76-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu spends pension money to feed hundreds of monkeys
ETimes | June 23, 2026 2:39 PM CST
A 76-year-old woman from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is earning widespread praise online for her unwavering dedication to feeding monkeys around Tirupparankundram. As per a video uploaded on social media by ANI, Malathi can be seen performing her usual act of feeding hundreds of monkeys, an activity which she has been doing since 2015. Although suffering from old age and illness, she visits different places every Saturday when a large number of monkeys assemble after hearing her voice.
Malathi reportedly uses a considerable amount of her pension money to feed the animals. The post suggests that around 350 to 400 monkeys assemble at her place. This old lady has been doing service to others throughout her life. Before retiring in 2010, she worked as the Director of Physical Education at Gandhigram University, served at an international school in Kodaikanal, and spent 33 years with the Tamil Nadu Police Department.
Sharing the video on X, it read, “Malathi, a 76-year-old resident of Madurai, has been using a significant portion of her pension to feed monkeys living around Tirupparankundram since 2015.”
Reactions on the post
The video quickly drew attention on social media, with many users applauding her kindness and commitment. Several people described her as an inspiration, while others praised her for continuing the service despite facing health-related difficulties.
A user wrote, "What a noble gesture. Our karma bhoomi is so blessed. We didn’t need the junk like Mother Teresa to come and teach about service. Every temple in India offers free food for visitors for hundreds of years… blessed to be a Hindu, Indian!" Another user mentioned, "That's seriously heartwarming. Dedicating your retirement to feeding local monkeys is peak selfless energy. Hope her health holds up for the next few decades."
Many users also highlighted how rare it is to see such long-term dedication. “Humanity still exists,” wrote one social media user, while another commented that Malathi’s efforts were a reminder that compassion can make a difference regardless of age.
Over a decade after beginning the initiative, Malathi continues to spend her weekends caring for the animals. Her story has touched many online, with people hailing her selfless efforts and love for living beings.
Malathi reportedly uses a considerable amount of her pension money to feed the animals. The post suggests that around 350 to 400 monkeys assemble at her place. This old lady has been doing service to others throughout her life. Before retiring in 2010, she worked as the Director of Physical Education at Gandhigram University, served at an international school in Kodaikanal, and spent 33 years with the Tamil Nadu Police Department.
Sharing the video on X, it read, “Malathi, a 76-year-old resident of Madurai, has been using a significant portion of her pension to feed monkeys living around Tirupparankundram since 2015.”
Reactions on the post
The video quickly drew attention on social media, with many users applauding her kindness and commitment. Several people described her as an inspiration, while others praised her for continuing the service despite facing health-related difficulties.
A user wrote, "What a noble gesture. Our karma bhoomi is so blessed. We didn’t need the junk like Mother Teresa to come and teach about service. Every temple in India offers free food for visitors for hundreds of years… blessed to be a Hindu, Indian!" Another user mentioned, "That's seriously heartwarming. Dedicating your retirement to feeding local monkeys is peak selfless energy. Hope her health holds up for the next few decades."
Many users also highlighted how rare it is to see such long-term dedication. “Humanity still exists,” wrote one social media user, while another commented that Malathi’s efforts were a reminder that compassion can make a difference regardless of age.
Over a decade after beginning the initiative, Malathi continues to spend her weekends caring for the animals. Her story has touched many online, with people hailing her selfless efforts and love for living beings.
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