A new home filled with hope

When she was found at the doorsteps of Mahima Ministries, an orphanage at Ameenpur, her fate was more or less sealed. Apart from various health problems that she suffered from, there was hardly any way of knowing who she was and who left her there.

Mahima Ministries director Maharaja took her in and named her Jassika. After nurturing her for a year, he handed her over to Shishi Gruha in the district headquarters.

For eight months, she lived the life of an orphan. Before she could know what it even means, she got a new lease of life in the form of adoption from a couple from the United Kingdom.

Richard Alan Nankervis and his wife Paula Jayne Nankervis adopted Jessika on Thursday. Initially, she would be under pre-adoption foster care for a temporary period within India pending the court order. Once the court gives its clearance, the adoption process would be completed.

The couple had applied for adoption in July 2016 at Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The child study report of Jassika was prepared in June 2016 followed which the Child Welfare Committee declared her legally free for adoption. Ms. Paula, who was visibly ecstatic holding baby Jassika in her arms, said she was excited beyond words.

Asked if she planned to keep adoption a secret from Jassika when she grows up, she said she would certainly tell her daughter everything and if possible, bring her back to Sangareddy to let her have a glimpse of her native place.

Admitting that it would be a bit difficult to communicate with Jassika, who is two-and-a-half-year old now, Ms. Paula said her maid in Pune, where they are currently residing, would assist her.