Social media helps woman reunite with kin after 23 yrs

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a heart-warming turn of events, a woman who went missing 23 years ago has been reunited with her family, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Social Welfare Department. Minister Dr HC Mahadevappa commended the team’s dedication and acknowledged the pivotal role of social media in making the reunion possible.

Sakamma, a resident of Hosapete in Ballari district, disappeared over two decades ago. The breakthrough came when Vijaykumar G., a social activist, tweeted seeking help in locating Nishka (later identified as Sakamma), tagging Major Manivannan P., the Principal Secretary to the Government. Sakamma was eventually found living in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Responding swiftly, Major Manivannan directed the social welfare department's help desk to take action. A team was dispatched to ensure Sakamma’s safe return to Karnataka. On 21 December, the team reached Chandigarh and proceeded to Balwali Kalyan Sabha in Mandi, where they found Sakamma.

During the operation, officials connected her with her family via video call, revealing that her three children were eagerly awaiting her return. By 24 December, Sakamma arrived at Devanahalli Airport in Bengaluru, accompanied by the social welfare team. The emotional reunion with her family marked the culmination of a remarkable operation that showcased the effective collaboration of government agencies and the transformative impact of social media in reuniting families.