Tsunami survivor raised in Nagapattinam government home marries; Former collector attends ceremony

J. Radhakrishnan, Additional Chief Secretary, attending the marriage ceremony along with his family.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Meena, a young woman who lost her parents in the 2004 tsunami, was married at Sri Nellukadai Mariamman Temple in Nagapattinam, with J. Radhakrishnan, former Collector and current Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation, Food, and Consumer Protection Department, attending the ceremony along with his family.

Ms.Meena was among the many orphaned children taken in by the Annai Sathya Government Children’s Home after the tsunami. Mr.Radhakrishnan as Collector, had ensured their care, personally naming Meena and another child, Soumya, who had also been rescued during relief efforts. Over time, he and his wife Krithika regularly visited the children, who came to regard them as their “Appa” (father) and “Amma” (mother).

The 2004 tsunami claimed 6,065 lives in Nagapattinam. Two-year-olds Meena and Soumya were rescued separately in Keechankuppam and Velankanni and placed in a government home under the collector’s orders. Upon turning 18, they had to leave Annai Sathya Home due to regulations. With Mr.Radhakrishnan’s permission, Nagapattinam couple Malarvizhi and Manivannan adopted them. Soumya completed her education and married earlier—now, it was Meena’s turn.

Mr.Radhakrishnan, his wife, and their son attended the wedding, blessing the newlyweds. “There is no greater joy for me than witnessing the marriage of a child I helped raise. Their happiness is my happiness. Just as cooperation strengthens a nation, the people of Nagapattinam have come together to support Meena’s wedding, reflecting the resilience of this district,” he told journalists.