Gopalan Chandran, a 74-year-old man from a small village near Powdikonam in Trivandrum, Kerala, has finally returned home after being stuck in Bahrain for over four decades. He left India on August 16, 1983, dreaming of earning a good living to support his family.

Like many migrant workers, he hoped for a better future. But soon after reaching Bahrain, tragedy struck; his employer passed away suddenly, and Gopalan lost his passport. Without any documents, he couldn’t return home.

Gopalan lived quietly in Bahrain for over 40 years, without legal papers and far from home. He became what is known as “undocumented,” meaning he had no official proof of who he was or where he came from. For many years, he stayed hidden, surviving without any way to go back.

Gopalan’s return became possible thanks to the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC), a group of retired judges, lawyers, and journalists who work to help Indians facing tough situations both in India and abroad. The PLC’s Bahrain Chapter, led by Sudheer Thirunilath, worked closely with the Embassy of India in Bahrain and the Kingdom’s Immigration Department.

Together, they sorted out all the legal and immigration issues that had kept Gopalan away for so long.

One of the most emotional moments of this story is that Gopalan is finally going to see his 95-year-old mother, who had never stopped waiting for her son to return.

As Sudheer Thirunilath said:

“Gopalan finally returns home to see his 95-year-old mother, who never stopped waiting for her son. He boards his flight home today morning with no belongings, only memories, tears, and the dream of reuniting with family.”

Gopalan has no suitcase, no souvenirs, just the hope of starting again with the family he left behind long ago. 

 

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