In a heartfelt journey that reached across different countries, 41-year-old Patricia Eriksson, a Swedish woman, braved the sweltering heat of Nagpur’s streets in search of her biological mother, who relinquished her for adoption four decades ago. Born to a 23-year-old unwed mother at Daga Hospital in February 1983, Patricia was taken in by a Swedish couple from a local orphanage just a year later.
Her quest led her to anganwadis, schools, police stations, and the old neighborhoods of Shantinagar. She even ventured into the red-light district, inquiring about a woman named Shanta. “I just want to meet her once, hug her, and shower her with kisses before leaving this planet,” Patricia expressed emotionally, emphasizing her lack of judgment toward her biological mother.
A mother of three sons herself, Patricia expressed deep gratitude toward her Swedish parents, acknowledging their role in her upbringing. However, she hoped they possessed authentic information or a photograph of her mother. Patricia’s yearning to meet her biological mother traces back to her childhood, where she would often search for her among dark-skinned women in her city and later scrutinized her adoption documents as an adult.
Hailing from Umea, Sweden’s cultural capital, this marked Patricia’s second visit to Nagpur. Despite returning to her hotel empty-handed on Monday, Patricia remained resolute in her mission, unwilling to abandon her heartfelt pursuit.
Supported by Anjali Pawar, Patricia’s emotional journey resonates with determination and hope as she navigates the complexities of her past in her quest for familial connection. Despite the challenges encountered at hospitals and in her search efforts, Patricia remains steadfast in her pursuit, driven by a profound longing to reunite with her roots.