In the serene ambiance of the Vaijanath temple in Parli, Maharashtra, a heart-touching story unfolds. On June 8, 2002, a baby, discovered during the temple’s morning cleaning rituals, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that spans continents and cultures.
The infant, named Neha, was found nestled in a basket by a woman engaged in the temple’s cleaning rituals. Vinayak Khiste, alerted to the discovery, played a crucial role in shaping Neha’s destiny. Despite her vulnerable circumstances, Khiste remembers Neha as a healthy and content baby. His words of comfort, spoken to soothe her cries, lingered as a sentiment that would echo through Neha’s life.
Decades later, Neha returns to the temple, grappling with feelings of abandonment and searching for the truth about her biological parents. Assisted by Anjali Pawar, a dedicated lawyer committed to uncovering Neha’s origins, their exhaustive pursuit includes the filing of an FIR to formally begin the search.
Neha initially found refuge in the Navrange Balakashram of Pandharpur before being transferred to the Preet Mandir institution in Pune, where her path intersected with that of her adoptive family in 2003. Medical documentation supporting Vinayak Khiste’s assertion about her age provides tangible evidence amid the mysteries surrounding Neha’s infancy.
Anjali Pawar’s unwavering dedication since 2020 highlights the significance of Neha’s quest. For adoptees like Neha, the journey to reclaim their heritage is intensely personal, driven by a curiosity to understand their cultural identity and ancestral lineage.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pawar’s presence in Neha’s homeland marks a pivotal moment in their shared pursuit of truth and belonging.
