quietly exited without any ado.

The state health department and child welfare committee named a newborn ‘Nidhi’, abandoned by a Jharkhand couple in the hospital ICU. Nidhi is now the daughter of all Malayalees. It is just not something that should end up in some corners of the dailies. It moreover gives us a message that compassion and empathy still exist in society.

A month and a half back, Nidhi was found abandoned in a private hospital in Kochi; or rather, she was born with the destiny to receive the love of the entire Kerala. The unidentified Jharkhand native took his wife to the hospital after she felt unwell during a train journey from Kottayam to Jharkhand. The couple was reportedly working at a fish farm in Kottayam.

Before blaming the couple, it would be appropriate to see things from their side too. A lack of knowledge over copulation and a perpetual penury-stricken life would have purportedly made the couple decide to abandon the child in safe arms. Nidhi was transferred to Ernakulam General Hospital on the instructions of State Health Minister Veena George. With no one to take care of her, the government of Kerala decided to adopt its Jharkhand daughter.

Minister Veena George named the baby 'Nidhi', which means 'Treasure' in Malayalam. The decision to adopt Nidhi with an open heart is a lesson to all Malayalees that love and innocence prevail in these times of grotesque murders and atrocities.

The daily crime rate in Kerala is compounded by the news of cruelty towards children. The number of children who are victims of such dark deeds and are reaching the Child Welfare Committee is also increasing.

'Nidhi', who recovered completely under the care of nurses at Ernakulam General Hospital, will be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee on Friday, becoming the state's daughter. We all should be with her throughout her life's journey with care, support, and prayers. She is our daughter, a treasure indeed.