Bondhu Mahal Brings Smiles to the Faces of 160 Poor Children

Kiran, 8, clutched the packet of stationary she received during Pola Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebration organised by Bondhu Mahal and said: “I love painting and love to draw animals.”

The joy on her face was palpable. She was among 160 poor students who were given stationary that comprised three registers, a drawing copy, crayons, pencils, eraser and a cutter in a function held at Rajendra Singh Park at B block, Indira Nagar in Lucknow.

These children are school drop outs whose parents work as menial labourers or ply cycle rickshaws on the streets of Lucknow. “It has been the endeavour of Bondhu Mahal to spread the light of knowledge among the children who are willing to learn,” Jayanta Pramanik, secretary of Bondhu Mahal said.

These children help their parents in the day time and in evening join classes run by Asha Kiran – an NGO. “WE needed this help. We cannot provide them stationary that regularly. But this help from Bondhu Mahal will stand a good stead,” Rama Sood, in-charge of Asha Kiran said.

During that programme local artists rendered Rabindra Sangeet. Arijita Chatterjee kept the people riveted to their seats with her renditions. Krishna Mukherjee and Amit Banerjee regaled the audience. However, Sidhant Sen stole the lime light with his song “ Aami Chini go chini tomare …”

A troupe of children from Rabindrapalli, in Lucknow danced into the hearts of people through their presentations on Bengali and Hindi songs. The dances were choreographed by Boishali Mazumdar.