Asha Dijkstra

My name is Asha, being born in Delhi in 1979 but moved to the Netherlands at the age of 5 months. My name means hope and this has been my guide in life. As soon as you get a name, you are a person with an identity, which grows with you each day. My name fills the emptiness I have when it comes to the feelings related to adoption. Now 34 years later, I realize and I still feel I belong to India because of my name.

I grew up in Holland, with my mum and dad. My father passed away when I was 9 years old. I don’t have any siblings, something which I always regretted. I missed being surrounded by sisters and brothers, especially someone from India, I could relate to.

In 1995 I visited India for the first time with my mum. Palna was also on the list, a very special place for me and very emotional also. I was 15 years old at that time and was overwhelmed by emotions. It was all too much for me: meeting my biological family, visiting the hospital where I was born, seeing & experiencing the poverty, a big contrast to Holland.

However deep down I felt very strongly connected with my birthplace, although I could not go there. I first wanted to finish my master’s studies in History of Education and organize my life by finding a job like a responsible adult. For me it was very important that I’m financially independent and stable. I’m positive and enjoy small things in life. I like to travel with Joost (my boyfriend), spending time with my friends, who are really important for me, attending concerts and playing keyboards and saxophone. Music is very important in my life.  It took 13 years before I visited India again. In 2008 I went back, this time with Joost and we travelled 5 weeks from North to the South. I was very happy and calm being in India, I felt like home. Since then I try to come every year. India is my second home, which gives me a lot of comfort. I hope to discover lots of places, although I don’t feel like a tourist. During my last visit I met some really nice people who become good friends. It feels good to be part of their lives. In this way I explore my Indian side, I feed my genes and learn more about the culture. In some aspects I see it in myself; I love spicy Indian food and I do like cooking it. I don’t like winter in Holland as I hate snow and cold weather, but I have no problems with thirty degrees, in contrast of many Dutch people.

I feel very happy being at Palna, surrounded by the children. Last time, in 2012 I was overwhelmed by emotions seeing all the children who are like family. The connection was strong, and I felt very comfortable being with them. I really feel I have two homes; in Holland with Joost and my best friends and in India with Palna. Although I haven’t lived long in India, deep down I feel a very strong connection that Palna was once my home and still is. When I’m there I feel blessed with the unconditional love and spirituality among the people.

Now days I work as an educational consultant, organizing workshops for teachers doing bachelor of education. I would like to help Palna with their educational program and give them my financial and social support.