Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 23: In a major humanitarian success, the National Helpline for Senior Citizens (NHSC-14567), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has successfully facilitated the relocation of Mr. C. Radhakrishnan, an elderly resident of Abhyudaya Complex Old Age Home, to his native state of Tamil Nadu. Mr. Radhakrishnan had been living in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for nearly two decades and had lost all his identity documents during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
About six months ago, he was found in a vulnerable condition and later admitted to the Old Age Home at Ferrargunj. During his stay, he repeatedly expressed his strong desire to return to his native place at Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu. On his request, NHSC initiated family tracing and inter-state coordination with Tamil Nadu Elderline.
After 3–4 months of continuous efforts involving counselling, police verification, and coordination with Tamil Nadu authorities, his relatives were successfully traced. The Directorate of Social Welfare, Tamil Nadu, has confirmed arrangements for his reception in Chennai and further relocation support to Kanyakumari.
Mr. C. Radhakrishnan safely reached Chennai, where officials from the Directorate of Social Welfare, Tamil Nadu, along with the Elderline Tamil Nadu team, received him and ensured his safe handover to his brother. The emotional reunion after 21 long years was deeply moving, and Mr.Radhakrishnan expressed immense happiness and gratitude for being reunited with his family members.
On this occasion, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Director, Social Welfare, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, first congratulated the Elder Helpline team for successfully completing this humanitarian task and enabling Mr. C. Radhakrishnan to return home after 21 years. The Director stated that the Elder Helpline not only provides Information, Guidance, Emotional Support, and Field Intervention, but also plays a vital role in reconnecting people who have been separated from their families for decades. He appealed to the public to dial and use the helpline number 14567 as much as possible whenever support is required. He also conveyed his best wishes to Mr. Radhakrishnan for a happy and peaceful life ahead and expressed hope that he would live his life well with dignity among his loved ones.
The Administration also acknowledges the support of Mr. M.T. Mustafa, President of Island Protection Forum, who generously sponsored Mr. Radhakrishnan’s air ticket and extended assistance to the Elderline team during the process.
This case stands as one of the biggest success stories of Elder Helpline (14567) in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, reflecting strong inter-state coordination and the Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and care for senior citizens.
“Old Age Homes should be a last resort, not the first option. Let us build a society where elders feel valued within their own families.”
The Administration appeals to the younger generation to stand by their parents, support them emotionally and physically, and ensure that no senior citizen feels abandoned.
📞For assistance, contact Elder Helpline – 14567
