Overview
- Muhammed Ismail travelled from Palakkad to Dharmapuri and traced his old friend’s family on Thursday before handing them Rs 25,000 to settle the long-standing debt.
- The loan began in Saudi Arabia in the early 1990s when Ismail borrowed 120 Saudi Riyals, roughly Rs 1,000 at the time, from colleague Edla Lachanna.
- Ismail used Google to locate Dharmapuri, then asked local residents for help and made the journey without a phone number or address for his friend.
- Because Lachanna was working in the Gulf when Ismail arrived, the two reconnected by WhatsApp video call and spoke after the repayment.
- Reports vary on whether the debt was about 25 or 35 years old and coverage frames the Rs 25,000 as a symbolic gesture that highlights personal honor, migrant friendships, and how digital tools can enable long-delayed reunions.