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Dutch Mayor Seeks Birth Mother in India
15 Jan
Summary
- Mayor Falgun Binnendijk, adopted from India, searches for his birth mother.
- He was abandoned at a Nagpur shelter in February 1985.
- A retired nurse identified his birth records and named him.
A baby boy, born to an unwed mother in Nagpur on February 10, 1985, was abandoned at a city shelter within three days of his birth. He was adopted a month later by a Dutch couple visiting Mumbai, leading to a life in the Netherlands. This child, now known as Falgun Binnendijk, grew up to become the mayor of Heemstede, a town in North Holland, in 2024.
Falgun's search for his biological mother began seven years ago, fueled by a deep sense of unfinished business. His most recent visit to Nagpur in December 2025 proved fruitful when officials traced a retired nurse who had been at the shelter when he arrived. This nurse was the same one who had named him Falgun, a deeply moving encounter for him.
Despite having a fulfilling life with his wife and four children, Falgun feels a profound connection to his past. Inspired by the Mahabharata's character Karna, he believes everyone has a right to know their origins. He plans to return to Nagpur next year, hoping to meet his mother and reassure her that he was raised with love and has a beautiful life.
