Wednesday February 13, 2013

A gesture pale in comparison with their mum’s sacrifices

By A. RUBAN
ruban_22@thestar.com.my

<b>Just a little something:</b> Devigi (standing) receiving Valentine’s Day gifts from her children (from left) Abby, Gopi and Megala while her husband looks on.

Just a little something: Devigi (standing) receiving Valentine’s Day gifts from her children (from left) Abby, Gopi and Megala while her husband looks on.

BANTING: Surprise gifts on Valentine's Day might not be enough to repay the sacrifices S. Devigi has made for her disable kids. But the presents are, nevertheless, something her children offer to show appreciation.

Nyanamambiga @ Abby, 28, Meghala, 27, and Gopi, 25, who have muscular dystrophy, took the effort to make the gifts despite feeling these were not enough to match their 54-year-old mother's deeds.

Compared with the more than 25 years' sacrifices by Devigi for her children, Abby said the gifts were simply not enough.

“These (the gifts) are just to show my mum how much we appreciate her.

“I never expected that we would live in a proper house like this.

”My mum, indeed, is a supermum,” Abby said.

Now, the children are independent and helping with the family's expenses for their new home.

Abby works part-time as an assistant manager at the college where she is pursuing a Business degree and Meghala designs greeting cards and sells them online.

Gopi, meanwhile, works part-time as a deejay at wedding receptions.

The family's household income has now increased to between RM1,000 and RM2,000 compared to the few hundred ringgit Devigi earned in the past.

“We hope to one day sponsor our mum a ticket to India as this has always been her dream,” Abby said.

Apart from taking care of her children, Devigi is also looking after her husband V. Ugjayan, 52, who suffers from a heart disease, her bedridden brother-in-law and a diabetic sister-in-law.

Last March, The Star highlighted Devigi's life story, calling her a supermum for single-handedly taking care of her loved ones.

Previously, the family lived in a dilapidated house at the JKR quarters.

However, after numerous news reports and highlights on the matter, The Star and other well-wishers, chipped in to help build a new home for the family in Sungai Manggis.

Devigi said her happiest moment was seeing her kids grown up.

“I'm so happy and proud of my children. I never thought my dreams would become a reality,” she said.

Prof Dr M. Rajendran, who handles the family's trust fund, said the new six-bedroom house was equipped with four hospital beds.

News

Wednesday February 13, 2013

A gesture pale in comparison with their mum’s sacrifices

By A. RUBAN ruban_22@thestar.com.my

By A. RUBAN
ruban_22@thestar.com.my