A Spanish citizen, Sneha, has embarked on an emotional journey to Odisha, India, to reconnect with her biological roots. Adopted in 2010 along with her brother Somu by Spanish parents, Gema Vidal and Juan Josh, Sneha’s quest to find her biological mother, Banalata Das, brings her back to Bhubaneswar after nearly two decades.
Accompanied by her adoptive mother, Gema, a yoga teacher from Zaragoza, Sneha arrived in Bhubaneswar on December 19, hoping to locate Banalata, who abandoned her and her brother in 2005. The siblings were later placed in an orphanage and adopted five years later.
An Emotional Return
“My journey from Spain to Bhubaneswar is to find my biological parents, especially my mother. Even if the path is difficult, I am prepared,” said the 21-year-old Sneha, a researcher in children’s education. Despite the limited information about her past, she is determined to uncover her roots.
Gema recalled their first meeting at the orphanage. “When we arrived, Sneha greeted us with a flower. From that moment, both she and Somu became part of our lives. They have brought us immense joy,” she said.
Sneha expressed immense gratitude for her adoptive parents, saying, “They gave us unconditional love and never made us feel like we were adopted. They ensured we had the best education and freedom to make our choices.”
Racing Against Time
Sneha’s stay in India is short, as she must return to Spain on Monday due to educational commitments. Despite this, she remains optimistic. “If we don’t find Banalata now, we’ll return in March for a longer stay,” Gema assured.
The search began with the scant details available. In 2005, Banalata left Sneha and Somu at their rented house in Bhubaneswar’s Nayapally area. After the house owner alerted authorities, the children were moved to an orphanage. Banalata had reportedly abandoned the family, following her husband Santosh, who had earlier left her and their four children.
A Hopeful Reunion
While Somu was unable to accompany them due to work commitments in Spain, Sneha remains hopeful of reuniting with her biological mother. However, when asked if she would confront Banalata for abandoning her, Sneha chose to remain silent, reflecting on the complexities of the situation.
For Gema, this journey is not just about tracing roots but also about supporting Sneha’s emotional quest. “Sneha is the joy of our house, our life. We are here to stand by her, no matter what the outcome,” she said.
As the clock ticks on their brief visit, the family is prepared to return to Bhubaneswar if needed, keeping the hope of a reunion alive.
