Thiruvananthapuram, 08 July (H.S.):

A seven-year-old girl from Kerala has embarked on a new chapter in her life after being adopted by an Italian couple, bringing an emotional end to her years at the State Child Welfare Committee home at Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram.

The farewell was marked by touching scenes as the caregivers who had nurtured the child since her early years struggled to hold back tears. Hugging her tightly, they offered heartfelt words of encouragement: “Wherever you are, never forget us. Study well and have a happy life.” The emotional goodbye reflected the deep bond the child had shared with those who had become her family during her stay at the home.

The girl had been brought before the Child Welfare Committee after losing both her parents. With no relatives willing or able to care for her, the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare assumed responsibility for her upbringing, providing her with shelter, education and a secure environment.

Although she was eligible for adoption, the presence of surviving relatives initially created legal hurdles. The Child Welfare Committee stepped in and pursued the necessary legal process to resolve the issues, paving the way for the adoption.

The adoption was formally approved in November last year. The child has now been adopted by Jacopo Russo and Sara Giorgi, a couple from the historic Italian city of Lucca.

The official handover took place in the presence of Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari. As a touching memento, officials presented the couple with a photo album chronicling the girl's journey from infancy through her years at the child welfare home, ensuring that memories of her childhood in Kerala would remain with her.

After completing the adoption formalities in Thiruvananthapuram, the family travelled to Bengaluru and is expected to leave to Italy from there, where the young girl will begin a new life with her adoptive parents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman