Pattamundai: A tattoo in Odia script on her hand became the unlikely clue that reunited a woman with her family after 35 years, bringing an end to decades of uncertainty and longing.
Pramila Mallick, who had gone missing nearly three-and-a-half decades ago, has finally returned to her family in Nandalalpatna village under Alapua panchayat of Pattamundai block in Kendrapada district.
Pramila had married Dinabandhu Malik of Alapua around 35 years ago. However, barely three years into the marriage, she went missing. Despite extensive searches, the family could not trace her and, over the years, had almost given up hope of ever seeing her again.
Pramila was eventually traced while living under Dharashila tehsil in the Baha sub-division area of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. The turning point came when people noticed an Odia-language tattoo on her hand, which helped establish her connection to Odisha.
With the administrative cooperation of authorities in Odisha and Himachal Pradesh and assistance from Pattamundai police, efforts were made to trace her family and facilitate her return home.
Her arrival has brought an emotional reunion after 35 years of separation. Her son and daughter, who had spent much of their lives without their mother, are overjoyed to have her back.
The children said they would take care of and serve their mother for the rest of her life, making the long-awaited reunion an emotional new beginning for the family.
