Aadumma, known for her love for goats, passes away

Makkattuparambil Pathumma, also known as 'Aadumma', passed away at the age of 81 on Friday, leaving behind a lifetime of memories shared with her beloved goats.

Her deep bond with these animals earned her the affectionate nickname ‘Aadumma’ from the locals. Even on the night of her passing, she spent time with them.

Pathumma’s life was filled with hardship from a young age. She was only 12 when she got married. She became pregnant at 15. Tragically, she gave birth to a stillborn baby at eight months. Even during this heartbreaking moment, her husband was not around to comfort her. Her husband, who had gone to work with his father, never returned. Soon after, her parents, who supported her for a while, passed away as well, leaving Pathumma all alone.

In her time of isolation, Pathumma found solace in caring for goats and chickens. The first goat and lamb were provided to her by the local panchayat to help her with livelihood. She took care of them and with time her flock grew to 30 goats. Alongside her goats, she also raised chickens. When she was admitted to hospital, her relatives had sold all the goats and chickens as nobody was there to take care of them. 

Pathumma after returning from hospital, again bought a goat and a lamb. In time there were nine goats. 

A few weeks ago she was admitted to hospital once again. Even when Pathumma was admitted to the hospital for treatment, her thoughts were never far from her animals. Despite repeated advice from doctors, staff, and relatives to stay longer at the hospital, Pathumma insisted on returning home, saying, "If I stay here, my children will starve..."

Following this, she discharged herself and resumed her daily routine. She would wake up early, feed the goats and chickens. By morning, she would go for a stroll and return only by noon. Later she prepares leaves and food for her goats.

Pathumma continued her routine of caring for her goats until the night before her death. She passed away on Friday morning, leaving behind her precious goats, whom she had loved and cared for throughout her life.