03/24/2025
Hemlata Momaya's remarkable commitment to serving families and orphaned children has earned well-deserved recognition from Supervisor Janice Hahn's office.
“Whereas, Hemlata Momaya’s journey began in India, where she earned a Masters in Social Work and became an Orphanage Director in Mumbai; There, she witnessed the heartbreaking abandonment of children due to societal stigma surrounding poverty, gender, and caste; Her passion for helping orphaned children led her to the United States, where in 1983 she founded Bal Jagat-Children’s World Inc, an adoption agency aimed at giving children a chance to grow up in loving families; and
“Whereas, her dedication, extended, globally, with her agency, facilitating adoptions for children from countries, like India, Romania, Russia, China, and Ethiopia; her work impacted over 10,000 children, ensuring that they were placed with families that offered love and care, regardless of race, religion, or background; In addition to Adoption, she supported  humanitarian efforts, including programs for special needs children, and educational initiatives in orphanages; and
Whereas, her belief in Adoption as “A Gift of Life,” was evident in her approach to every family and child she worked with; She was deeply involved in each adoption process, offering compassion and support; Her work brought immense joy to couples, fulfilling their dreams of parenthood; Her legacy was recognized through various awards, including honors from PBS and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute; and
“Whereas, her impact continues to resonate through the thousands of lives she touched; She passed away on August 17, 2023,  exactly 40 years after founding her agency; Her dedication, compassion, tireless efforts, have left an enduring mark on the world, uniting children with families and creating a legacy of love and hope that transcends borders:
Now, therefore, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, I, Janice Hahn, Supervisor, Fourth District, hereby posthumously commend Hemlata Momaya and Bal Jagat- Children’s World Inc.,  for their tireless efforts of connecting children with loving families in Los Angeles County and around the world.”
