KOTTAYAM: When her husband Kesavan Nair died, Thankamma teacher felt very lonely. 20 grandmothers are now happily spending time at the 'Manavodaya' daycare centre, which was born out of that loneliness six years ago.

A home where elderly women can spend the day happily. That was the idea that blossomed in Thankamma teacher's mind. Her children too supported this. In 2017, her children established the daycare centre by renovating the family home as a gift for their mother's 84th birthday.

The daycare is run on the pension of Thankamma Teacher (90), who was a Hindi teacher, and her husband, who was a soldier. Her children are also more than happy to contribute to the daycare centre.

Any elderly person, irrespective of caste and creed, can come to the daycare centre. That's how the name 'Manavodaya' was born. Everything, including admission, is free. There are four staff here.

At present, people from a radius of 20 km are coming to the daycare centre. There is also a van to bring them for free. The vehicle will reach their doorsteps in the morning and evening. 73-year-old Padmakumari, 82-year-old Sarasamma and 83-year-old Karthayaniamma are happily spending time here.

Thankamma teacher's children are Sreekumar, Chief Commercial Officer at Sutherland Global Services, Geeta Nair, High Court Advocate, and Satish Kumar, owner of Image Software Company in Delhi.

Small business venture
Soap, bar soap, paper bags, soap powder, cleaning lotion etc will be made and packed with the help of grandmothers. These items are sold at 'Muthassikkada' in Thambalakkadu. Profits from the sales are equally distributed among the grandmothers.