1st September, Kolkata – ‘Bondhu Ek Asha’- a socio-cultural NGO based in Kolkata – launched the second edition of its yearly initiative called Anandadaan Utsav at the premises of Calcutta Press Club. Anandadaan Utsav is an annual programme by the organisation where they donate a new pair of clothing to destitute, differently-abled and orphan children. Durga Puja is an inevitable part of Bengali culture, where a large part of the city’s population spend exuberant amounts on shopping sprees and food. However, the often ignored and the underprivileged section of the society can barely afford two square meals; let alone feel the joy of festivities. ‘Bondhu Ek Asha’ truly does lives up to its name and brings hope to some faces.
Starting with 700 children in 2016, this year they are donating clothing to 15,000 children across 7 districts in 100 villages. City’s 20 renowned theme artists and 25 puja committees are taking part in this initiative.
The event was launched by few most sought-after personalities of Kolkata who have been part of the NGO’s working committee since its early days in 2010. Shatabdi Ray, Indrani Halder and Neepabithi Ghosh and Dinesh Poddar, the chairman honoured the stage with their heartfelt messages for the organisation’s future endeavours.
Apart from the Anandadaan Utsav, ‘Bondhu Ek Asha’ also organises blood donation and health camps. They have many such programmes like- ‘Briksha Ropan’ held on 26th July every year, donation of blankets and winter clothing to the homeless and providing financial assistance to meritorious students from backward sections of society- to mention a few.
