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| Omana Amma, Hari Bhavan, Nadukkunnu, Vettikkavala, Kollam |
Those who retire from government service on superannuation usually receive a farewell by the colleagues concerned. But it is rare indeed that such a person will receive the reward of the people at large in the form of a grand adieu. Omana Amma, Hari Bhavan, Nadukkunnu, Vettikkavala, Kollam who was an Anganwadi teacher for 33 years was the recipient of such a honour.
Years ago, when the Anganwadi had no building of its own, Omana Amma used to carry out her mission of lighting the lamp of literacy in the hearts of underprivileged children, at places as diverse as recipients’ homes, cowsheds and temporary extensions of houses. The Panchayat’s stand was that if land was available, then they would finance the construction of Anganwadi. But the caveat was that Panchayat's contribution towards purchase of land would be only Rs.20,000.
This did not deter Omana Amma, whose intention was not to wander from ‘classroom’ to ‘classroom’ along with her students. She purchased 4 cents of land on her own and gifted it to the Panchayat. The Panchayat now agreed to finance the construction of Anganwadi to the tune of Rs.2,00,000. But when the construction was complete, total expenditure came to more than Rs.3,50,000. Omana Amma, whose lost her husband more than 25 years ago, had no hesitation to use her own resources to meet the expense. It was, indeed, another expression of her love for the students who came to her care.
No wonder, the grateful parents and people at large, felt the need to honour her on her retirement from service. They made all arrangements, including the feast and invited people’s representatives and officials. To top it all, they put a gold ring on her finger as token of their love.
Courtesy: Mathrubhumi, August 12, 2017
