Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri

Moodbidri, June 24: After being separated from his family for 36 long years, Chandrashekhar from Irvailu village has finally returned home and reunited with his aged mother in an emotional reunion.

Chandrashekhar, the eldest among three sons and two daughters of Sankappa and Gopi of Madhu Girivana in Irvailu Konnepadavu, had left for Mumbai nearly four decades ago in search of work. Just six to seven months after his arrival in the city, his health began to deteriorate, eventually leading to mental health issues. He lost all contact with his family and wandered across various places.

A Marathi family’s kindness

It was during this difficult period that Balu Kamble, a kind-hearted member of a Marathi family, noticed Chandrashekhar’s plight and took him into their home. With proper care and treatment, his health began to improve. He later found employment at a hotel. Meanwhile, his family in Irvailu continued to search for him tirelessly, holding on to hope.

A divine oracle further renewed their hope. During a daiva darshana (a religious invocation), the deity reassured the family that their elder son was alive and that he would return to take part in future rituals.

This prophecy began to unfold when a fellow villager residing in Mumbai recognised Chandrashekhar during a religious event held in Kuppettu Vinla near Irvailu. The family managed to contact him, and just three days before the next daiva darshana on May 29, he finally returned home.

Though he still showed mild signs of mental strain on arrival, his condition improved significantly after returning to the familiar environment of his home.

A mother’s wait ends

Chandrashekhar’s mother, now 80 years old, had waited for nearly half her life for her son’s return. “He was 24 when he left; now he is 60. But we are just happy he has come back,” said his brother Prabhakar.

Chandrashekhar, who studied up to Class 3 in the village and attended evening school for 2–3 years in Mumbai, has remained unmarried. Speaking to reporters, he expressed gratitude for his family’s prayers and divine grace, stating, “I plan to continue working in Mumbai for a few more years but will remain in regular contact with my family and will not miss any future family or religious events.”