GUWAHATI, July 8 - Life is gradually changing for more than 20 children at the Brahmaputra Children Home now who were living on the streets and slums near Guwahati railway station. The basic amenities of life, including education, that had been elusive for these children have become a part of their life at the children home.
All the inmates of the home located at Garoghuli, Gorchuk now go to a nearby school, thus shaping their dreams to become better citizens empowered with higher education.
Supported by Lotus Flower Trust and implemented by the Society for Social Transformation and Environment Protection, this children home has also emerged as a bridge between the marginalized and mainstream society of late. The struggle that these inmates of the children home had to undergo while they were living in the poverty pockets has made many citizens ponder on the situation of slum children, motivating them to extend a helping hand towards the cause of underprivileged children.
According to Umesh Baruah, project coordinator, these children had no education, no medical support, and were living in very poor housing made out of plastic sheets and cardboards. �There was no potable water, no electricity, no sanitation and the situation of the children was further compounded by the fact that their fathers were alcoholics or on drugs and mothers were low-paid domestic workers,� said Baruah, adding that taking the children out of this situation was a big challenge.
This children home took shape because a common citizen understood the plight of the downtrodden and volunteered to donate her land to build the shelter. Pradipa Basumatary, a 65-year-old lady of Gorchuk, donated one bigha land for construction of the shelter. This lady had wanted to express her responsibility towards the development of society through this work of charity.
�We were extremely moved by this gesture of Pradipa Basumatary who is from low income background and yet she parted with her possession for the cause of children,� said Baruah informing that some citizens though not from affluent background have been coming forward to support the children.
Arati Bhattacharyya, a resident of New Guwahati and who is a retired employee, recently donated Rs 2 lakh to the home for the all-round development of the children. Many citizens are celebrating the special occasions of their lives at the children home by sponsoring their meals or distributing the essential items. �We are hopeful that the children will grow up as good citizens with the support of the society,� said Baruah.
