Tapash Roy: Hope Kolkata Foundation commemorated its 25th year of unwavering service to humanity, particularly to children in need of shelter, care, medical treatment, and support, ensuring they had the opportunity to experience a safe and joyful childhood. Founded in 1999, the Foundation had dedicated itself to building a community where children and women could flourish. Over the years, it made a profound impact on the lives of more than a million underprivileged children, young adults, and their families, providing vital assistance in the realms of education, protection, psychosocial well-being, and financial empowerment.
To celebrate this significant milestone, Hope Kolkata Foundation hosted its 25th Foundation Day on November 9, 2024, at Nazrul Manch, starting at 10 AM. The event, themed ‘Unity in Diversity,’ was organized with the support of The Hope Foundation, Ireland, and its partner organizations across West Bengal.
The Foundation had consistently organized this event annually, believing it to be a powerful platform for children to express themselves freely, display their talents, and most importantly, exercise their right to participate. The guiding principle—“by the children, for the children, of the children”—emphasized the Foundation’s child-centric philosophy, which nurtured a sense of agency, responsibility, and confidence among young participants. This occasion not only celebrated the essence of childhood but also underscored the pivotal role children play in shaping their own experiences, providing an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and community engagement.
The Foundation was honored to welcome several distinguished guests to celebrate the exceptional talents of the children. Among the esteemed attendees were Ms. Maureen Forrest, Honorary Founder President of The Hope Foundation, Mr. Sachidananda Das, Secretary of Hope Kolkata Foundation, who hosted the event on behalf of the organization, Ms. Alokananda Roy, renowned classical dancer, as Chief Guest, Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, as Guest of Honor, Mr. Barun Chanda, veteran actor, Ms. Sheetal Khanna, Consular Officer, Consulate of Ireland, Kolkata, Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata, Ms. Kathy Giles-Diaz, Consul General, U.S. Consulate, Kolkata, Mr. Reza Beyad, HOPE Ambassador and Ms. Moonmoon Sen, veteran actress.
As Ms. Maureen Forrest so poignantly stated, “Let us listen to the voices of children and young people, as they have always been at the heart of our policies and programs. There are millions of children around the world who are denied their right to education. They are the most precious gift of every nation. The strength of each nation depends on these children.”
This celebration not only marked a significant milestone for Hope Kolkata Foundation but also served as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of children’s rights, education, and empowerment in shaping a brighter future for all.
