Some residents in Korukkupet have set an example for true love. They have rescued two orphans from their cruel aunt after their parents recently died of HIV/AIDS.
They have placed the siblings — a sister and brother, aged 12 and 14 — in a government home to ensure their education and well-being.
The residents have been visiting these children every week and deliver lots of love. These poor families spend their money and time to relieve the children from the mental stress they suffer in the absence of their parents.
R. Manikandan, who works for a construction firm, said, “The HIV couple and children were staying close to our house for the last three years. The parents were dancers. They used to receive good pay during elections and other festival times. After the death of the parents, some relatives took charge of the house and started torturing the children.” Mr Manikandan said he had seen the children run errands for the aunt and her husband.
“The boy was severally beaten up and sent for buying cigarettes and liquor from Tasmac shops. The girl was doing the household chores and was exploited by them,” added Mr Manikandan.
The residents of the Korukkupet area discussed about the ill-treatment of the children. They alerted the local police and the government home and rescued them.
Ms Glory Gunaseeli, the superintendent of the Royapuram government home for boys, said, “The neighbours are kind and visit the children. The sister is staying in the girls home in Kellys. We take the brother to the Kellys home to meet his sister when they wish to meet,” she said.
Ms Gunaseeli said the bonding by the neighbours keeps the children happy.