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A VISIT TO THE PURBACHAL ANANDA FOUNDATION ASHRAM (PAF)
The last time I visited Durgapur was 20 years ago in 1986. I never thought I would need to visit Durgapur again but after Arindam Banerjee established internet contact with me in January ’06 things moved rapidly and I went to see him and the work of PAF in Purokonda village about 26 kilometres from Durgapur.
This is a brief note of my visit from 25 to 29 June ’06 and what I saw.
Arindam is assisted in his work by his noble parents and a fine set of young people, notably his wife, his sister and her husband, his friends Saikat, Swarupa, Biswajit, Rathin babu and others.
There are 19 little children, boys and girls under their care at the ashram in Purokonda village. The oldest is about 10 years and the youngest is 6 months. These children have wonderful smiles, quick intellect and are full of vibrancy. Seeing them one thinks “ Thank God that they were rescued from the conditions they were born into and have been given a new life due to the efforts of PAF”.
Their life is a very simple one. They live in 2 rooms built of mud and bamboo covered with a tin roof (which gets exceedingly hot in summer). The food is basic and consists of rice/dal/vegetable. They attend the village school where they get one meal as part of the government program. They are looked after by 4 house parents (2 male and 2 female) who live in the ashram. The house parents, 2 of whom are musical are teaching them songs with the help of a harmonium, tablas and a guitar. It is hoped a trained music teacher will visit once a week from Durgapur. Arrangements are being made for this. All in all it is a simple life but a happy one. This is what I saw.
On Monday 26 June one of the Rotary Clubs of Durgapur paid a visit and agreed to donate for the building of a brick and cement dormitory room with provision to add more rooms later. Three days later as arranged another visit was made by the Rotarians and a foundation stone was laid. I am informed that work on the building is progressing but is hampered by heavy rains.
The Dom community live in the area directly behind the ashram. They are very poor and earn a frugal living from making bamboo baskets. There is a good understanding between PAF and these people. Any efforts by PAF to assist these people would be gratefully received by them and will help the second generation to get out of grinding poverty.
I also went and saw the place where PAF had organised an after school coaching for all the village children and which used to be attended by 165 pupils. This place is surrounded by trees, is very serene and has an air of spirituality which you can definitely feel. Truly a wonderful place to learn in a gurukul atmosphere. Due to lack of funds this program stopped 3 months ago. It is hoped to restart this soon and PAF is looking for funds for this.
From my observation I can definitely say that PAF is doing a great social service. In the short time it has been established it has taken big steps forward. It has also taken a big responsibility to care for the 19 children which is hoped to be increased to 25. As always in these matters funds are required to keep the activities going and also growing.
I hope that as a result of my note it will inspire you the reader to contribute. A regular monthly contribution whatever the amount by means of standing order to PAF’s UTI Account is the best way to help PAF. They can then plan and not have the uncertainities of how the next expense will be met. If this is a constraint then a contribution or irregular contributions at different times will also greatly assist.
I can be contacted on ranjank_sen@yahoo.co.uk if you wish to know more.
Ranjan Sen
Wimbledon, London.
14 July 2006.
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