THIRUVALLA: Something which is rarely witnessed in the state has happened in Kerala two days ago. The children of 62-year-old Radhakrishna Kurup took the initiative and conducted the marriage of their father of Kuttoor Pottanmala Renju Bhavan to 60-year-old Mallika Kumari of Adoor Enadhimangalam. The marriage was held at Kavumbhagam Erangavu Bhagavathy Temple. The newly married couple has now opened their minds about their marriage to a media.

‘A release from loneliness. This is important for us. Gets bored reaching home after work, have to sit alone and there is no one to talk. Had a lot of difficulties physically after eating food from the hotel. My daughter was the one who took the initiative. There is no one here, only father. If something happens, we won’t even know. She said all this and started looking for a match. When I felt that her efforts will not yield any results, installed a camera in the house. After that got her number. Feel very happy now and want to continue like this for the rest of my life. Planning to visit some places.

There are people who asked whether this was necessary at this age. Many made fun of it. My relatives also made fun. We cannot silence them. They say because of their ignorance. They will understand only when this happens in their lives. My children are with me. We have the courage to go together for some time. There are no problems. We are happy every moment. My opinion is that everyone should follow this,’ he said.

Radhakrishna Kurup has been running a stationery shop near the Erangavu temple for three decades. Kurup's wife died of a heart attack one and a half years ago. Mallika’s husband died five years ago.

Mallika was living alone and has no children. Kurup has three children--Reshmi, Ranju and Ranjith. Both daughters are married. Son Ranjith is studying in Kollam and staying in a hostel.

Kurup’s younger daughter Ranju, who was abroad with her husband, arrived home two months ago. It was then that she came to know the hardships of her father's isolated life. As she has to go abroad, she went forward with marriage proposals after getting the consent of her father and siblings. She got the number of Mallika through matrimony. When Mallika's relatives also gave their full consent to the marriage, things got faster. Kurup married Mallika in the presence of their dear ones.