By Mousumi Oliver, intercountry adoptee from India
Hi, my name is Mousumi, and I was born on the 17th of September, 1995, in Kolkata, India.
When I was just six years old, my world turned upside down. My mother passed away, leaving me with my baby sister, who was less than a year old. Suddenly, I was not only a child but also a caregiver. With no family to turn to, the streets became our home.
I had nothing—no shoes, no belongings—just the dress I was wearing and the heavy responsibility of keeping my sister alive. To survive, I stole food that people had left in temples for the gods. I washed dishes, cleaned shoes, and did whatever small tasks I could while carrying my baby sister on my back. At night, we slept on the bare streets under a thin sheet. I remember curling up at the edge of the road, rain pouring down on me, while I shielded my sister to keep her dry.
This was my life for about two long years. Every single day was a fight to survive, and as a child, the weight of that struggle was almost unbearable. But one day, everything changed. Someone found us and brought us to an orphanage called Nava Jiboon (“New Life”). For the first time in years, I felt a sense of safety. My sister and I stayed there for a few years, until, at around age nine, we were adopted by a couple from Tasmania, Australia. My sister was four. In 2006, we flew across the world to start a new chapter.
At first, I thought this was the happy ending I had been waiting for. But things didn’t turn out the way they should have. By the time I was 11, I was experiencing abuse at the hands of my adoptive father. Both of my adoptive parents mistreated me, and by the age of 16, I was kicked out of the house. Once again, I found myself back on the streets—alone, afraid, and separated from my sister. I didn’t see her for many years, and that loss cut deep.
I often wonder why life has been so difficult for me, and yet, somehow, I am still here. Today, I am a single mother of three beautiful girls who give me the strength to keep going, even when things feel impossible. Life as a single mum with no family support is very hard, but every day I find the courage to push forward—for them.
One day, I hope to write a book about my journey. There is so much more to say—so many details, events, and memories that I cannot possibly capture in just one story. Writing a book will not only allow me to share every part of my journey, but it will also be a way to heal, to leave something behind for my daughters, and to give hope to others who are struggling.
If I can survive the streets of Kolkata, endure loss, separation, and abuse, and still stand here today raising three daughters with love—then so can you.
My story is not easy to tell, but it is mine. And I believe that sharing it can help others see that no matter how dark life may feel, there is always a way forward.
Mousumi is currently studying a Cert III in teacher’s aide. She’s a single mum of three beautiful girls whom she loves and adores, and she lives in Melbourne. Her dream is to write her life story and publish a book one day.
If Mousumi’s story resonates with you, you’re not alone. VANISH provides specialist support for all adoptees in Victoria, including intercountry adoptees. Whether you’re seeking counselling, peer support, or guidance in searching for your origins, contact us to see how we can help you or connect you with other specialist services.