Bhubaneswar, Odisha : It is not a reel story but a real one that brought tears at Basundhara Orphan Shelter Home, Cuttack. Sudhanya, once a 10-month-old baby with no parents, returned from the USA after 26 years to begin a new chapter in her life. This was an emotionally overwhelming moment as they witnessed Sudhanya’s reunion after those 26 years.
Sudhanya, once left as an infant on the steps of the same orphanage, came back after 26 long years as a successful nurse in America and the wife of an Indian-origin doctor. Born in 1994 and abandoned at the gates of Basundhara Orphanage as a one-year-old, she spent four years there before an American couple — Jeffrey K. Tan and Holly M.C. Tan adopted her in 1999. That year, Sudhanya flew to America to start a new life with her adoptive parents.
Since then, the Basundhara authorities kept in touch with her and followed her progress. Over the years, Sudhanya grew up and built a career as a nurse in a reputed hospital in America. Her story took another beautiful turn when she married Dr. Harsh, an Indian-origin doctor, in October 2024, beginning a new phase of her life.
Now, Sudhanya has come with her new family to celebrate her first marriage anniversary and share her happiness at Basundhara, where her life began. During this emotional time, the Sudhanya reunion after 26 years was filled with laughter and tears. To mark the day, Basundhara bloomed with flowers and lights, welcoming back one of its most special daughters. The emotional reunion overflowed with laughter, tears, and joy.
“I am overwhelmed with this reunion after a long gap of 26 years. It is beyond words to express my feelings,” said Sudhanya.
“We are happy with our new life and came here to celebrate our first anniversary,” added Dr. Harsh.
Members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), and other dignitaries joined the celebration. They congratulated the couple and praised the Basundhara management for turning abandoned children’s lives into inspiring success stories.
“We cared for her when she was just 10 months old. Our dream came true when the American couple adopted her. I can hardly express my happiness in words. It is a mix of tears and joy,” said Basundhara Secretary Shailashree Behera.
Sudhanya’s journey truly shows how courage and love can rewrite fate. Indeed, her 26-year journey culminated in a touching reunion at Basundhara.
