BENGALURU:Davy Schneider, a physiotherapist from Cologne, Germany, loves his country, but a piece of his heart belongs to Bengaluru. For, it was from here, at an adoption home called Shishu Mandir in 1982, that he was adopted at the age of six months by his German parents.
Schneider is in town now with his parents and friends to host a wedding reception at Shishu Mandir. And he plans to do it the Indian way, with music and dance.
Shishu Mandir was established by Dr Hella Mundhra. She was married to Dr Ashok Mundhra and the couple used to run a nursing home in Bengaluru. She moved to Germany after the marriage broke, but her time in India moved her enough to set up Shishu Mandir in the city. Today, it is a recognised centre for both national and international adoptions.
Schneider contacted
Hella about 10 years ago to find out more about his roots. He came to India and was received at the airport by a van full of the kids from Shishu Mandir.
It has now become a way of life for Schneider, who now visits the country and the children’s home at least once a year.
C Anand, who is in charge of Shishu Mandir, said, “Davy is doing very well and the people he deals with are celebrities. We have a school where children are educated for free. He has actively mobilised sponsors for these children. He continues to try to arrange financial support for the children at Shishu Mandir.”
Schneider told Express he was happy to be who he is — a man who can combine the best of two cultures; the punctuality of Germans and the happiness of Indians.
“I also have the opportunity to celebrate with Shishu Mandir. Twenty-five people have come with me from Germany to Bengaluru. It is a great opportunity for them to see India and meet the kids at Shishu Mandir.”