The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. It hit several countries, but India’s Tamil Nadu was among the worst affected regions. Over 6,000 people lost their lives in Nagapattinam alone. Families were torn apart, homes were destroyed, and countless children were left orphaned.
One of the victims of the 2004 Tsunami was a little girl named Meena who was found amidst the wreckage of Keechankuppam, a small fishing town. Back then, J Radhakrishnan was the district collector of Nagapattinam. As rescue efforts were underway, he found Meena among the ruins and ensured she was placed in the Annai Sathya Government Children’s Home. But that was not all.
Along with his wife Krithika, he continued to support Meena, not just as an official but as a guardian. Even as he was transferred to different places because of his job, he never lost touch with her, reported News18.
Meena grew up and pursued her dream of becoming a nurse with the couple’s support. And when the time came for her to start a new chapter in life and get married, it was J Radhakrishnan who officiated the ceremony.
The former district collector travelled to Nagapattinam to make sure she had a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by those who had been her family over the years. Several tsunami survivors who had lived and studied with Meena also attended the function.
He uploaded these pictures on Instagram. Have a look at his heartwarming post here:
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J Radhakrishnan proved that true kindness lasts a lifetime. For Meena, he wasn’t just a government officer…he was family.