IAS officer J Radhakrishnan, who served as the District Collector of Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, during the devastating 2004 tsunami, officiated the wedding of Meena, the youngest tsunami survivor, on Sunday.
Radhakrishnan, who is currently the Additional Chief Secretary, was at the forefront of relief efforts when the tsunami struck Tamil Nadu’s coast on December 26, 2004, killing over 6,000 people. Among the devastation, a baby girl was miraculously found alive by fishermen in the debris of Keechankuppam fishing village.
To care for children orphaned by the disaster, the Tamil Nadu government had established the Annai Sathya Government Children’s Home in Nagapattinam, where the rescued baby was taken in and given the name Meena. Another child, Sowmya, who was rescued from Velankanni beach, also found refuge at the home. The two girls formed a strong bond, while Radhakrishnan and his wife Krithika became their ‘godparents’.
Despite his demanding career and frequent transfers, Radhakrishnan remained closely involved in Meena and Sowmya’s lives, making sure he was present for every major milestone. He officiated Sowmya’s wedding in 2022 and welcomed her daughter born last year.
On Sunday, Meena married P Manimaran, who works at a nationalised bank in Nagapattinam. Radhakrishnan solemnised the wedding at Sri Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple. Several survivors, like Tamilarasi, who had stayed and studied with Meena at the home, attended the wedding.