PATHANAMTHITTA: “I have a family now. I will live in the care of a mother, sister and my husband.” These were the words of Anamika, a former inmate of Adoor Theppupara Jeevamatha Karunya Bhavan orphanage.

Anamika came to Jeevamatha just four years before. Despite her young age, she survived a lifetime of grief and soon found respite in the orphanage. Her mother died during her childhood years and soon Anamika’s father abandoned her to move on with another marriage. She soon fell into the care of her grandmother and finally had to reach the orphanage considering the grandmother’s ill health.

One day, the administrator of the orphanage Udhaya Girija, noticed a sullen Anamika returning from school and found her crying inside the room. When enquired, Anamika told them about the frequent visits made by the parents of her classmates while she had no visitors. Girija held Anamika close and gave word about ensuring her well-being.

These words of promise were not shallow and carried life in them. Over the years, Girija decided to take Anamika to her own house as daughter-in-law. Anamika is now the wife of Vishnu, son of Udhaya Girija.

Udhaya Girija:

“She is not my daughter-in-law, but my daughter. There was nobody to take care of her. After her grandmother's death, even her relatives refused to take her along. I sincerely believe that Vishnu will take good care of her. For many years, I have seen her care and love and decided she was the ideal girl for my son. My son also agreed to the marriage and when asked the opinion of Anamika, she too had no qualms. I told the CWC chairman the decision and he encouraged me.”

Vishnu is employed in Dubai and will soon return in December. It is expected that he will take Anamika along.