Saroo Brierley

A successful businessman from Tasmania, Australia, Saroo Brierley, who was born in India, was adopted from a Calcutta orphanage when only five years of age. His story of hope and determination made for a bestselling autobiography that was later made into an award-winning film. His bestseller, “A Long Way Home” describes his life: Born into an Indian family from a town called Khandwa, he lost all contact with his family in 1985. Saroo Brierley was waiting at a train station for his brother who never returned.

After falling asleep on an empty train, Saroo consequently landed up on the streets of Calcutta before being placed in a local orphanage. This is where an Australian family adopted him. His childhood with his adoptive parents was a happy one spent in Hobart, Tasmania. Fast-forward 25 years and technology, by way of Google Earth, has finally enabled Saroo Brierley to find his hometown. This allowed him to travel to India and, after a 25-year separation, reunite with his mother.

His awe-inspiring story was encapsulated in a biographical film “Lion”. The film received six Oscar nominations and five nominations at the 70th British Academy Film Awards. As a speaker, Saroo Brierley regularly addresses prestigious international institutions and organisations. His talks and keynotes about his awe-inspiring life story have moved audiences across the globe.