In a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope, Kalpana and Sunita Sabar, aged 6 and 4, are embarking on a new chapter in their lives as they journey from the tribal-dominated Gajapati district in Odisha to Spain, where they will be welcomed by their adoptive parents. This incredible story unfolds against the backdrop of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic that orphaned these two young sisters some two years ago.
The district administration in Gajapati, in a commendable effort, rescued the girls from the R. Udayagiri area after they tragically lost their parents to the relentless grip of the pandemic. Now, with a twist of fate, the girls have found a loving home with a Spanish couple.
To facilitate this transformative journey, the young sisters have been flown to New Delhi, accompanied by their adoptive parents, to complete the necessary visa formalities before embarking on their flight to Spain.
Their adoptive parents, Maxmio Buil Marcial, a farmer, and Maria Yolanda Gave Ganarul, who works in a supermarket, had been actively seeking to adopt children for a while. “We wanted to adopt the girls from here because we like India’s culture and tradition,” Maria expressed, shedding light on the deep cultural connection that drew them to the sisters.
The couple’s journey to parenthood took root when they applied to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARC) to adopt a girl child from India three years ago. Their decision to adopt not one, but two girls, was made three months ago, reflecting their genuine commitment to providing a loving family to children in need.
In line with CARC’s guidelines, the Gajapati District Collector, Smurti Ranjan Pradhan, officiated in a brief but profoundly meaningful ceremony, handing over the sisters to their eagerly awaiting Spanish parents. The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of Dillip Kumar, a representative of Italy AFAA (Authorized Foreign Adoption Agency), additional district magistrate Rajendra Kumar Minz, and district child protection officer (DCPO) Arun Kumar Tripathy.
The DCPO revealed that, over the last five years, as many as 46 orphans from Gajapati district have found loving homes both within the country and abroad, underscoring the heartening impact of adoption in providing vulnerable children with the love, care, and security they deserve.
Kalpana and Sunita’s journey from adversity to a new life with their adoptive parents in Spain is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love and compassion. Their story reminds us that amidst life’s trials, there is always hope and the potential for brighter tomorrows.
Prasanta Patnaik