Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Dec 14: Nik Gugger, who was born in Udupi, was sworn in as a member of Swiss parliament recently. He is the first Indian origin parliamentarian to enter the Swiss parliament.

Ironically 47 years old Nik does not know any details about Udupi except for the fact that he was born in the city.

On May 1, 1970, a lady delivered a baby boy in Basel Mission hospital of Udupi. Due to unknown reason, she deserted the baby and left the hospital. The baby was adopted by the Swiss couple, Fritz Gugger and Elizabeth Gugger, who used to run an orphanage in Thalassery of Kannur district of Kerala. After four years Guggers went back to the native country of Switzerland.

"I did not inquire much about my birth at Udupi hospital. I and my foster parents have also informed the Basel Mission hospital not to inquire more about this matter. I will not search for my biological mother. No mother will desert her baby without a strong reason. This is destiny. If I meet my biological mother after 47 years, it will be a severe shock to her,” Nik says.

According to Haidi Shiri, a resident of Mission compound Udupi and friend of Nik's parents, Nik had inquired about his birth in Basel Mission hospital some years back. Nik's parents stayed at the home of Haidi when they paid a visit to Udupi six years ago.

Nik is arriving in India on January 7 next year as a guest of the Indian government to take part in programmes related to the 70 years of agreement between India and Switzerland. This programme is organized by the ministry of foreign affairs. However, he will not be able to visit Udupi due to lack of time. Probably in the next summer he is expected to come to Udupi.