IDUKKI: Beneath her simple looks lies an extraordinary woman. Sajini Mathew is a mother for over 100 girls. The twist in her life came during a bus journey 15 years back. The hunger wails of two little girls metamorphosed her life forever.
By then, the 42-year-old from Vazhathoppu had already shown streaks of compassion, engaging herself in teaching children in the neighbouring tribal colonies when she was just 15. Such was her passion for social work that Sajini ensured that her life partner - Mathew - too shared her dreams to uplift women and downtrodden.
Cut to Sajini’s transformation, the cries of those two little girls prompted her to become their foster mother. Moreover, Sajini helped their mother win a legal battle to have the possession of the children.
That was just a beginning. The episode led Sajini to establish a ‘Snehibhavan’ - a care home for abandoned girls, mainly Dalit and tribals at Muttom near Thodupuzha in 2001. The Snehibhavan is not just a home of love and care. It is a home of opportunities too. A few of the girls have been married off by Sajini. Some others are in good jobs after pursuing courses such as BEd, BFam, MT etc.
Currently, ‘Snehibhavan’ has 14 children, including Sajini’s five-year-old daughter. Snehibhavan has full time teacher and caretaker. “We ensure that all mothers should be in constant touch with their children even if they are here. It is important to have a bonding with their own family for their mental and physical development,” Sajini told Express.
But her mind is not liberated of anxieties, particularly after the murder of Jisha. “I’m scared to take responsibility of all these girls who were on the verge of suicide. If we too leave them, how will they live?” she asks. Sajini is finding it difficult to fulfil the dreams of many girls who are good in studies. For her efforts, Sajini was honoured with this year’s Social Service Award by Samakalika Malayalam Vaarika, a sister publication of ‘Express.’ Sajini can be contacted at: 9847932799.