A 79-year-old woman from Paravur, known affectionately as Ammalu Amma, has captured hearts after a photo of her embracing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan went viral. Seethammal, as she is also called, has been sweeping the streets of Paravur town for decades, starting her day at 4 am.

Ammalu Amma’s connection with the Chief Minister dates back to the 2018 floods. When she was displaced to a relief camp, Vijayan visited and hugged her, assuring her that everything would be okay. Since then, he never fails to embrace her whenever they meet. “I am his mother, and he is my son,” she says.

Despite her age, Ammalu Amma insists on working. “If I sit and eat, I’ll become weak. Walking and working keeps me healthy,” she explains. She lives alone and travels from Nagarcoil to Paravur daily, often walking when she cannot afford an auto fare. She is grateful for the meals provided by the municipality and the local people.

Her story gained wider attention after she was invited to an event where she met actor Mammootty. She never imagined such recognition. “This is a blessing I never dreamed of,” she says.