Razak and Uttam became “Best Friends Forever” at Asharan Orphanage in New Delhi, India. Razak didn’t know why he was at an orphanage, away from his father. He slowly adjusted to his new life and learned to laugh and play. As they saw their other friends go with adoptive parents, they too wanted families of their own. This past March, both Uttam and Razak’s dreams came true – they were adopted into loving families.

A few days before leaving, they were asked how they would remember their time with the Asharan family, what they liked and what made them sad. Razak said, “We had lots of fun here. We weren’t sad. There is no limit to how much we laughed together.”

Gentle spirit from a harsh life
Uttam was brought to Asharan with multiple scars on his body. But, his smile never gave us a hint about the pain he must have suffered to acquire such wounds.

Uttam will be remembered as one of Asharan’s most caring children. For example, the older kids had an outing to a winter carnival. Nitin, a child with cerebral palsy, stayed back at the orphanage with the younger children. At the carnival, the staff noticed Uttam buying toys and food items two each. When asked why he said, “One is for me and the other is for Nitin.” Before leaving for his new home, he also made sure to spend extra time with this friend who cannot walk.

Although Razak and Uttam will always be best friends, the Asharan family and HOPE worldwide share their joy as they begin the next chapter of their lives together with families of their own.

Click here to learn more about the Asharan Orphanage

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