Nagpur: A 41-year-old Nepal citizen, Khadka Bahadur Darji, found in Nagpur in a mentally distressed condition, was reunited with his family after nearly a month, following sustained efforts by the Aastha Rehabilitation Shelter operated by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). An intensive cross-border effort helped reunite Darji with his family on Sunday.Darji had come to India in search of employment and reached Nagpur while travelling by train. He was admitted to the Aastha shelter through Dhantoli police on Aug 12.At the shelter, Darji received medical care, counselling and vocational training. However, tracing his family proved difficult because of his unclear speech, language barrier and incomplete information about his home and relatives.Darji’s anxiety increased after reports of a natural calamity in Nepal, with him expressing a strong desire to return home. Aastha shelter coordinator Tushar Hukre also approached the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH), Nagpur, for help.RMH officials mobilised their contacts in the police department after Darji managed to give a faint account of his address in Nepal. Indian police approached their counterparts in the Darwang area of Myagdi, Nepal. Darji interacted with Nepal police through a video call.Nepal cops traced Darji’s home within 24 hours of the video call. Later, Darji interacted with his brother and other relatives through another video call.On Sept 13, Darji’s relatives reached the Aastha Shelter, where the family was reunited. The shelter’s 138 inmates and staff joined in the celebrations and wished him a healthy and happy life ahead.The reunion was organised under the guidance of Sahyadri Foundation and Aastha director Devendra Kshirsagar. Project head Deepak Pasarkar, coordinator Tushar Hukre, Vaibhav Bagde, caregivers Ananta Sadashiv Nagose and Kartik Rohidas Kodwate, Bidkar were among those present.Sahyadri Foundation presented appreciation certificates to RMH officials for their contribution to the reunion.
