25-Year-Long Separation Ends: Sakamma Reunited with Family After Two Decades
Remarkable Journey of Resilience and Hope
Shimla, 24 December: A heartwarming tale of resilience and reunion unfolded recently when Sakamma, a woman from Karnataka who had been lost for 25 years, was finally reunited with her family. Her disappearance, which was believed to be a tragic loss by her loved ones, turned into a story of hope thanks to the tireless efforts of the Mandi district administration in Himachal Pradesh.
Sakamma’s journey began in Karnataka, where she lost her way and unknowingly wandered to North India. Struggling with mental health issues and unable to communicate in any language other than Kannada, she became stranded. In 2018, she was found in a state of confusion and taken to the Vridha Ashram Bhangrotu in Sundarnagar, Mandi district. Despite being cared for at the ashram, her past remained a mystery to everyone around her.
Back in Karnataka, her family believed she had died years ago when a mutilated body was found in an accident, which they mistakenly identified as hers. The family held a ceremony for her passing, believing she was lost forever.
However, fate took a positive turn on December 18, 2024, when ADC Mandi, Rohit Rathore, visited the ashram for a routine inspection. Curious about Sakamma’s background, he began asking questions and faced the challenge of overcoming the language barrier. To aid in his efforts, he contacted IAS officer Netra Maiti, a native of Karnataka who was serving as the SDM of Palampur. Maiti spoke to Sakamma in Kannada over the phone, gathering essential details about her past.
This information reignited the search for Sakamma’s family. With the help of IPS probationer Ravi Nandan, also a Karnataka native, a video of Sakamma speaking in Kannada was recorded and shared with the Karnataka government. The video played a crucial role in identifying Sakamma’s family, who had believed her to be dead.
When the family received the news, it was nothing short of a miracle. The photograph of Sakamma, once garlanded in mourning, was taken down, symbolizing the return of their loved one. While Sakamma’s husband had passed away and her children had grown into adults with their own families, the joy of her return was overwhelming for them.
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After all formalities were completed, Sakamma is now on her way back to Karnataka. She will travel by air from Chandigarh, finally reuniting with her family after years of separation.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan praised the collective effort that led to this emotional reunion and underscored the importance of regular visits to ashrams and shelters to ensure the welfare of residents and uncover hidden stories like Sakamma’s.
Sakamma’s story is a testament to the power of human connection, resilience, and compassion. Despite the language barriers, vast distances, and the passage of time, this reunion highlights the unbreakable bonds that can endure even in the most challenging circumstances.
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