Chatra: A WhatsApp message succeeded where years of searching failed, reuniting a Chatra family with their missing patriarch after 16 years — in a twist of fate that found father and son living just kilometres apart in Chennai, unaware of each other.Ramesh Ganjhu, 45, a daily wager from Benti village under Tandwa block, left home following a minor family dispute nearly two decades ago and never returned. His wife, Munna Devi, and their two young sons searched extensively but lost hope over time.Unknown to his family, Ramesh was struggling with mental health issues and substance dependence. He drifted across cities before ending up homeless on the streets of Chennai.His life took a turn when volunteers of Chennai-based humanitarian organisation Udavum Karangal rescued him from Poonamallee on June 16. “We found him on the streets and brought him to our rehabilitation centre. He was given medical and psychiatric care,” said Srinivasa Rao, social worker associated with this outfit.As Ramesh gradually regained memory, volunteers of the outfit learned about his Jharkhand roots. They circulated his photograph and details through volunteer WhatsApp groups across states to trace his family.The message eventually reached a small grocery shop in Kalyanpur area of Tandwa. The shopkeeper recognised Ramesh and alerted Munna Devi, who immediately contacted her elder son Nageshwar.In an astonishing coincidence, Nageshwar was working on the outskirts of Chennai — just a few kilometres away from where his father was staying.Within hours, the digital trail led to an emotional reunion on June 18 in Chennai, ending years of uncertainty. Ramesh returned to his village on June 21 to an overwhelming welcome.Munna, overcome with emotions, could barely speak. “My prayers have finally been answered,” she said, as villagers gathered to witness the reunion, calling it nothing short of miraculous.Nageshwar, who was only 5 when his father went missing, said, “I have faint memories of him and the pain of losing him early in life. I am just happy he is back.”The story has sparked conversations on the humane potential of digital networks. “When technology is combined with empathy, it doesn’t just connect devices — it reconnects lives,” said Pappa Vidyaakar, founder of the NGO.
Ramesh Ganjhu whern found by the NGO
Ramesh Ganjhu with his son after they were reunited