Indian by birth, German by soul

He comes back to orphanage for his marriage reception

The inmates of Shishu Mandir, an orphanage and community school at KR Puram, had two special reasons to rejoice on Sunday. 

Firstly, because they now have another building of their own and secondly, they were taking part in a marriage reception they had hosted in honour of one of their adopted fellow inmates, Dr Davy Schneider, married to Mandy Schneider.

The couple, dressed in traditional Indian attire, enjoyed the song and dance celebrations presented by the little ones. Adopted by German parents 32 years ago, Dr Davy was six-months old when he flew to Cologne in Germany in 1982.

His 16-year-old Indian mother had decided to give him for adoption, instead of disowning him. At Cologne, he was welcomed in his new family with great love and affection. He was accepted and loved by one and all and was never treated differently.

“I might have been an Indian by birth, but I am a German by soul. The country and my family has showered me genuine love and infinite affection and has also respected and given me the liberty to pursue my interests to choose my profession as a doctor,” he said.

Felt at home

“In spite of being brought up in Germany, I was curious to know about my roots. I visited India for the first time in 2009 and was overwhelmed to see my little friends from the Shishu Mandir who had arrived at the airport to receive me. I was touched by their warmth and felt at home,” he said.

Dr Davy has been visiting Bengaluru ever since and has been closely associated with the activities of Shishu Mandir. He raised funds with the help of his friends and colleagues to construct another building for the Shishu Mandir which was also inaugurated on Sunday.

Thanks to Davy’s friend, who donated generously, the inmates now have a permanent shelter. “I am planning to visit Shishu Mandir at least twice a year to create opportunities for the underprivileged children,” he said.

Anand C, director of Shishu Mandir, said: “Several children from our institute have been adopted and are living abroad. They keep visiting Shishu Mandir. In spite of his German upbringing, Davy pines for his motherland. His roots have drawn him towards India and has inspired him to connect with his little brothers and sisters here, he added.