On its anniversary, an opportunity presents itself for us to make a difference to a couple of more lives.

Riya Dey is 7 years old. She is taken care of by her grandfather who stays in outskirts of Kolkata. He works as a caretaker in a building works very hard to make ends meet for himself and his ward. Her parents have refused to look after her. They live in a village. In spite of his best efforts, the grandfather is not able to provide even the basic needs of the child. Anavi, as a part of its fourth anniversary celebration has decided to help her. She has been admitted in Sarsuna Home for kids, another institute that we are proudly associated with. The cost of her stay and education is Rs 1000/- per month.

However, the really touching story is of Arpita Das. At 16 years of age when normally everyone is brimming with excitement at the prospect of stepping into life, she is facing hardships like no other. Both her kidneys have failed. Mere survival is a fight for her. She undergoes dialysis twice a week just to be alive. Her father is employed under the 100 day employment scheme and mother takes care of her ailing child and her sister who is just 7 years of age. Facing all odds, she was trying to make her life better through education. But as fate would have it, she could not sit for her board exams this year due to her frail health. The only option left for her is a kidney transplant. The mother is willing to donate to her daughter but the big issue of money still remains. A little help from various sources has allowed her to survive by undergoing the dialysis till now but the time is running out for her very quickly. Cost of the operation is pegged at Rs 3 lacs.

On occasion of the fourth anniversary, Anavi members visited her and it was really moving to hear her plight. We have extended help to her but it will not be enough. It is our earnest appeal to all to come forward and make a contribution towards helping to save this girls life. If we can do it, it will not really be something that we as members of Anavi or AESM or as a part of the larger seafaring community can be proud of; but more importantly, we as human beings can be proud of.

Last but not the least, as a part of the anniversary celebrations; Anavi will be donating a wheel chair to a polio victim from the slums. It cannot be a replacement for a body part but will definitely help him contribute to society in a better way.

Come and help us make this a really memorable anniversary.