Mani feeds needy from wages of grave digging

Ollur: Mani, the local gravedigger in Marathakkara church cemetery has won hearts as a great human being. Mani (63) has been a labourer in this church for the last 13 years. When there is a funeral in the church, Mani will be there to carry out all works including preparation of the burial ground.

But he never takes a single penny from the wage received for doing this job. All the fruits of this labour will be given to the needy patients in the church. He also works in the garden of the church and accepts the wages for doing it.

The wage received for this job is being used for his family. He rarely goes home as he lives in the shed near the church. His wife and kids used to visit him at the church.

He has been receiving Rs 500 for digging a grave. Depending upon the financial status, some gives more. Mani neither is an alcoholic nor a smoker. After completing his pre-degree at St. Thomas College, he moved abroad in search of work, but he returned four months later.