By Rashmi Rekha Das
In a world where family is often considered a blessing, being parentless can be a crippling curse. For Sneha and Somu, two young siblings from Odisha, life took a drastic turn when their biological mother abandoned them without any explanation. But fate had other plans, and their lives were forever changed when a kind-hearted Spanish woman, Gema Vidal Pinart, adopted them and gave them a new lease of life.
Sneha Enrique Vidal, just six years old, and Somu, five, were left to fend for themselves, facing poverty and torture after being deserted by their mother. It was their landlord who eventually handed them over to the Nayapalli police, who then took them to an orphanage in Bhubaneswar. As they navigated the harsh realities of life without parents, Sneha and Somu’s future seemed uncertain.
But in 2010, Gema, a Spanish national, stepped into their lives and adopted the siblings. She took them under her wing, giving them her name and, more importantly, a loving home. For Sneha and Somu, this marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with love, care, and opportunities.
However, their story does not end here. Years later, Sneha, now a confident young woman, returned to Odisha with Gema, to trace her biological roots. As they stayed at a homestay in Bhubaneswar, Ommcom News had the privilege of meeting Gema and Sneha and hearing their incredible story.
As we sat down to talk, Sneha’s eyes sparkled with gratitude as she spoke about Gema, whom she affectionately calls ‘Mama’. “She has given me everything – love, care, education, and a home. I don’t know what would have happened to me and Somu if Mama hadn’t adopted us,” Sneha said, her voice filled with emotion.
As Sneha and Gema embark on this journey to discover Sneha’s biological roots, they are filled with a mix of emotions – excitement, nervousness, and hope. But one thing is certain – they will face this journey together, as a family.
At 21, Sneha has embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past. Accompanied by her adoptive mother, Gema, she arrived in Odisha on December 18, seeking answers about her biological family. As they settled into a cosy homestay, Anand Rutu, in Bhubaneswar, Sneha’s determination to learn about her roots only grew stronger.
Sneha’s quest for information finally bore fruit, thanks to the help of Sneha Sudha Misra, owner of the homestay and a retired Senior Reader (Odia), Rama Devi Women’s Autonomous College (now Rama Devi Women’s University) and Ruchika, a child helpline. She discovered that her biological parents were Banalata Das and Santosh Kumar Das and that her original name was Mani Das. With the homestay owner’s assistance, Sneha even met with the Police Commissioner, bringing her closer to finding her biological mother. This breakthrough has significantly advanced Sneha’s journey of self-discovery.
During our conversation with Sneha, Gema sat beaming with pride next to her daughter, fondly recalling the life-changing journey that brought them together through adoption.
Gema’s eyes sparkle with nostalgia as she recounts the story behind Sneha’s adoption. “When I was very young, I had a strong desire to adopt a child. In 2010, my husband and I decided to adopt a child as we did not have any children. We chose India, a country I had fallen in love with during my numerous visits. As a yoga teacher, I developed a deep connection with India’s rich culture and its people. The central adoption agency in Delhi presented us with several options, leading us to Odisha, where we finally found our little bundle of joy. However, the adoption process was a long and arduous one, taking almost three years to complete.”
Gema, who has been a constant source of support and love for the siblings, said, “I always wanted to adopt children and give them a loving home. When I met Sneha and Somu, I knew they were meant to be mine.”
Here a question arises why after so many years Sneha, who is doing research on children’s education following her completion of graduation, decided to come back to Odisha in search of her mother.
Sneha’s voice trembles with emotion as she attempts to put into words the overwhelming desire that brought her back to Odisha. “It’s a feeling that’s difficult to articulate. A deep-seated longing to know the parents who gave me life, to understand the circumstances that led them to ditch me and my brother… it’s a yearning that has haunted me for years. And now, I’ve finally mustered the courage to embark on this journey, to uncover the truth about my past and, perhaps, find the closure I’ve been searching for.”
When asked, are you happy leading a quality life in Spain, Sneha’s face lights up with gratitude as she reflects on her life in Spain. She said, “Gema has given us everything we could ever want. She and my adoptive father have never made us feel like we’re not their own. They’ve provided us with the best education, the freedom to make our own choices, and a life of luxury. But more than that, they’ve given us unconditional love and a sense of belonging.”
