Palakkad: In a remarkable gesture of honesty and friendship, a Kerala man travelled to Telangana to repay a small loan he had borrowed from a former colleague more than three decades ago during their time as expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia.
According to multiple media reports, Mohammed Ismail, a native of Palakkad, recently traced his former colleague, Edla Lachanna, in Dharmapuri town of Telangana's Jagtial district and handed over Rs 25,000 to his family. The two had lost contact years ago after returning from Saudi Arabia.
Ismail and Lachanna became friends in 1991 while working in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. Along with three other expatriates, they shared accommodation and lived together for nearly five years. During that period, Lachanna lent Ismail 120 Saudi Riyals, then worth around Rs 1,000, when he was facing financial difficulties. Before they parted ways, Ismail promised to repay the amount once he became financially secure.
After Lachanna returned to India, communication between the two gradually ceased in an era before mobile phones and social media made long-distance contact easier. Despite the passage of time, Ismail remained determined to fulfil his promise.
According to media reports, he searched online for Dharmapuri and travelled there on July 9. After making enquiries with local residents, he located Lachanna's family home. As Lachanna is currently employed in the Gulf, the friends reconnected through a WhatsApp video call during the visit.
NDTV reported that Lachanna was surprised by the amount repaid, considering the original loan was only 120 Saudi Riyals. He reportedly viewed the gesture as a reflection of their enduring friendship. Lachanna also recalled that the two often cooked and shared meals together after work in Saudi Arabia, strengthening their bond over the years.
Based on Siasat report