“Every child deserves a loving home, and every family is made richer through adoption.”

Catalysts for Social Action is celebrating National Adoption Month. Santosh and Shobha Sahu welcomed 20-month-old Dhimahi in their lives. They say, “Adoption is a journey of love, resilience, and the beautiful art of building a family beyond conventional norms. Spread the message: Every child deserves a loving home, and every family is made richer through adoption.”

Santosh, a digital marketer, had decided to adopt a baby even before exchanging his vows. Santosh, a spiritual person and believes parenthood knows no boundaries. If you want to be a father, you can be that to anyone, even your own father,” he says.

His wife Shobha, a makeup artist, soon came onboard and was looking forward to adopting a baby. Their parents however were apprehensive about the decision but agreed and waited to meet their grandchild. So, Santosh went to St Catherine’s Home in Andheri West, where he was told to apply online. After a three-and-a-half-year wait, their lives changed forever when they welcomed Dhimahi into their hearts.

At 20 months old, Dhimahi had weak legs. Santosh says, “Medical tests revealed the need for daily care, the doctor told us, it’s all about TLC – tender loving care. And within three months her health improved and blossomed and she now is a healthy child,” he said with a sigh of relief.

Dhimahi is now the apple of everyone’s eye and is loved and pampered by the whole family. The couple has been married for 12 years and live in Navi Mumbai with Dhimahi’s grandparents, uncle and aunt and other relatives living in the same vicinity. “Dhimahi binds our entire family together and strengthens ties. Everybody loves her. She has brought a lot of happiness and good fortune to us,” says Santosh, 42. 

In Santosh’s own words, “Whenever somebody comes into your life, we must have an inclusive approach. Dhimahi has adopted my family. Adoption is a journey of love, resilience, and the beautiful art of building a family beyond conventional norms. Spread the message: Every child deserves a loving home, and every family is made richer through adoption.”