From Grief to Guardian: How Ravindran Became a Lifesaver After Tragedy

In the small village of Akamalavaram near Malampuzha, Palakkad, K. Ravindran turned a personal tragedy into a mission to protect his community. After losing his young son, the former IIT Palakkad security staff became a certified snake catcher.

A Tragedy That Inspired a Mission

On July 9, 2022, Ravindran’s life was shattered when a snake fell from the roof and bit his four-year-old son, Advish Krishna, on the face as the family slept. Despite rushing him to the hospital, delays and the severity of the bite took the boy’s life. That night, their elder son, Advaith Krishna, was at his grandmother’s house and escaped the tragedy. Devastated by the loss, Ravindran turned his grief into a mission. Determined to prevent others from facing the same pain, he vowed, “No more children should die from snakebites.”

Becoming a Snake Catcher

Driven by his son’s memory, Ravindran joined the Kerala Forest Department’s snake-catching training program. After passing both written and practical tests, he became a certified snake rescuer. Today, he responds to calls from homes and neighborhoods, catching snakes for free and teaching people about snake safety. His wife and surviving son have supported him throughout, even attending his training sessions. Beyond rescuing snakes, Ravindran also holds awareness programs to help others prevent snakebites and handle emergencies.

A Community’s Gratitude

Ravindran turned his personal loss into a mission to protect others, becoming a symbol of hope in Palakkad. His work stresses the need for snake awareness, quick medical help, and community education to save lives.

Through his efforts, Ravindran keeps his son’s memory alive; not in grief, but in the safety and well-being of families in his community.

Read more at: https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/palakkad/2025/07/06/raveendran-snake-catcher-palakkad.html