October 06, 2020
White doves reunited 42-year-old Manjunath with his family after an year, on Tuesday, October 6.
Manjunath, a resident of Haveri district was missing since one year and two months. During the monsoon of 2019 Corrine Rasquinha received a call from Central Market in Mangaluru regarding a man lying on the road for the past three days. He had a foot injury and was unable to walk or stand.
Realising his plight the White Doves team wasted no time to reach the spot. The staff carried Manjunath and brought him to White Doves shelter. It was found that the wound was infested with maggots. Manjunath was then cleaned, given a bath, some food and then shifted to a ward. Within two months he fully recovered and was able to provide his home telephone number. On contacting his mother she expressed her reservation on taking him back, given that Manjunath was an alcoholic. The manager Jerald Fernandes contacted the family several times, however, they tried to dodge the matter of taking him back claiming to be financially weak or requesting for some more time.
White Doves then contacted the Superintendent of Police of Haveri and the concerned police station insisted the family to take Manjunath back, stating that he has been sober for over 14 months.
Infact after the morning prayers on Tuesday, Manjunath requested the manager to phone his mother so that he could ask for forgiveness. His prayer was answered as his father and older brother arrived to take him back to Haveri. Manjunath is a divorcee and has two children who are studying in high school. Eager to start a new leaf, Manjunath promised White Doves that he will abstain from drinking, respect his parents and work to take care of his children.
This is the 391st reunion at White Doves. We feel happy that our mission has been fulfilled which involves rehabilitating destitute and giving them an opportunity to start life afresh.
