From Orphaned to Loved

The Heartwarming Journey of Kush and Lav to a New Family in Italy

In a remarkable story of hope, resilience and the transformative power of love, two orphaned siblings, 6 year old Kush and 12 year old, Lav (names changed), have found their forever family in Italy, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Snehankur adoption center. Their journey from hardship to happiness will inspire many and highlights the critical need for family reunification and adoption initiatives worldwide.

A Childhood Marked by Struggles & Loss

Kush and Lav hail from a remote village in the district of Ahiliyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar). Their estranged father abandoned the family when the mother was diagnosed with a chronic, contagious disease. Despite hardship, the children selflessly cared for their mother for the last four years of her life, providing her with love and support until her passing in 2022.

Following their mother's death, the children were reunited with their father but faced neglect and abuse from their stepmother, compounded by their father's substance abuse. Unable to endure the hostile environment, Kush and Lav ran away from home. Their disappearance sparked an extensive two-month search conducted by our Snehankur team, involving police assistance and efforts across districts like Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune and Jalgaon. The children were eventually traced to a religious asylum.

Restoration & Legal Procedures

Understanding the deep trauma and the complex circumstances surrounding Kush and Lav, we worked tirelessly to assess the situation, ensure the children's safety and explore options for their wellbeing. After careful deliberation, the children’s biological father, recognizing the importance of providing a stable environment, voluntarily relinquished his parental rights before the Child Welfare Committee at Ahilyanagar in November 2022.

This legal process paved the way for Kush and Lav’s new beginning. The center’s loving and secure environment gave the siblings a renewed sense of trust and belonging, nurturing their emotional recovery.

A Bright Future in Italy

Today, Kush and Lav are no longer just children of hardship—they are children of hope. Lav excelled academically at Snehankur's English Medium School, where he is known as a bright, talented student. Kush, known for his playful and cheerful nature, was the most lively child in the pre-primary class at the center.

On 16 September, an adoption ceremony was held, following Indian traditions, to formalize their adoption. The event, attended by distinguished guests, including members of the government child protection offices, adoption advocates and social workers committed to the cause of child welfare and other notable dignitaries, saw the children embraced by their new parents - both doctors of Indian heritage.

A Call for Compassion & Action

The ongoing conflicts, wars, and social issues worldwide have displaced millions of children, leaving them orphaned and vulnerable. The global surge in child trafficking, poverty and displacement has created an urgent need for family preservation and adoption programs.

Speaking at the adoption ceremony, Simran Batra, a prominent social worker and advocate, emphasized that organizations like Snehalaya are pioneering efforts in child rehabilitation and family reunification. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) actively regulates and supports these initiatives, ensuring that children like Kush and Lav find safe, loving homes.

A New Beginning in Italy

With their adoption finalized, Kush and Lav had time to spend with their new Italian parents and overwhelmed with joy they immediately found comfort in their new family's arms. Their journey from loss to love culminates in a hopeful future filled with promise and care.

After completing the formalities of the adoption process, Kush and Lav departed to Italy the next day to begin their new life with their loving family. Their story underscores the vital importance of child adoption and the unwavering dedication of organizations like ours that work tirelessly to restore hope to vulnerable children.

The story of Kush and Lav is a testament to the resilience of children and the profound impact that compassionate individuals and organizations can have. Their journey from despair to hope exemplifies the timeless truth that every child deserves love, care and a family.

Let their story inspire us all to contribute towards creating a world where no child is left behind—where every orphaned soul finds a family to nurture and cherish.

For countless orphaned children, a family and a home are a fundamental necessity and we are committed to truly guiding the way.