Lighting up the world of underprivileged

Empathy goes beyond sympathy. Not everyone can feel what others go through and lend a helping hand. With so many deprived and disabled children around the world, a little effort to make their lives better can be a big contribution. 

There are currently an infinite number of non-profitable and non-governmental organisations in and around Kolkata which are involved in helping out underprivileged children by providing them with the basic necessities for survival.

‘Bandhab Sealdah’ is one such philanthropic organisation which aims to improve and relieve the plight of children living in poverty. The organisation, which was formed in 2014, is run by the diesel Running Staff (Train drivers) of Eastern Railway, Sealdah Division. 

In a disproportionate period of time, ‘Bandhab Sealdah’ has been able to light up the world of many. In an attempt to make life easier for needy children, they provide orthopedic appliances to the needy students of Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy. They also bear the entire cost of education of 50 orphans at Kamakhya Balak Ashram, an orphanage located near Barasat and sponsor physiotherapy based aids and appliances to the ones suffering from Multi-Sensory disabilities through the Institute of Visually Handicapped. 

Besides these, it also runs a scholarship scheme with a total budget of Rs 3,60,000 for the meritorious students of rural Bengal and organises informative seminars, debates and lectures. “We have been working to help the students who are financially challenged and propagate education even further,” said Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, one of the founder member of the organisation. 

“During 2015-16, we donated Rs 60,000 to Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy and Rs 78,000 to the orphans,” he added. Amid the festive mood, ‘Bandhab Sealdah’ organised a programme on October 4, where new garments were distributed among forty needy students of a free coaching centre located at Swami Vivekananda Ancestral House. 

The event was organised at the Sealdah Railway Officers’ Club in coordination with the members like Udoy Bhattacharjee, Mansur Ali Khan, and Uttam Das among several others.

Secretary of Swami Vivekananda Ancestral House Swami Purnatmananda Ji Maharaj was called upon to grace the event with his presence, where he urged the fellow audience to come forward for the cause of the unprivileged section of the society.