Attappady: On the school reopening day, Dr. Velmani made an emotional visit to her alma mater and the institution that nurtured her during her formative years. The visit was an opportunity to express her heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, caretakers, and well-wishers who played a significant role in shaping her life.
Dr. Velmani attended the school entrance celebration at Cherpu C.N.N. Girls Higher Secondary School as the chief guest. Returning to the school after many years and meeting those who had guided and supported her filled her with immense joy and gratitude.
Velmani is the eldest of four children born to Nanchamuppan and Selvi of Chavadiyoor in Attappady. At the age of five, she arrived at Pootharakkal Orphanage in search of care, support, and an opportunity to continue her education. Her early years were spent under the care of Lourdes Nilayam, Pootharakkal, and she studied at schools in Pootharakkal and Ammadam.
From the sixth standard onwards, through the efforts of Dr. Narayanan, then a Seva Pracharak in Attappady, she found shelter at the Girls’ Home run by Oorakam Sanjeevani Samithi. It was there that her dreams found new direction and encouragement.
Velmani fondly remembered the support and guidance she received from Bindu Balakrishnan, full-time Seva Bharati worker and warden, along with many others who became a source of inspiration in her life. She was affectionately known as “Manikkutti” among everyone at the girls’ home.
Velmani completed her schooling at Cherpu C.N.N. Girls High School and Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda. She later earned her B.A.M.S. degree from Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College, Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram.
Since 2018, she has served as a temporary Ayurveda doctor at various institutions. A month ago, she secured a permanent appointment through the Kerala Public Service Commission. She currently serves as Medical Officer at the Government Ayurveda Dispensary, Nelliampathy.
Her husband, Aruswamy, is a civil engineer and a native of Attappady. The couple has two children, Sanjana and Karthik. Dr. Velmani is also a member of the Vivekanand Medical Mission Attappady Trust.
Addressing students and parents during the function, Dr. Velmani emphasized the importance of remembering those who support us in life and encouraged children to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
The journey of a young girl who once sought care and protection in a children’s home and today serves society as a Government Medical Officer stands as an inspiring example of how compassion, guidance, and opportunity can transform lives.
