saroo brierley
Introduction to Saroo Brierley
Saroo Brierley is an Australian businessman, author, and philanthropist who became internationally famous after his life story was turned into the hit movie Lion (2016), based on his memoir A Long Way Home. His story of survival, determination, and the incredible use of technology to reunite with his family after being separated for 25 years captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
Born in India in 1981, Saroo’s life took an extraordinary turn when, at the age of five, he became lost in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), unable to communicate or navigate his way back to his family. Saroo’s incredible journey back to his roots, and the emotional reunion that followed, turned him into a symbol of resilience and hope.
This article explores Saroo Brierley’s early life, his incredible journey, his book, the movie Lion, and his continued work to give back to the community.
Saroo Brierley’s Early Life
Saroo Brierley was born in Ganesh Talai, a small village in Madhya Pradesh, India. He lived in a poor family with his mother, Kamla, and his siblings. Saroo’s early life was shaped by the hardships of poverty, but despite these challenges, he had a strong bond with his family, especially with his mother, who worked hard to support her children.
In 1986, when Saroo was only five years old, his life was tragically altered in an instant. Saroo, who had gone with his older brother to the nearby town of Kolkata, ended up separated from him after a brief nap in a train station. Mistakenly boarding a train that took him hundreds of miles away to the city of Kolkata, Saroo found himself in a completely unfamiliar and terrifying situation.
Unable to speak the local Bengali language and without any way to contact his family, Saroo was left to survive on the streets of Kolkata. After weeks of homelessness, Saroo was eventually sent to an orphanage and later adopted by an Australian couple, John and Sue Brierley.
Saroo Brierley’s Adoption and Life in Australia
Saroo’s life took another turn when he was adopted by an Australian couple, who lived in Tasmania. His adoptive parents, John and Sue Brierley, provided him with a loving home and the opportunities to grow and flourish in a new environment.
Although he was grateful for his new life, Saroo often struggled with the emotional scars of being separated from his birth family. The trauma of losing his family, combined with the feeling of being disconnected from his roots, lingered with him throughout his childhood and into his adulthood.
In Australia, Saroo grew up in a comfortable, stable environment, but his thoughts remained with his biological family. As he grew older, he became determined to reconnect with his roots. However, due to the lack of any concrete information about his family’s location, his search for answers seemed almost impossible.
The Search for His Biological Family
After years of uncertainty and with only vague memories of his childhood, Saroo began a quest to find his family in India. The pivotal moment came when Saroo, then in his 20s, remembered some critical details about his journey to Kolkata as a young child. This included his memory of traveling on a train, and a particular train station, which would become key to his search.
The breakthrough in his search came when he learned about Google Earth, a technology that would allow him to virtually navigate the terrain of India and retrace his steps. Saroo used this powerful tool to try to pinpoint the locations where he had traveled, based on his memories of landmarks, train routes, and cityscapes. His search was painstaking and methodical, but he was eventually able to locate his birth town, Khandwa, after several years of effort.
With the help of Google Earth, Saroo zeroed in on the exact location of the small town in Madhya Pradesh where he had grown up. Once he had identified the area, he reached out to people in India, and after several months of communication, he was finally able to confirm the location of his birth family.
Saroo Brierley’s Reunion with His Family
In 2012, after more than two decades of searching, Saroo was finally able to reunite with his biological mother and siblings in India. The emotional reunion was documented in the memoir A Long Way Home and later portrayed in the movie Lion.
When Saroo returned to Khandwa, his birth mother, Kamla, who had never stopped searching for him, recognized him immediately. The reunion was emotional, with tears and joy, as Saroo met his family again after 25 long years. His mother had always believed her son had perished, but the discovery that he was alive brought an overwhelming sense of relief and joy.
The reunion also allowed Saroo to better understand the circumstances that led to his separation. His birth family had faced incredible hardships, and the separation had caused them years of anguish. For Saroo, the reunion not only fulfilled his long-sought desire for closure, but it also provided healing for both him and his birth family.
The Movie Lion and Its Impact
In 2016, Saroo’s inspiring journey was adapted into the film Lion, starring Dev Patel as Saroo, Nicole Kidman as his adoptive mother, and Rooney Mara as his girlfriend, Lucy. The film, directed by Garth Davis, received widespread acclaim and earned several award nominations, including six Academy Award nominations, with Nicole Kidman receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The film’s portrayal of Saroo’s emotional and physically demanding search for his family was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. It brought Saroo’s story to an even wider audience and further cemented his status as a global symbol of hope, perseverance, and the power of technology. The movie also brought awareness to the plight of displaced children and the power of digital tools in solving complex problems.
Saroo Brierley became an advocate for children’s rights, adoption awareness, and the power of technology in connecting people. His journey inspired millions and gave a voice to others who have experienced similar separations.
Saroo Brierley’s Memoir: A Long Way Home
In 2012, Saroo published his memoir A Long Way Home, which recounts his journey from being lost in Kolkata as a child to his emotional reunion with his biological family. The memoir became an international bestseller and was praised for its poignant and detailed recounting of Saroo’s life, emotions, and the technology that helped him reconnect with his roots.
In the book, Saroo shares his deep emotional struggles, the complexity of his adoption, and the impact of being a part of two families—one biological and one adoptive. His reflections on identity, belonging, and family have resonated deeply with readers around the world.
The memoir became the foundation for the film Lion, but the book offers even more insight into Saroo’s thoughts and experiences during his search.
Saroo Brierley’s Life Today
Today, Saroo Brierley is not only a businessman but also a passionate philanthropist. He is involved in a variety of charitable projects, including those that focus on helping children who have been separated from their families or have become victims of trafficking.
He continues to advocate for the use of technology in solving global problems, and his personal story has inspired countless individuals to take action in their own lives. Saroo also regularly speaks at events, sharing his message of hope, perseverance, and the potential for technology to bring about change in the world.
Though Saroo’s life has been shaped by the trauma of being separated from his family, his story is one of incredible resilience, courage, and hope. His ability to not only survive but also thrive in the face of adversity has made him an inspirational figure worldwide.
Conclusion
Saroo Brierley’s life story is a powerful reminder of the power of technology, human connection, and perseverance. From being a lost child on the streets of Kolkata to becoming a global symbol of hope and resilience, Saroo’s journey continues to inspire millions. His story, immortalized in his memoir A Long Way Home and the film Lion, shows that no matter the odds, it’s always possible to find your way home.
Today, Saroo uses his platform to support causes close to his heart, particularly focusing on children’s welfare and adoption awareness. His journey remains a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the deep bonds that connect us all.
About the Author
