Rosamma, a visually impaired lottery seller in Kottayam, Kerala, has become an unlikely hero after catching thieves who repeatedly stole her tickets. But her story goes beyond just outsmarting criminals — it’s a tale of resilience, community spirit, and a surprising act of forgiveness.

Losing her sight at a young age didn’t deter Rosamma. When faced with financial hardship following the loss of her husband, she opened a lottery stall in Kalathipady. However, her livelihood was threatened when her inventory started mysteriously disappearing.

Undeterred, Rosamma turned to her neighbors for help. Together, they hatched a clever plan. They disguised a pen as a camera, strategically placing it at her stall. This seemingly ordinary pen became Rosamma’s secret weapon.

The next time the thieves struck, their actions were captured on camera. With the help of the footage, Rosamma’s friends were able to identify the culprits. One thief was caught red-handed and another turned out to be a housewife from the same neighborhood.

Here’s where Rosamma’s story takes an unexpected turn. Instead of pressing charges, she chose to forgive them. Both individuals, deeply remorseful, promised to never steal again. Rosamma’s act of compassion underscores the power of forgiveness, demonstrating a belief in rehabilitation over punishment.

Rosamma’s story is more than just a news headline. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Despite facing challenges, Rosamma, with the support of her community, found a creative solution to protect her livelihood. The story also highlights the power of forgiveness, offering a chance for redemption and a path toward a more peaceful community.

(Note: India accounts for around 20% of the global blind population. Project Eyeway is an initiative by Score Foundation that acts as a one-stop knowledge resource for those people who are living their lives with blindness. Eyeway operates a national toll-free Helpdesk — 1800 53 20469.)