Bhubaneswar: Two orphan girls from Gajapati district have found a new home and family after an Italian couple adopted them, ending a four-year wait for parental love. The sisters, residents of Gajapati, were orphaned about four years ago after their parents abandoned them. A distant relative rescued the girls and admitted them to the Utkal orphanage in Paralakhemundi, where staff raised them.
A childless couple from Italy saw the sisters on the Vatsalya portal and expressed interest in adopting them. After verification of paperwork and legal procedures, the district administration granted permission for the adoption. The couple arrived at the Utkal orphanage on Wednesday. They became emotional after meeting the girls, who were also overjoyed to get a family.
“We tried for a child but did not succeed. God has given us two daughters this way,” the couple said. “Indian culture and tradition have attracted the world. We wanted to adopt Indian children and will ensure they have a secure future.”
The sisters said they had missed parental affection since childhood but felt loved at the orphanage.
“The new guardians are treating us very well. We hope to build a good future with them,” one of them said. Additional District Collector Munindra Honga said the Utkal orphanage has facilitated 83 adoptions so far.
“Children given for adoption are properly looked after under the law. These two will also be happy like others,” he said. District Child Protection Officer Arun Tripathi said Indian couples are given first preference for adoption, followed by foreign couples.
“We will regularly monitor the children’s well-being,” he added. The two girls will now leave Gajapati and build their future in Italy with their new parents.
