In the end, Indian children have been lucky because they have landed in Denmark

jv.dk
29 January 2024

Reader's letter: DR is currently uncovering a documentary about ten Indian, adult "Danes" who were adopted to well-intentioned, loving Danish adoptive parents without the knowledge that they were illegally robbed of their own biological parents in India. A corrupt and probably well-paid adoption center in India is behind the crime - certainly without the knowledge of the Danish adoptive parents.

I understand the frustrations of the Indians. They feel robbed of their Indian identity, their maybe-life in India, their association with biological parents and siblings. I just think the story lacks a little nuance and gratitude.

The Danish adoptive parents have given their adopted children a dignified, good, loving upbringing in a safe environment here in Denmark. They have been given the right conditions for a good life. The alternative in India has been extreme poverty without the possibility of either education or the possibility of just a tolerable existence in a huge country with so many poor people. I would think that the adoptees had to live with a red dot on their forehead as either belonging to a low caste or possibly casteless. A life of poverty and perpetual despair.

I understand the Indians' frustration; but I miss a certain form of saying thank you for, despite a forced adoption, that they have landed in happiness-land Denmark compared to India.