Chandigarh: Eight years after city’s first inter-country adoption, teen girl returns to her roots

In a heartwarming homecoming, the first child ever placed in inter-country adoption from the city returned to her roots this week, revisiting the place she once called home and reconnecting with her caregivers and childhood friends.

Adopted by a French family in 2017 at the age of six, young Rakhi’s visit was an emotional one. Welcoming her with warmth and affection, Anuradha S Chagti, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, UT Administration, said, “We are incredibly proud of her and all that she has accomplished. We wish her continued happiness and success in all her future endeavours.”

Rakhi’s return is not just a personal journey but also a significant chapter in Chandigarh’s broader adoption story. Since 2016, a total of 86 children have found loving homes through adoptions facilitated by the Chandigarh Child Welfare Committee and associated agencies. Of these, 10 children were adopted internationally — with Rakhi being the first.

Bisman Ahuja, Project Manager, said, “Every adoption is not just a legal process but an emotional journey — for the child, the family, and the community. Rakhi’’s successful adoption opened avenues for the nine other children who have since been adopted internationally. We are currently processing documents for the eleventh inter-country adoption this month. It’s important to note that adoption includes not just orphaned children but also step-parent and relative adoptions, all regulated through CARA — the Central Adoption Resource Authority.”

Palika Arora, PCS, Director, Social Welfare, also reflected on the significance of Rakhi’s visit, saying, “This visit is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of adoption. It shows how love and care can build bridges across continents. We are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that every child finds a safe, nurturing, and permanent family.”

Bisman also shared that Rakhi, now fluent in French, remembers little of her mother tongue, Hindi. Her brief visit to India nonetheless saw her recognise familiar hallways, childhood friends, and a few of her former caregivers at Aashiana (Children’s Home) in Sector 15.