Dreams come true

Updated on: Thursday, August 26, 2010

Swapno, a project initiated by Animikha Sanjori Apartment Residents Welfare Association, New Town, Kolkata in 2007 to aid the underprivileged entered its third year on August 22, 2010 as 38 students from North 24 Parganas of Bengal were awarded scholarships, a sum of Rs 6000 each for the scholastic year 2010-11.

Present on the occasion were Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti, commissioner of police, Kolkata, Ravindra Chamaria, CMD, Infinity Infotech Park Ltd, Biswadip Gupta, joint managing director and CEO, JSW Bengal Steel Ltd, SK Bhaduri, general manager BSNL among others. Rabindra Okakura Bhavan in Salt Lake came alive with students and their parents, all gathered under one roof to avail of this opportunity that would open doors for more in the future.

Addressing the gathering Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti said, “I was quite surprised to know that a housing society has taken such an initiative. We dream of possessing beautiful homes, sleek cars but how often do we look outside ourselves? In such a scenario to help fulfill someone else’s dream is truly commendable. There are so many meritorious students who lag behind for want of a little help, if we could do something for you, through you, we would be more than welcome.” Urging the beneficiaries to give back to their respective villages what they are receiving now, the police commissioner of Kolkata added, “Let us carry this forward into many more homes, we are all a part of this dream.”

Financial aid also came in from Ravindra Chamaria as a surprise who offered a sum of Rs I lakh, besides extending help for the next two years. Called on to share a few words, he said, “We hope that this organization will grow manifold.”

He was followed by Biswadip Gupta, who congratulating Animikha Apartments endeavour added, “Amartya Sen speaks of Education and Health as being the drivers of a nation’s progress. Hopefully through this we will be able to show the way forward.” Referring to a newspaper report about a poor student who took the medical entrance exam thrice, clearing it each time only to be held back due to financial constraints, Biswadip Gupta expressed hope that he may be able to pursue medicine now, thanks to efforts such as this.

Sikta Rani Saha, now in her first year of college pursuing English Honours, happy with the amount she received. A meritorious student, having secured 83% marks in 10+2 , it is hoped that this is just the beginning of the unfurling of the rainbow of her life. Motiar Rahman, a physically challenged, polio-stricken awardee of Swapno-2008 barely able to speak will now be able to complete his graduation. His father Abdur Rahim, a day-labourer nurtures the dream of seeing his son become a teacher.

Dreams come true

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