Sneha, a 21-year-old Spanish citizen, has embarked on an emotional journey to Bhubaneswar, India, to reconnect with her biological mother, who abandoned her and her brother two decades ago. However, her quest is racing against time as she must return to Spain on Monday for academic commitments.
Sneha, a researcher in children’s education, was adopted by Spanish parents Gema Vidal and Juan Josh in 2010. She and her brother, Somu, were taken in from an orphanage in Bhubaneswar after their mother, Banalata Das, left them in 2005. Gema, a yoga teacher from Zaragoza, has accompanied Sneha to India in this poignant search for her roots.
A Determined Search for Closure
“The purpose of my journey from Spain to Bhubaneswar is to find my biological parents, especially my mother. I want to find her and meet her,” Sneha said. With minimal information about her past, she has relied on local assistance and records to piece together her history.
Her mother, Banalata, had abandoned Sneha, then barely over a year old, and her infant brother Somu in a rented house in the Nayapally area of Bhubaneswar. Their father, Santosh Das, had earlier left the family. Following her departure, Banalata moved away with her two older children, leaving Sneha and Somu behind.
The house owner eventually informed the police, leading to their placement in an orphanage. Years later, in 2010, they were legally adopted by the Spanish couple, who have since provided them a nurturing environment.
The Journey to Odisha
Accompanied by her adoptive mother, Gema, Sneha arrived in Bhubaneswar on December 19, 2024, and has been tirelessly seeking information. With assistance from retired professor Sneha Sudha Mishra, they uncovered key details about her biological parents.
“We found out about her parents’ names from the house owner in Nayapally, which were later verified with the police and the orphanage,” Mishra explained.
Their efforts led them to Bhubaneswar’s Commissioner of Police, who assigned officers to locate Banalata and Santosh. Inspector Anjali Chhotray revealed that the family hails from the Badamba-Narsinghpur area in Cuttack district. Local authorities, police, and panchayat officials are now involved in the search.
Racing Against Time
While Somu was unable to join the journey due to work commitments in Spain, Sneha and Gema are prepared to return in March if they cannot locate Banalata within the next 24 hours. “Sneha has a training program in Spain that cannot be interrupted. But we are committed to coming back for a longer stay if needed,” said Gema.
Sneha expressed mixed emotions about meeting her biological mother, choosing not to comment on whether she would confront her for the abandonment. “Sneha is very responsible and educated. She is the joy of our house. She is our life,” Gema added.
The family’s journey highlights the complex emotions surrounding adoption, identity, and the universal yearning to connect with one’s roots. While the clock is ticking, their determination underscores the hope of a reunion that could bring closure and healing to their lives.
Sources By Agencies
