Jeet Bahadur, accompanying Modi on Nepal tour, reunites with his family after 16 years

Kathmandu: Jeet Bahadur has finally reunited with his family in Nepal on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave shelter to Bahadur as he was separated from his family 16 years ago. He has been studying in India for years now and and his education is being funded by Modi.

26-year-old Bahadur, who is currently pursuing BBA in Ahmedabad, had come to India in 1998 along with his brother looking for work like many other migrants from Nepal.

Bahadur came in contact with Modi in Ahmedabad over a decade back and was since looked after by him. He travelled with Prime Minister Modi to Kathmandu to be personally handed over to his mother and elder brother.

At the hotel where the Indian delegation is staying, Modi met Bahadur's family members who have moved here from their native place Kawasoti in Nawalparasi district in western Nepal where they live in a slum area.

His family members include his mother Khagisara, elder brother Dasharath, his wife and younger sister Prem Kumari.

After coming to India with his elder brother, Bahadur worked in Rajasthan for a brief period. However, after sometime he decided to return to Nepal as he was unhappy with his job.

While leaving Rajasthan, he mistakenly boarded an Ahmedabad-bound train instead of one going to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, which borders Nepal.

On arriving in Ahmedabad, a woman took him to the house of Modi who had till then not become the chief minister. Since then, Bahadur had been in Modi's care.

However, after Modi became the Prime Minister and moved to Delhi, Bahadur shifted to the university hostel.

Indian Embassy officials in Kathmandu earlier visited Bahadur's family in Kawasoti and informed them about Modi's visit and his desire to meet them.

Modi also tweeted reasons behind his Nepal visit being very special. He said, "On a personal note my Nepal visit is very special. Years ago I met a child from Nepal, Jeet Bahadur who did not know where he was headed. I started showing my concern for Jeet Bahadur. Gradually, he took interest in academics, sports & even learnt Gujarati!"

Bahadur's parents were traced and he will be re-united with his family. "Thankfully, we were able to locate his parents. I am glad that tomorrow the parents would be reunited with their son," Modi added.