From abandonment to honour, rehabilitated persons from Erode attend Republic Day in New Delhi

Two rehabilitated individuals honored at Republic Day in New Delhi, showcasing hope and transformation through Erode's Atchayam Trust.

Two individuals who were deserted by their families and later rehabilitated and restored to mainstream life by the Erode-based Atchayam Trust took part in the 77th Republic Day celebrations as special guests held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Monday (January 26, 2026).

The trust is engaged in the rescue, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of abandoned and destitute persons through well-defined rehabilitation programmes, skill training, counselling, and livelihood assistance. Over the years, the organisation has enabled hundreds of marginalised people to rediscover their identity, dignity, and sense of purpose. The persons who attended the national event were V. Saraswathi (45) and M. Murugesan, accompanied by the trust’s founder P. Naveenkumar.

Murugesan was earlier found standing on the railway tracks at Anangur Railway Station in Namakkal district, gripped by loneliness, neglect, and hopelessness, in an apparent attempt to end his life. A tailor by profession for several decades, he gradually suffered vision loss, which rendered him unable to continue earning a living. The resulting financial hardship deeply affected his self-esteem and optimism. Continued rejection by his family compounded his emotional trauma, eventually driving him to the verge of ending his life.

Observant local residents noticed him in a perilous situation, stepped in, secured his safety, and informed the trust. He was subsequently rescued and admitted to the trust’s rehabilitation centre at Solar, where he now leads a dignified life with access to medical care, counselling, and the support of a caring community.

Saraswathi, a native of Erode, was found living on the streets, battling hunger, insecurity, and homelessness after being cast out by her family owing to superstition and mental illness. With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, she has rebuilt her life and is currently working as a healthcare assistant, tending to elderly and ailing residents at the centre.

Describing the invitation to the Republic Day celebrations as an acknowledgement of the trust’s “Street to Dignity” initiative, founder told The Hindu that it was not merely an honour for the organisation but a tribute to every life reclaimed from the streets. “It demonstrates that with compassion and collective effort, even the most overlooked lives can rise with dignity and pride,” he said.