Mr. J Radhakrishnan, a 1992-batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer, who played a pivotal role in the 2004 tsunami relief efforts, officiated the wedding of Meena, the youngest survivor of the disaster, on Sunday.
Also Read: A Tsunami that Washed Away Homes, Livelihoods and Hope, And An Officer Who Helped Rebuild Them
Mr. Radhakrishnan, currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, was the District Collector of Nagapattinam when the tsunami struck on December 26, 2004, claiming over 6,000 lives in Tamil Nadu. Among the devastation, fishermen found an infant girl alive in the debris of Keechankuppam fishing village. She was later named Meena and raised at the Annai Sathya Government Children’s Home, established for orphaned children.
Another rescued child, Sowmya, became Meena’s closest companion, and Radhakrishnan and his wife Krithika took on the role of their godparents, remaining actively involved in their lives. He officiated Sowmya’s wedding in 2022 and celebrated the birth of her daughter last year.
On Sunday, Meena married P. Manimaran, a bank employee, at Sri Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple, Nagapattinam. The ceremony was attended by several fellow tsunami survivors who had grown up alongside her.
This heartfelt gesture reflects Radhakrishnan’s enduring commitment to the children he once rescued, showcasing the profound bond between an officer and the community he served.
Also Read: A Father Does His Duty, Gives Away Nagapattinam’s Daughter
