Old-Age Home Inmates Who Have Been In Love For 20 Years All Set To Marry In December Wedding

Lakshmi Ammal from Thaikkattussery, Thrissur, had lost her husband 21 years ago. A man named Kochaniyan used to work as an assistant caterer for her husband. However, on his death bed, the husband had asked Kochaniyan to take care of Ammal. Till this day, Kochaniyan abides by that promise. Eventually, the two fell in love. Ammal is currently 65 years old and Kochaniyan is 66.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, Kochaniyan’s job required him to often roam in the streets which led him to faint and suffer a fit one day. An NGO arranged for him to be put into an old-age home. 2 months later, Kochaniyan was shifted to an old-age home at Ramavarmapuram, the same home where Ammal was staying for 11 months.

When other people at the old-age home told the superintendent, V G Jayakumar, about their relationship, he took the initiative to arrange their wedding.

“Many of the inmates of old age homes may have someone to care for or visit them at least monthly or yearly. But for some, they are all alone with no one to care for other than their friends in the old age home. Such unions will help them remain happy for the rest of their lives,” said Jayakumar.

At first, Jayakumar was doubtful whether weddings between inmates of old-age homes were permissible or not. However, after he spoke to the UDF councillor John Daniel, he was assured that there wouldn’t be a problem. Jayakumar was given a heads up to arrange for the wedding.

“We’ve been in love for long and finally it’s happening,” said Lakshmi.

The wedding is to take place on 30th December.

Everyone deserves a fair shot at love and companionship. Love knows no age and we are glad that the two love-birds found each other in the first place. We wish them luck as they are all set to welcome a new and happy chapter in their lives!