Help disadvantaged Bengali children + young people

As you will be aware the past few weeks have been disastrous in India with the combination of a fraught General Election (especially in West Bengal where the school is), and mass rallies which contributed to the spread of the Covid virus.

I have been in touch with Alindra regularly to offer support and a listening ear, which is all I can do in these circumstances. The fact that the School and the Vocational training centre are in an isolated area has been up to now a source of frustration for accessing help and Government support, but it has proved to be a blessing now. The green status of Sarberia, i.e. Covid free has been encouraging but I heard today that the virus has now spread to this very rural area. While the upper school and Vocational Training Centre had reopened briefly, it appears that the school has now reverted to online learning.

As always, Alindra remains positive and his medical background, as he trained in prosthetic medicine for Leprosy sufferers, ensures that he is meticulous in health and hygiene for himself and those under his care. So far the staff and students of the New Life Centre have remained safe.

Medical professionals across the globe have put their lives on the line, and far too many have paid the ultimate price. Alindra is one of these as he continues to ensure that the staff are in touch with the students as much as is feasible and that learning is at the heart of his daily life.

This man of the people never rests in his quest to help the poorest of the poor. Whilst some of us look forward to a retirement where we can cultivate our interests, Alindra expands his vision so that no one on his watch will go hungry or fail to secure a place in his school. The photo is from a visit in happier times.

Wouldn’t you like to help this extraordinary individual?