Reunited After 14 Years: Annam Foundation Helps Mentally Ill Woman Find Her Way Back Home

Khammam: In a heartwarming story of hope and humanity, Annam Foundation, a Khammam-based NGO, has helped reunite a mentally ill woman with her family after 14 years. Identified as Adilakshmi, the woman had been living on the streets near the old bus stand in Khammam for over a decade, surviving on the compassion of passersby.
The rescue began in February, when staff at the Khammam RTC depot noticed her deteriorating condition and contacted Annam Srinivasa Rao, the founder of Annam Foundation. Known for his dedicated work in running an old age home and orphanage, Rao took Adilakshmi into care.
With medical treatment, proper nutrition, and emotional support, Adilakshmi slowly recovered. As her mental health improved, she revealed her name was Gouramma and that she was from Peddahottur village in Aluru mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. She remembered her husband’s name—Narasimha—and fragments of her life before going missing.
Family Traced After 14 Years
Determined to find her roots, Srinivasa Rao contacted Aluru police. Inspector Raju Venkatesh and his team successfully tracked down her family. Her brother Prasad, after speaking to her over the phone, emotionally confirmed her identity.
In an act of dedication and compassion, Rao personally accompanied Adilakshmi back to her village, where she was reunited with her parents, Anjinamma and Pedda Basappa, and brothers, Mallikarjuna and Prasad. Tears flowed freely as the family welcomed her home—overwhelmed by a reunion they had long given up hope on.
The family shared that Adilakshmi had been abandoned by her husband due to her mental illness and had disappeared, leaving the family in pain for over a decade.
A Message of Hope and Humanity
Annam Srinivasa Rao described this as one of the most fulfilling moments of his life. “This is why we do what we do. Compassion has the power to heal even the longest separations,” he said.
This story of Annam Foundation reuniting a missing woman serves as a reminder of the transformative impact NGOs and compassionate citizens can have. With care, patience, and determination, even those who have been forgotten can find their way home.