Sneha, adopted by a Spanish couple 13 years ago, embarks on an emotional journey to reconnect with her roots in Odisha
A heartwarming yet challenging journey has brought 21-year-old Sneha, an Indian-origin woman adopted by a Spanish couple, back to India to search for her biological mother. Supported by her adoptive parents, Sneha is determined to uncover her past despite time and cultural barriers, reported indiatvnews.com.
A quest to reconnect with her roots
Sneha, abandoned alongside her brother Somu by their biological mother in 2005, was adopted by Spanish parents Gema Vidal and Juan Josh in 2010. Now a researcher in children’s education, Sneha returned to Bhubaneswar with Gema to trace her roots. Her mother, a yoga teacher in Spain, accompanied her while Somu stayed back due to work commitments.
In 2005, Sneha and her brother were left in a rented house in Bhubaneswar after their father, Santosh, deserted the family. Their mother, Banalata, later abandoned them as well, taking two other children with her. The siblings were placed in an orphanage before being legally adopted by the Spanish couple.
Sneha expressed gratitude for her adoptive parents, who provided unconditional love and ensured the siblings never felt out of place. Despite her deep affection for her Spanish family, Sneha is determined to find her biological parents, especially her mother, to complete the picture of her origins.
With scant information about her past, Sneha and Gema faced challenges, including language barriers and exploitation by locals. A retired university teacher, Sneha Sudha Mishra, stepped in to help them navigate the search process. Police officials have identified Banalata’s possible location in Cuttack district and are working with local authorities to trace her.
If unsuccessful in this attempt, Sneha and her mother plan to return in March for a longer search. “This is a journey of love, understanding, and finding closure,” said Gema, reflecting on their emotional mission.
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