Cross-border clubs join hands for kid cause

Statesman News Service

KOLKATA, June 2. - The Rotary Club of Calcutta Metropolitan and the Rotary Club Of Dacca Metropolitan are in the process of jointly organising a fund raising project, "Anandadhara", in aid of Santiniketan Sishutirtha and Tollygunge Cheshire Home. Both the centres are committed to working for the welfare of underprivileged children. A bouquet of twelve Tagore songs would be rendered as part of the project. Orphans and physically and mentally challenged children from either side of the Indo-Bangla border would sing these songs.

Eminent personalities, including Manna Dey, Dr. Bal Murali Krishna, Suchitra Mitra, Bhupen Hazarika and Yesudas from India and Kalam Sharafi, Sanjida Khatun and Iffat Ara Dewan from Bangladesh would lend their voices to the musical project. Funds collected through Anandadhara would be forwaded to the Santiniketan Sishutirtha and Tollygunge Cheshire Home in India and to the High Care Home in Bangladesh for development of their infrastructure.

"Anandadhara" is also a part of the Rotary Club of Calcutta Metropolitan's centennial celebrations. The proposed album is scheduled for launch in the first week of August 2004 in Kolkata.

Mr Indrajit Sen, Convenor of Anandadhara, claims that the Indo-Bangladesh tie-up over such a project, where musicians from both countries would endorse a social cause, is the first of its kind in Kolkata. In the process, Tagore's works would receive a much needed promotional boost, he said. Manna Dey, at a Press meet held to announce the project, said that the initiative would also improve cultural relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The idea of Santiniketan Sishutirtha was conceived in 1989, with a pledge to provide shelter to orphans from Birbhum and nearby areas. Supriyo Thakur, former principal of Patha Bhaban launched the project in December 1999 with only five children. Today the number of children has grown, and thereby, the needs of the organisation have also increased.

The Tollygunge Cheshire Home was founded in 1948 by Group Captain Cheshire with an objective of training physically and mentally disabled children and rehabilitate them in society. Cheshire Homes were opened in Mumbai and Srirampur in 1954 and 1956, respectively. Now, there are 24 homes all over India.

The Tollygunge Cheshire Home is now trying to establish a day-care centre for disabled females, who cannot be accomodated within the home. Mr PC Laha, who has been associated with the home, has expressed the need for funds to revive the efforts and continue their functions.

Children find a home in Tagore's land : Published in the Times of India