Kerala Woman Receives More Than What She Gave in Charity

Last month, Subaida, a 60-year-old tea-seller from Kollam in Kerala, hit the headlines for contributing ₹5,510 to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) towards tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Subaida had sold her two goats that she had kept for a rainy day. From the 12,000 rupees she got for the two goats, she donated ₹5,510 to the CMDRF. With the rest of the money, she paid her rent and electricity bills. For her exemplary generosity, she was hailed as a hero by the state’s chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, and many others.

And now, in a classic case of one good deed begetting another, a person has come forward to repay Subaida in kind. Anees Adam, a restaurateur, bought five goats for Subaida and handed them to her through the local MLA and district collector at a small ceremony recently.

According to reports, Subaida runs a small tea stall attached to her house in Kollam. The stall has been closed ever since the lockdown began, which made her life difficult. Subaida told the local media that although she was the sole breadwinner in the family (her husband being ill), she felt guilty that she was not able to contribute to the fight against the coronavirus.

Subaida, an avid follower of news, said that she was moved by the plight of the people and by news reports stating that even children were contributing their piggy-bank money to the relief fund.

Subaida is not done with her charity yet. She has reportedly said that she will be able to contribute more to the fight against COVID-19 once her tea stall opens.