Mrs. Kolanjiya (65), a native of Ulundurpet in Kallakurichi district. She moved to Trichy after her marriage. Ever since, the family of four with two children – Ilayaraja and Ilamaran, lived a modest life near Trichy Palpannai. The family later moved to work in the cardamom fields in Kerela, hoping for a better life.
Mrs. Kolanjiya and her husband never had imagined that they would have to face the loss of their eldest child. Her husband’s mental health deteriorated after this tragic incident which later took his life away as well.
The younger child - Ilamaran, is now married to Swathi - a tight-lipped personality, with two children - Naveen and Kavin. Ilamaran, the only breadwinner of the family with his alcohol habits, had left Kolanjiya choiceless but to come to the streets in search of food for the whole family. She gets 6 packets of food everyday from us, to feed her entire family.
Mrs. Kolanjiya, who is always witty, could not help but just weep when I promised that PSR will take care of her grandchildren’s education. She might have realized that education might be the only solution to all their problems. PSR will always be there to educate such families to build a better future.
She posed happily for a selfie with me and I asked her to meet with me in the same spot for dinner packets as well. I bid her adieu, with a sense of satisfaction and positivity. Kolanjiya, with all the struggles that she faces, stayed positive and I am sure we all need that positivity in life.
