MUKTI Press Release, 15 AUG 2008
KOLKATA, 15 AUG 2008 - India marks the sixty-second Independence Day on August 15 this year. Since our independence both central and state governments have undertaken major initiatives including land reform, road construction, economic liberalization etc. towards the development of Modern India. However, we the role of NGOs towards the integrated development of both urban and rural areas cannot undermined. Mukti is one such organization, dedicated to upliftment of under-privileged with better health, and education. Its activity is primarily focused on remote areas of the Sunderbans including village Nagendrapur in South 24 Parganas. This year the Independence Day brought a special sense of achievement and joyfulness in the community as a public library built by Mukti with funding from ‘Asha for Education’ was inaugurated. There are quite a few primary schools as well as high schools in the area. But, the students had no access to books for further studies once they finish schools. Others such as the older people or bookworms who could not afford to buy books will also be immensely benefited by this library project. Books broaden the mind and knowledge is power.
Many distinguished guests were present to celebrate this auspicious day along with the Mukti volunteers. Among them were Mr. Sudhir Mallick, senior manager of TCS; Mr. Nirapada Debnath, head master of Jata Nagendrapur high school; Mr. Nimai Pradhan; Mr. Panchugopal Halder, the village head; Mr. Subimol Guria; Godadhor Halder; Mr. Purnendu Naiya, member of Zilla Parishad. The students from the 8-coaching centers run by the Mukti volunteers and employee arranged a cultural program. The program was presided by Mr. Subimol Guria. The guests were welcomed by Bulbuli Mandal and her group by presenting a flower bouquet to them. The ceremony began at 10:30 am with flag hoisting by Madhusudan Bairagi, the general secretary of Mukti followed by a colorful parade organized by all the students of the coaching centers. The local talents made the program a great success by performing dance, recitation, and patriotic songs.
In his speech, the president Mr. Subimol Guria, reminded everyone that even though China formed the republic two years later than Indian independence, it is much ahead of India now in every respect. And we cannot simply blame on population, as China is the most populous country of the world. So if China can rise to an advanced nation what has kept us behind? One of the main reasons is lack of education. Building a library for the unprivileged community will definitely further strengthen the movement to eradicate illiteracy. Panchugopal Halder commented that we cannot just rely on the government for development, but we need help from non-government organizations as well. Praising Mukti’s initiatives, he added that this would set up an example of common people taking the reins of development in their own hands for betterment of their society. Purnendu Naiya while introducing Sankar Halder, Mukti’s founder and president, proclaimed that will-force could overcome any difficulties however hard it may be. He further commented that if someone sets his mind to help mitigate the evils of society nothing could stop him. Sankar Halder is one such pioneer Mr. Naiya was so impressed by Mukti’s dedication that he promised to get involved to make it a difference for the society.
The chief guest Mr. Sudhir mallick recognized the dedication of the Mukti’s volunteers to make this library project a success. He also greatly admired Mukti’s efforts to make the society a better place for everyone. He promised that TCS would try to develop software’s, which would be beneficial for the common people. Mr. Mallick inaugurated the library building, which was followed by release of white doves to symbolize peace and harmony.
The ceremony ended with planting of trees. All the distinguished guests along with students planted 1500 trees. In his brief message, Sankar Halder mentioned the necessity for afforestation in order to prevent natural calamities and land erosions. The delta of Sundarbans is a unique eco system with so much natural bio-diversity. Mukti is determined to put all the efforts to preserve this land and make it more beautiful.
Contact MUKTI if you wish be part of this drive in future - Contact Us
Mukti At A Glance
2004-05
Reforming water canals for agriculture purposes.
Took initiatives to prevent death from snakebites.
Distribution of text books to 150 students.
2005-06
Low-cost sanitation for 350 people.
Distribution of text books to 650 students.
Distribution of blankets to older people.
Start of TSS (Talented student scholarship) project by sponsoring 40 students.
2006-07
Distribution of text books to 1500 students.
Distribution of tents to the victims of flood.
Inauguration of 4 coaching centers.
Sponsoring 60 students under TSS.
2007-08
Distribution of text books to 2500 students.
Sponsoring 82 students under TSS.
Low-cost sanitation for 100 people.
20008-09
Distribution of text books to 3000 students.
Inauguration of 4 more coaching centers.
Sponsoring 100 students under TSS.
Inauguration of 2 computer-coaching centers.
Inauguration of the library.
Ongoing Projects
Vocational training
Coconut project
Solar project
Hospital project
Agriculture project
