The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Befriending crows and kittens

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Sunday, May 11, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Befriending crows and kittens

D. Chandra Bhaskar Rao

84-year-old Gangavarapu Tulasamma enjoys feeding crows as she feels that her late husband is present among the birds

— Photo G. N. Rao

Tulasamma with her pets.

MADHIRA (Khammam dist): Drained of all physical strengthen, Gangavarapu Tulasamma in her in twilight years, has developed a different kind of passion for life. Hundreds of crows in Bhimavaram village in Yerrupalem mandal wait for her call. She beats her loneliness feeding them with love.

As she comes out with a bowl of rice, the birds vie to perch on premises. She believes that her husband Venkatappaiah, who died 26 years ago, has always been part of the flock.

Her infatuation seems to be nonpareil. She prepares dishes that he once relished. She is left sad and goes on fast when the birds fail to respond. However, they seldom let her down.

She also enjoys sharing her food with half-a-dozen pet kittens.

The 84-year-old stands out as a fine example for pious living. She is yet to make up her mind on the fate of her kittens after she dies and the land in her possession. Many are eagerly waiting for her decision on properties.Though issueless, she evinced no interest in adopting a child. Death may come suddenly or silently. There is not much to think about it, as she has already made arrangements for her last journey. She has paid Rs. 1,116 in advance for her funeral expenditure.

She donated silver crown for Lord Balaji at Tirupati and Lord Rama at Bhadrachalam long ago. Villagers are happy with her as gifts come in plenty from her on religious occasions.

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