Lakshmi J, an inmate of the shelter for the aged run by Eera Nenjam, celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday. A surprise party was thrown for her on the occasion. Disowned by her family, it was one of the rare moments of happiness for the centenarian.

“We got a cake and had Paati (her) cut it. Those who participated in the cake cutting joined us for a meal too. It was very nice to see Paati happy on her 100th birthday,” P. Mahendiran, Managing Director of Eera Nenjam said. Mahendiran also shares that Lakshmi is in the pink of health and at the home where she currently resides, and carries out her routine activities.

A few years ago, Lakshmi was disowned by her family and found her way into a home for the aged in Coimbatore. She stayed there for just six months, after which she was back to the streets. Just when she began accepting this as way of life, she was spotted by the volunteers of Eera Nenjam. Since then, Lakshmi has made the Corporation Home, a shelter for the aged and elderly abandoned persons that is located in R.S. Puram, her home.

In the past, efforts have been made reunite Lakshmi with her family. Founder of Eera Nenjam told us that Lakshmi was able to successfully guide the volunteers to her home. But, her family refused pointblank to take her back. In fact, they fought with the volunteers and sent them away.

Lakshmi continues to be an inmate of this shelter home in RS Puram since then.