Aluva residents Vinu, Rinku unite to provide dignified resting place for unclaimed bodies
Kochi: "I have collected many dead bodies from this river. Who will give me so much land to lay to rest the orphaned dead bodies that no one wants?" Vinu said, his eyes brimming with emotion. "I cannot stand and watch as these souls remain unclaimed, without a final resting place," he said, as he recounted the numerous bodies he has retrieved from the Aluva region of Periyar River depths over the years.
Rinku, a resilient person, who has carved her own path despite adversity, resonated deeply with Vinu's cause. "I will provide the money to buy land for the cemetery. If the money saved for the purpose of building my dream house is not enough, I will take a loan to make up the amount," Rinku declared.
Vinu's journey into this noble cause began at the tender age of 15, when he first retrieved a body from the river. Since then, he has tirelessly worked to bring solace to the grieving families, often taking on odd jobs as an auto driver, bus conductor, and lorry driver to support his own family while dedicating himself to this selfless task.
The turning point came when Vinu's friend Mithun lost his life in the river, prompting Vinu to step forward and ensure that his body was returned to shore. Since then, he has become a familiar figure on the riverbanks, offering solace to those grappling with loss and performing the solemn duty of laying the departed to rest.
Yet, faced with the grim reality of unclaimed bodies and overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task at hand, Vinu turned to virtually everyone for support. It was then that Rinku Baby, a fellow resident of Aluva, answered the call, moved by Vinu's plea for a proper burial ground. Despite her own struggles and aspirations, including working to secure a home for herself, she recognized the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need.
As plans for the cemetery take shape, Vinu and Rinku stand united, determined to honour the memory of the departed and provide them with the dignity they deserve in their final resting place.