Nagpur Hospital Reunites Mother with Daughter After Decade-Long Separation
In a deeply emotional ceremony at the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Nagpur, a woman known as Kavita was finally reunited with her eldest daughter on Monday, marking the end of a harrowing decade-long separation. The reunion capped an arduous journey from extreme poverty and mental health struggles to recovery and hope.
A Life of Hardship and Trauma
Kavita's story began in Mumbai's Bandra area, where she lived with her husband and four small children inside a giant concrete pipe under a bridge. Her husband, who had lost a leg in an accident, battled alcohol dependency, while the family survived by begging. Amid these harsh conditions, Kavita's mental health deteriorated significantly, leading to a life filled with turbulence and despair.
In November 2014, authorities intervened. Police and Childline rescued the family from the streets and relocated them to Nagpur. On November 25, 2014, Kavita was admitted in a highly distressed state to a government shelter home for women, while her children were placed in an orphanage. As her agitation and emotional distress persisted, she was shifted to the Regional Mental Hospital for specialized care.
The Long Search for Family
Initial efforts to locate Kavita's family were hampered by vague details. She mentioned leaving her village 25-26 years earlier and ending up in Mumbai, but no solid leads emerged. Meanwhile, her children embarked on their own paths. Her eldest daughter, now 23, received education and vocational training at a government shelter home and secured employment at a tiger resort in a reserved forest in Madhya Pradesh. The second son pursued ITI training at a children's home in Mumbai, while the two youngest children were legally placed for adoption.
Dr Pankaj Bagde and the team at RMH did not give up on Kavita. Through consistent medication and counseling, her condition gradually improved. During therapy sessions, she revealed that her children had been placed in an orphanage, providing a crucial clue for reconnection.
Determined Efforts Lead to Breakthrough
Social service superintendent Kunda Katekhaye Bidkar pursued this lead with unwavering determination. She contacted Usha Salkar at Priyadarshini and then reached out to Shraddhanand Anath Ashram, following the trail to locate Kavita's family. In March last year, the mental health review board declared Kavita fit for rehabilitation, paving the way for reunification.
Bidkar facilitated the first video calls in over a decade between Kavita and her daughter, leading to tears of joy and regular conversations that slowly rebuilt their bond. Months later, the daughter visited RMH, followed by the son's return to Nagpur. The daughter expressed her wish to take her mother home but was concerned about her job responsibilities.
Community Support and a Happy Ending
Bidkar contacted the resort director, explaining Kavita's history, her current stability, and her need for family life. The director not only approved but offered Kavita employment at the resort, ensuring financial security. With support from child welfare committee chairperson Chhaya Gurav, all arrangements were completed. Recently, the daughter called to confirm she was coming to take her mother home.
On Monday, after finalizing all procedures, Kavita was reunited with her daughter in an emotional ceremony attended by senior psychiatrist Dr Ashish Kuthe, Bidkar Katekhaye, Day Care Centre staff, and others. Key contributors included medical superintendent Dr Satish Humne, deputy medical superintendent Dr Mohbe, Dr Pankaj Bagde, and staff from Priyadarshini, Shraddhanand Anath Ashram, and Mumbai children's home.
Dr Humne emphasized, "Mental illness is treatable. With proper treatment, counseling, and family support, patients can rebuild their lives." This reunion stands as a testament to resilience, dedicated healthcare, and the power of social services in transforming lives.
