Italian life beckons six-year-old Vadodara orphan

VADODARA: “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, to give you hope and a future, declares the Lord” — reads Jeremiah 29:11. This couldn’t have been more truer but for a six-year-old orphan, Krupali, who till now had the sishu gruh in Vadodara as her home.
The girl child began a new chapter in her life in the New Year when she was adopted by an Italian couple.Krupali, who authorities said, is a slow learner was shown photographs of her new home in Italy, where all the family members including grandparents were eagerly waiting to welcome the newest member.
Coordinated by the Central Adoption Resources Authority (CARA), the couple flew down to the city on Saturday to finish the adoption formalities. CARA is an autonomous and statutory body of the Union ministry of women and child development.
Ventura Enrico, a computer science professional and Menghi Catio, a hair stylist, were married for 18 years and were desperate to have a child of their own. Finally, they decided to adopt Krupali, who, they said, will retain her Indian name even after the adoption.
The girl will get a permanent Italian citizenship after her adoptive parents take her to Talamona, a municipality in the Province of Sondrio.
“We cannot thank God enough for giving us a daughter. We will ensure that she gets all the love and attention that she deserves,” gushed a beaming Catio, accompanied by a translator. “We live in a joint family with our parents. Everyone is waiting for Krupali’s arrival,” she added.
“This is nothing less than a New Year gift for the child,” said Vadodara collector Shalini Agrawal, who was present at the sishu gruh to formally hand over the girl to the couple on Saturday.
“Before adoption, suitability of the parents and the child are matched. If a match is found, the process is initiated,” said coordinator of the Specalised Adoption Agency, Jagruti Patel.
Agrawal, who had also celebrated Diwali with the sishu gruh’s inmates, said that it is healthy sign to see many people coming forward to adopt a girl child.