FAQ’s

Connecting to the Roots is a research initiative that helps descendants of Girmitya (indentured labourers) reconnect with their ancestral origins in India, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and nearby areas.

We currently assist individuals from Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamica, Belize, St Vincent, St. Lucia, Grenda, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, St Croix, and people migrated from these places to USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Netherland, Europe, and other countries.

We offer three main services.
a)Document verification and location matching.
b)Field research in India (village level investigation)
c)DNA testing support (optional)

You need to provide the copy of immigration pass of your ancestor. We cannot work on verbal information as things have changed since your ancestor left India.

If you do not have immigration pass then try to collect one from your extended family as that is the only reference point for our research on the ground.

Our process typically follows three stages:
a)Document analysis and extraction of key details.
b)Location Matching in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, or nearby states.
c)Field research, including village visits and local enquiries.

Timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the case, but typically
- Initial report about 2-4 weeks
- Extensive report could take about 8-12 weeks which includes field work and personal visit to the village.

Since we are dealing with historic records which are about 110 -190 years old so, there is a possibility that some case would remain inconclusive. However, we put our best endeavour with each and every case.

Yes, each registration applies to one immigration pass only. Separate registrations are required for multiple passes.

Payments will be refundable if the document provided is not readable/ workable.

We are not saying that you cannot contact them directly, but we would appreciate if you allowed Connecting to the Roots to carefully arrange and facilitate the meeting to ensure sensitivity and respect for all parties involved.

No, all findings are confidential and must not be published or shared publicly without prior written consent.

Please contact us for further information. We do not conduct DNA testing ourselves but can refer you to our trusted third-party provider from India who follows its own protocol for legal and ethical requirements.

We follow strict data protection standards, including GDPR compliance, to ensure your data remains secure and confidential.

We will verify the findings- share a detailed report- arrange a formal and respectful introduction (if appropriate).

Yes, we can provide guidance and consultancy if you wish to support your ancestor’s village through social initiatives such as school, healthcare, and community development.