VIZHINJAM: This is the story of a person who came back to life after being adjudged dead by an entire village. The incident occurred 36 years ago when Soman Nair attempted to clean the Panchayat well in Kalliyoor junction. However, the people around him were shocked when they saw the bricks of the well crumbling and Soman falling into the well. Villagers immediately thought him to be dead as he appeared to be covered by a large number of rocks inside the well.

Soon, attempts were made to close down the well. However, Soman's friends objected and demanded his body to be taken outside the well. It was at that time the doctor who came to conduct Soman's post mortem heard a cry inside the well. On further search, Soman was found alive inside the well and that too 23 hours after the accident! He was immediately taken out and rushed to the hospital. What is even more interesting is the fact that Soman was found alive at a time when the government had announced compensation for his family as they thought him to be dead. Thus, the finding of Soman led to the cancellation of compensation. Soman eventually won an award for his astonishing bravery.

Despite escaping from death, Soman suffered from serious injuries and had to take several loans for his treatment. "Though the officials promised to help me financially in the beginning, they did not fulfill their promise. I had to take loans to take care of my treatment. I was able to build a small house only by going for labour work," he added. Today, after 36 years, Soman still finds it difficult to believe his incredible face-off with death.