Falgun Binnendijk was born on February 10, 1985, in Nagpur, India. Only three days later, his life took a dramatic turn when his 21-year-old unmarried mother left him at the Matru Sewa Sangh (MSS) shelter — a refuge for women in distress and abandoned infants. While the circumstances surrounding his abandonment remain deeply personal and complex, they became the starting point of a story defined not by loss but by transformation.
At MSS, a compassionate nurse named him “Falgun,” inspired by the Hindu calendar month of his birth. That simple act of naming gave him an identity — a connection to a culture and history he would later rediscover.
Within weeks, adoption procedures were completed, and a Dutch couple welcomed him into their family. He was taken to Mumbai and eventually to the Netherlands, where he grew up in a loving and supportive environment. Adoption was never hidden from him; it was an open part of his upbringing. Yet, even with a fulfilling childhood, questions about his origins quietly lingered in his heart.
Falgun Binnendijk: Growing Up in the Netherlands – Roots in Two Worlds
Falgun Binnendijk’s childhood in the Netherlands was shaped by stability, education and encouragement. Raised in a comfortable and nurturing household, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and empathy early in life. His adoptive parents ensured that his Indian origins were acknowledged rather than erased, allowing him to grow up with an appreciation for both Dutch culture and the country of his birth.
His first visit to India in 2006 at the age of 18 proved transformative. Travelling as a young adult, especially through places where people instinctively spoke to him in Hindi, triggered a powerful realisation: despite growing up in Europe, part of him still belonged to India. That journey planted the seeds of a lifelong search for identity and understanding.
The Call of Identity: A Search for Biological Roots
For Falgun Binnendijk, adoption was never a secret — but the identity of his biological mother remained an unanswered question. Over time, this quiet curiosity grew into a meaningful mission: not to confront the past with resentment, but to offer reassurance and closure.
Inspired deeply by the Mahabharata story of Karna and Kunti, he developed a profound perspective on abandonment and reunion. The narrative of Karna — abandoned due to societal pressures — resonated deeply with his own life. Falgun expressed his belief with a poignant message: every child deserves the chance to know where they came from.
His first serious search began in 2017 when he returned to Nagpur. MSS staff located limited archival records, including his birth date and his biological mother’s name. However, incomplete addresses and the passage of decades made it difficult to trace her.
Despite the setbacks, the search remained close to his heart. Encouraged by his wife and driven by a sense of emotional completeness, he continued his quest.
Falgun Binnendijk: Emotional Milestones – Reconnecting With the Past
In August 2024, Falgun Binnendijk revisited Nagpur, this time seeking official assistance. Municipal and district authorities helped access historical records, but once again the trail faded into uncertainty.
His determination did not waver. In December 2025, he returned once more — and this visit brought a deeply emotional breakthrough. Officials traced a retired nurse who had worked at MSS during the time of his abandonment. When he met her, he realised she was the very nurse who had named him “Falgun.”
The reunion was profoundly moving. The nurse remembered the circumstances, the infant, and the moment she chose his name. For Falgun, meeting the person who gave him his identity was a powerful step in reconnecting with his origins.
While he has yet to find his biological mother, he continues the search with compassion rather than judgment. His goal is simple: to tell her that he has lived a fulfilling life filled with love, family and purpose.
Family Life: Building a Legacy Rooted in Love
Beyond his public persona, Falgun Binnendijk is a devoted husband and father of four children. His personal life reflects gratitude and emotional depth, especially in how he honours his origins. In a deeply symbolic gesture, he named one of his daughters after his biological mother — a tribute that bridges his past and present.
This balance between family and public service has shaped his leadership style, emphasising empathy, community and human connection.
Education and Early Political Journey
After studying Public Administration, Falgun Binnendijk embarked on a career focused on governance and community engagement. His early political involvement began as a council member in Alkmaar, where he learned the intricacies of local administration and citizen representation.
He also worked with the Wethoudersvereniging (Association of Aldermen), gaining deep insights into municipal leadership and collaborative governance. These experiences laid a strong foundation for his reputation as a thoughtful and practical public servant.
Bridge-Builder in Castricum: A Reputation for Collaboration
Falgun Binnendijk later served as an Alderman in the municipality of Castricum. During this time, he earned recognition as a pragmatic bridge-builder capable of uniting diverse political viewpoints. His leadership style focused on dialogue rather than division, and on finding solutions that benefited communities rather than parties.
Colleagues and citizens alike noted his ability to connect with people from varied backgrounds — a skill shaped by his own multicultural life story.
Mayor of Heemstede: Leadership with Purpose
On April 16, 2024, Falgun Binnendijk was officially sworn in as the Mayor of Heemstede, succeeding Astrid Nienhuis. As a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), his leadership philosophy reflects service, inclusivity and social responsibility.
In his role, he holds several significant responsibilities:
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Chair of the Municipal Council
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Chair of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen
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Chair of the Presidium and Agenda Committee
Through these positions, he guides the strategic direction and governance of Heemstede while fostering transparency and collaboration.
Falgun Binnendijk: Key Initiatives and Community Impact (2025–2026)
As Mayor, Falgun Binnendijk has emphasised social cohesion, youth empowerment and historical awareness.
Youth Engagement
In December 2025, he introduced the “Jeugdlintje” (Youth Ribbon) — an award recognising young residents who contribute positively to society through volunteerism and civic responsibility.
Advocacy for Vulnerable Communities
He has consistently supported refugees and survivors of violence, participating in initiatives such as UN Women’s “Orange the World” campaign to promote safety and equality.
Preserving Historical Memory
Under his leadership, Heemstede has strengthened efforts to honour Holocaust victims through memorial projects such as Struikelstenen (Stumbling Stones), ensuring that the lessons of history remain alive within the community.