In 2010, Sneha and her younger brother, Somu, were adopted by Gema Vidal and Juan Jose Enrique from an orphanage in Bhubaneswar. The siblings had been placed there after being abandoned by their mother in 2005. At the time of abandonment, Sneha was just over a year old, and Somu was only a few months old.
Sneha, now a researcher in children's education, expressed her determination to find her biological mother, stating, "The purpose of my journey from Spain to Bhubaneswar is to find my biological parents, especially my mother. I want to find her and meet her. I am fully prepared for the journey even if it is difficult."
Upon arrival in Bhubaneswar, Sneha and Gema sought assistance from local authorities and individuals familiar with the area. They connected with Sneha Sudha Mishra, a retired teacher from Rama Devi Women's University, who helped them gather information about Sneha's biological parents. Through their efforts, they discovered that Banalata Das and her husband, Santosh Das, are likely from the Badamba-Narsinghpur area in Cuttack district. Inspector Anjali Chhotray, assigned to the case, mentioned, "We have engaged police and panchayat functionaries to locate them."
Gema, a yoga teacher, emphasized the limited timeframe of their visit, stating, "We have to return to Spain as Sneha has joined a training programme which should not be discontinued. If we do not get Banalata in the next 24 hours, we will come back to Bhubaneswar in March." She also described Sneha as "very responsible and educated" and "the joy of our house."
The search for Banalata Das continues, with local police and community members actively involved in the efforts. Sneha's journey highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced by adoptees seeking to reconnect with their biological families, especially across international borders.
As the deadline for their return to Spain approaches, Sneha and Gema remain hopeful yet realistic about the possibility of locating Banalata. Their determination underscores the deep-rooted desire for personal identity and connection that transcends time and distance.
The case has garnered attention both locally and internationally, shedding light on the complexities of adoption, identity, and the enduring bond between a mother and child. Regardless of the outcome of this visit, Sneha's commitment to finding her birth mother exemplifies the profound human need to understand one's origins and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve that understanding.