Instead of smoke and noise, how about you spread some light and cheer this Diwali and celebrate with a difference.
No Smoke, No Noise: Here's How You Can Spread Some Light And Cheer This Diwali
Ten-Second Takeaway
CINI – Child In Need Insititue
This NGO works in the fields of child protection, prevention of child abuse and violence. In Kolkata, they have shelter homes where children, rescued from unfortunate situations, are brought in and given proper nutrition and education.
What you can do: You can donate via the website directly, or get involved in the many projects they undertake. Visit the centres to spend some time with the children, teach or mentor. Get in touch to ask if you can organise a Diwali lunch for the kids in the centre with a meal that they would love {it has to be healthy and hygienic}. Arrange for donating books, stationery and toys. CINI is running a campaign for ‘spreading happiness to help you reach your Diwali goals! Read more about them here.
Where: Hamara Ghar, 37 Pottery Road, Kolkata 700015.
Contact: 033-2329-8041/1098. E-mail on cinikolkata@cinindia.org.
Pratham
One of the largest NGOs in India, Pratham strives to identify gaps in our education system and transform the education landscape. They bring out an amazing range of books for children.
What you can do: Donate via the website or visit a Pratham site to see the work they do {they need a two week prior notice, and you also need an approval}.
Where: Pratham Education Foundation, GD 280, Ground Floor, Sector 3, Salt Lake City, 700106.
Contact: 91-33-40042247. E-mail at westbengal@pratham.org. And check out their website here.
Little Sisters Of The Poor
My dadu and dadi have been the ones spoiling me rotten and loving me unconditionally ever since I was born and thus I have a natural inclination towards the elderly!
Little Sisters Of The Poor is an old age home that was built as the first-of-its-kind in eastern India. They house and give shelter to senior citizens who have nowhere to go or have been left abandoned. I absolutely love visiting this place because the love here will touch you.
What you can do: If you feel for the many homeless elderly people around the city, you have to get in touch with the home and try getting a spot as a volunteer. If you’re in college or school, get your social service club to arrange for a weekly project there. You have to follow the house rules of course. Donatingis an option, ask the sisters what would be the perfect gift for them for Diwali!
Where: 2, AJC Bose Road, Opp Hotel Hindustan International, Kolkata 700020.
Contact: 033 2282 5552.
Manovikas Kendra
This is a rehabilitation centre and research institute for differently-abled children. The centre educates and works with individuals who are intellectually impaired, have learning disabilities, Down Syndrome patients and as well as those having hearing and other physical impairments.
What you can do: Spend time with them, playing games or just chat as this makes them more comfortable in dealing with social situations. Assist the teachers or donate books and stationery kits as Diwali gifts for the students. You can also donate money for further development of the centre. Fill in a form on the website for volunteering opportunities.
Where: Manovikas Kendra, 482, Madudah, Plot: I-24, Sector J, EM Bypass, 700 107.
Contact: 033 – 4001 2731 , 033 – 4001 2732. E-mail on mvkendra1974@gmail.com.
So, We’re Saying…
This is just a fraction of what you could do to make Diwali even brighter this year and there are so many more options! Think safeguarding street dogs, helping out at women empowerment organisations, outfits working with children. Pick a cause you personally feel for the most, research and pick a NGO for the same.
