From courtroom to temple steps: Advocate, wife turn to begging for survival in Vemulawada

The Covid pandemic pushed Karimnagar advocate Kasarla Jalender Reddy and his wife into financial distress, forcing them to survive near the Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada. The couple now clean temple steps and depend on devotees for support

Rajanna-Sircilla: The Covid pandemic left countless lives shattered, pushing many families into debt and uncertainty. Among them is Kasarla Jalender Reddy, an advocate from Karimnagar, whose life has taken a painful turn from arguing cases in court to seeking alms at the entrance of the Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada.

Unable to cope with mounting financial distress, Jalender Reddy and his wife Sherisha now spend their days at the temple premises, relying on the goodwill of devotees to survive. A native of Manthani, Jalender began his legal practice in Karimnagar after completing his LLB. In 2006, he married Sherisha, a resident of Vilasagar in Boinpalli mandal. The couple lived in a rented house in Karimnagar town and led a stable and comfortable life until 2019.

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However, the pandemic dealt a severe blow to their livelihood. Jalender’s legal practice declined sharply, leaving the family in financial hardship. During this period, Sherisha also developed health problems. Despite seeking treatment at several hospitals, she did not find relief, further worsening their situation. The couple, who have no children, gradually fell into despair. Two years ago, Sherisha left for Vemulawada. While searching for his wife, Jalender eventually traced her to the temple town and chose to stay with her.

Today, the couple survive by cleaning the steps of the Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple and managing with whatever devotees offer. Their situation came to light recently during a counselling drive conducted by the district administration for beggars in the temple town.

Denying that they were begging, Jalender said they clean the temple steps and take up other small tasks to earn a living.