A handwritten Odia tattoo on an elderly woman’s arm has ended a 35-year separation, bringing Pramila Mallick back to her native village in Odisha’s Kendrapada district.
Pramila, a resident of Nandalalpatna village under Alapua panchayat in Pattamundai block, married Dinabandhu Mallick 38 years ago. Three years after her marriage, she went missing without a trace. Despite extensive searches, her family lost all hope and gradually presumed her lost.
She was recently traced to Dharashila tehsil under the Baha sub-division in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Her identity was confirmed when locals noticed a tattoo in Odia script inked on her hand.
Following the discovery, local authorities coordinated with administrative officials from both Himachal Pradesh and Odisha to facilitate her safe return home.
Her homecoming sparked emotional scenes in Nandalalpatna. Her son expressed deep joy upon being reunited with his mother, stating that the family would dedicate themselves to serving her during her remaining years.
