A Long Way Home

Despite the language barrier, Saroo instantly feels comfortable with Sue and John in Australia. He is struck by the emptiness and cleanliness of Hobart, and by the absence of people who look like him. Saroo enjoys having his own room, access to books and toys, and eating his fill at every meal. He even adapts to the Australian diet and eats beef, a holy animal for Hindus. Sue teaches Saroo how to swim, while John takes him out on his catamaran, nurturing his interest in nature and the outdoors. The children in Saroo’s kindergarten class are curious about him, but their questions stop after Sue attends parent-student day and explains his adoption. Saroo has no memories of experiencing racism at school, but Sue later tells him he was simply too young to understand it.

Sue and John strive to help Saroo adjust to Australia, while also keeping him connected to his Indian roots. They take him to the Indian Cultural Society, an organization that hosts dinners and dances for Hobart’s thriving Indian community. The family is also active in the Australian Society for Intercountry Aid (Children), known as ASIAC, which facilitates overseas adoptions and allows fellow adoptees to meet and socialize.