Thane: One-year-old reunited with family after they recover from Covid-19

THANE: A year-old baby girl who was temporarily adopted by the Shiv Sena after her family tested positive and hospitalised was reunited with her parents, Thursday, who recovered from the ailment amid a grand first birthday celebration with her extended family at a city hotel.
It may be recalled, the baby was almost left to her mercy mid-May with no one to take care of her after her parents, grandparents tested positive to corona virus and were hospitalised. The family’s plight drew attention of cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray who alerted party colleague Eknath Shinde, who in turn, assigned Rina Mudaliar, a women party activist to nurture the baby till her parents recovered.
The family said they initially had apprehensions about allowing the baby to be kept away but considering the circumstances they had no other option. “We are happy our baby was taken good care. We were worried of her wellbeing when her parents had to be admitted and no on to take care of her till the time her mother recovered,” said a relative.
Rahul Londhe, Shiv Sena spokesperson, said it was surprising to see how the baby developed a bond with her caretaker Mudaliar. “Despite being with her parents, the baby seemed to be more at ease with her caretaker who also taught her few Marathi words. The baby celebrates her birthday on Friday, June 5 and so we decided to make it memorable by cutting a cake,” he said.
Thane police chief Vivek Phansalkar also expressed his happiness and informed how his department also proactively worked to find a solution after being informed by the National Commission for Women. "We tracked the family, coordinated with the hospital, guardian minister and provided all possible assistance."