As per our itenary, we visited the Collin Street Janakalyan School on 20th March, 2013. This is a small school with 125 young kids, most of whose parents are potato merchants in the local market. We distributed drawing books, colour pencils, pencils and copy note books to each of the kids. As soon as we entered the school, all stood up and said ‘Namaste Aunty’ and sung for us “We shall over come..” We were entertained with a glass of cold drinks and samosas by the teachers of the school. When we were coming back, the noise of ‘Thank you Aunty” was really heart touching. Their smiles are more than worth the little effort we give. Apart from a small gesture from our side, it makes the world to them.

There are 25 school children in Topsia Creche, who are in need school bags. Parents of most of these children cannot afford to buy school bags for them. So 25 school bags along with pencil box and water bottle has been distributed to these children. A visit has been was made on 14th March, Thursday around 11.30 am. The children were overwhelmed with joy and our motto was fulfilled. While coming back all of them shouted “abar kobey ashbey tomra” (when are you coming back )??.

On 25th February, Anavi donated a LCD TV to an old-age home at Thakurpukur, Apon Ghor. Here all the 25 inmates are women. During the last visit in January, we came to know that their only source of entertainment was TV, which was out of order since last 4 months. We decided to donate it the earliest. A Panasonic LCD 26″ TV was bought and was installed on the same day. The ladies were so happy and ushered us with all their best wishes. They look forward our arrival as they share their views and come out of their boring life.

On 11th February 2013, the members of Anavi made a visit to Topsia Creche. The creche supports 32 poor children aged between 2.5 – 5 yrs, whose parents are either maids or daily workers. These children suffer from mal nutrition and are provided with basic education. With consultation of the in-charge of this creche, drawing books, colour pencils, pencils, rubbers, horlicks, soya chunks, biscuits and dalia was provided to all the kids. They were very happy to get the materials and it bought a big smile on their face. We also felt that they are in need of school bags. We are planning to arrange the same for them next month.

Like every year, this year too Anavi organised an annual picnic during the winters in the suburbs of Kolkata. The spot, known as Rajpur, was just 20 kms away from the city. It was a closed garden, nicely decorated with flower plants, swing, sea-saw, slides, and all amenities for the enjoyment of the kids.

Apon Ghar, situated in Thakurpukur, Kolkata, is an old-aged home for women. Anavi has been visiting this place or quite few years. Currently Apon Ghar is residing 25 old members. On 17th January 2013, the members of Anavi donated some grocery. They all were happy to see us once again. This time we gave them daily consumable food products like puffed rice, coffee, horlicks, biscuits and flour. The place is run merely on donation and I request all to contribute in their own possible manner. More the hands, better would be their life.