Salem: Penniless and debt-ridden, mother of 3 sells hair for Rs 150

When all her money dried up last week, and hope of succour was bleak, a young mother of three in Tamil Nadu was left weighing a strange offer: Would she be willing to part with her hair, for a price?

Her buyer wanted to make wigs. Her children needed food.

Prema decided quickly.

She was paid Rs 150.

Money lenders have been breathing down Prema’s neck: she and her late husband Selvan borrowed heavily to make ends meet. Both brick-kiln workers, they owed over Rs 2 lakh.

Things came to such a pass that Prema, 31, thought about ending it all — just like Selvan did seven months ago, overwhelmed by debt.

But then, a ray of light: Prema’s story was told on social media by one G Bala, and money began to come in.

The family has now raised Rs 1.45 lakh, and the district administration has sanctioned a monthy widow pension.