DC Apoorv Devgan and SDM Balh Smritika Negi Played a Vital Role
Mandi (Munish Sood)
In yet another heartwarming reunion, the Mandi district administration has successfully reunited Padma Murmu, a woman from West Bengal who had been living at Bhangrotu Old Age Home, with her family. This comes just weeks after the administration reunited Sakamma, a woman from Karnataka, with her family after nearly 25 years.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and SDM Balh Smritika Negi played a crucial role in tracing Padma’s family and facilitating her return home. Overcoming language barriers and logistical challenges, they ensured that Padma’s long journey away from home finally ended with a joyful reunion.
A Long and Uncertain Journey
Padma Murmu, around 60 years old, was first found by Bilaspur police in 2021. She was placed in their One Stop Centre and later shifted to an old age home and a girls’ shelter in Mashobra, where she stayed until 2023. In September or October of the same year, she was transferred to Bhangrotu Old Age Home, where she had been residing since.
SDM Smritika Negi recalled that during a visit to the old age home—when they had come to take Sakamma for her reunion—they noticed Padma and immediately began efforts to send her home as well. However, a major challenge was the language barrier, as Padma could only say she was from “Bangla,” which led to initial confusion about whether she was from Bangladesh.
Breaking the Language Barrier and Tracing the Family
To bridge the communication gap, SDM Smritika Negi sought help from a National Highway official who was expecting laborers from West Bengal. A Bengali-speaking individual was brought to the old age home to converse with Padma, through whom they finally identified her village and family in Hubli, West Bengal.
Following this breakthrough, SDM Negi wrote to Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, requesting coordination with the administration in Hubli. DC Devgan swiftly contacted the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Hubli, who, with local authorities, successfully traced Padma’s home.
Today, two constables and a Child Helpline officer, along with Padma’s close brother, arrived in Mandi from West Bengal to take her home. The administration completed all necessary documentation and officially handed her over to her family.
From Sakamma to Padma: Mandi Administration’s Remarkable Efforts
This achievement comes after the Mandi administration recently reunited Sakamma, a woman from Karnataka, with her family after nearly 25 years. Sakamma had inadvertently boarded a train to Chandigarh decades ago and spent years moving between states before finding shelter at Bhangrotu Old Age Home. Through dedicated efforts, DC Apoorv Devgan and SDM Smritika Negi overcame similar language barriers and coordinated with Karnataka’s Social Welfare Department to bring Sakamma home. (Read about Sakamma’s story here)
Compassionate Governance in Action
The Mandi administration’s proactive approach and compassionate governance continue to set an example in social welfare. Their tireless efforts have not only reunited long-lost individuals with their families but have also highlighted the power of human connection and administrative efficiency in changing lives.
