Mumbai: Celine Sequeira, 83, showered with love on Mother’s Day

Celine Sequeira celebrates Mother’s Day with (left) Elsie Rodriguez and her kids

Celine Sequeira, whose plight was constantly highlighted by mid-day in a series of reports resulting in major relief from the high court, continues to be showered by love and support from her neighbours in Borivli West and kind souls staying abroad.

The 83-year-old IC Colony resident had many good wishes on the occasion of Mother's Day. Elsie Rodriguez, who lives in the neighbourhood, along with her husband and two children, surprised Sequeira with a cake on Sunday.

Rodriguez said, "mid-day came to Sequeira's rescue in the form of a blessing. She is just like my mother, so I want to keep her happy and ensure there's always a smile on her face. That is why we celebrated Mother's Day with her. We are so happy that Sequeira received help from many places."

Two students even pitched in for a fridge as a Mother's Day gift, after learning that Sequeira does not have one. They got in touch with Rodriguez and she placed an order online for a refrigerator. While Kandivli resident Priya Ghosh contributed Rs 5,000, a student in the United States sent Rs 7,000.

Speaking with mid-day, Ghosh said, "It is too bad that she is facing such troubles at this age. Celine Sequeira is just like my grandmother, and I will help her with monthly groceries or with anything she needs. I am a student, but I will do whatever is possible for me."

Sequeira lives at the Stone Castle society, which is stuck in redevelopment-related litigation. Some of the society members had got an audit done and the auditors had classified the structure as C-2B category - needing immediate repairs.

However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has declared the building, around 40 years old, as dangerous that needs demolition.