Odisha man rescued in Chennai, reunited with family after psychiatric rehab

BHUBANESWAR: A 30-year-old Odisha man, who suffered from mental health after an accident and somehow landed in Chennai, has finally reunited with his family.

Thanks to the Chennai-based social organisation Udavum Karangal which rescued him in very miserable conditions from the highway near Chengalpet. The organisation took a lot of pain for the youth’s mental rehabilitation.

The rescued youth – identified as Sauna Majhi – belongs to Jamudihi village in Mayurbhanj district.

S Vidyaakar, the founder of Udavum Karangal, said the man was in a depressed and emaciated state when he was rescued on June 6. He was then put under psychiatric treatment and counselling. After a couple of days, there was significant improvement in Sauna’s mental health and he was able to recollect his memory as well as disclose his identity.

“After Sauna recollected his memory and revealed his identity, our social workers successfully established contacts with his brother Ananta Majhi living in the village.  He immediately confirmed his brother’s identity through a photo shared on WhatsApp. Ananta said Sauna was missing for the past two years and the family had lost all hopes of seeing him again. He had developed mental illness due to head injury sustained when he fell down while riding a cycle. He is married and was doing agricultural work in the village,” said Vidyakaar on Saturday.

On June 12, Sauna’s brother Ananta living in the same village along with parents and a sister Gouri came to Udavum Karangal at Thiruverkadu and took him back with them.  They expressed their gratitude to Vidyaakar for rescuing Sauna and taking efforts to locate his family.

“The family members counselled how to deal with psychiatric patients at home and avail medicines free of cost. It was a happy reunion. Sauna reached home June 12 and is now doing well. He will soon be able to lead his normal life and take care of his family,” said Vidyaakar.