Bhavagna and Palvith have finally returned home

Survivor children of car crash in India reached Adelaide

By: Daljeet Bakshi

An Adelaide couple Hemambaradhar “Hems” Peddagamalla and his wife Rama Batthula were killed when their taxi crashed near Hyderabad , India in early May, They along with their children, Bhavagna (9) and Palvith (6) were on their way to the funeral of Ms Batthula’s father. The children survived the crash and had been recovering from their injuries at a hospital in India.

Their family GP from Adelaide Dr Sudeer Talari was in India to break the news to the children of their parents’ death. “I’ve broken bad news to my patients, but this was the most traumatic thing to tell the kids that their mum and dad are not there anymore,” Dr Talari said.

Telugu Association of South Australia president Sivaji Pathuri said the children “cried for the whole day” when they were told of their parents’ deaths.

The tragic news of the death of this Adelaide couple shocked the Telugu community in South Australia. The couple were active members of the Telugu association and were actively involved in the community events.

Telugu association started A GoFundMe page and within days raised more than $200,000 to pay for Mr Peddagamalla and Ms Batthula’s funeral, their mortgage and the children’s medical expenses. The community came together to support the cause.

The children’s grandparents, who are in their 70s and do not possess passports, were unable to care for the children in India. Sam Kaladri and Miriam Kaladari, who were close friends of the parents, have come forward to look after these two children. Both families unanimously agreed that the best place for the kids to be is Australia for their mental, physical wellbeing and for their education as they have lots of memories, friends and families here in Adelaide. The kaladaris will become their full time guardians. The Kaladari’s are confident that with the support of the local community they will be able to give the children the best life possible.

They flew to India and have returned along with Bhavagna and Palvith.

Members of the Telugu Association of South Australia and Indian community, waited with gifts for the children. There was mixed feelings of emotions and loud cheers as the two children came through the gates at Adelaide Airport.

Dr Talari, Kaladari’s family and Telugu association members thanked The Australian government, High commission for fast tracking the process.

“The power of community has proven here and we are all taking that responsibility now,” the family doctor said.