Speaking ‘Kannada’ in Himachal reunites woman, missing for 20 years, with family!

Team Udayavani, Dec 24, 2024, 8:58 AM IST

Ballari: A woman who went missing two decades ago was traced to Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district all thanks to communicating in Kannada. The woman, who had been separated from her family for 20 years, is expected to reunite with her children in two days.

The 60-year-old woman, identified as Sakkamma, hails from Potalakatte in Hosapete taluk of Vijayanagara district. She had gone missing during a family function in Kampli two decades ago. After extensive searches, the family presumed her dead and even performed her final rites. However, she was recently found in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh.

IPS officer from Hassan, Ravinandan, stationed in Mandi, noticed her speaking in Kannada and inquired further. Sakkamma shared details about her family, which Ravinandan recorded in a video and sent to a friend in Bengaluru. The friend shared it on X, catching the attention of Social Welfare Department Principal Secretary Manivannan.

Manivannan forwarded the video to Ballari district administration and the Social Welfare Department, who successfully traced Sakkamma’s relatives.

Officials have since located her at a senior citizens’ home in Balakot, Mandi district, and initiated steps to bring her back. A team of officials has already reached Mandi and spoken to her. They are expected to return with Sakkamma to Ballari by December 25.

Emotional Reunion with Children

When Sakkamma went missing, her children were 8, 10, and 12 years old. The news of their mother’s survival after two decades brought tears of joy to the children, who talked to her through video call.