Assam, a region known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes, has become a hub for several NGOs dedicated to making a positive impact on society. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the success stories of some remarkable NGOs that have not only navigated the complexities of registration but have also gone on to create meaningful change in the communities they serve.
01. Shishu Sarothi : It’s journey began mostly in 1987, with two children (Biki Borbora and Amit Barua), a, trained special educator and a close-knit affectionate team of parents and volunteers, operating from a single room set up in one of the children’s grandparent’s home. The founding team was led by Brinda Crishna, Tondra Borbora (Biki’s mother), Mira Kagti (Amit’s aunt), late Anjana Hazarika (Lahori Baideu), Shamsad Haq and others.
The team of committed and passionate volunteers gradually grew and were provided initial training, technical support and guidance by Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy (formerly Spastics Society of Eastern India), Kolkata, in the early years to offer holistic services for children with cerebral palsy and associated multiple disabilities. As word spread about the services, the number of children grew exponentially, and in 1997, it moved to it’s own premises built painstakingly over time, on Government allotted land in Birubari, Guwahati.
It’s has come a long way since then, and over the last three+ decades, along with our larger team of dedicated staff, it has responded to opportunities and challenges and evolved to become a leading regional institution on disability matters.
Services have expanded to reach thousands of children with different developmental disabilities across Assam, neighbouring states in NE India and even beyond. The work follows twin tracks of service delivery and rights realization, with core services in the domains of health and education supplemented by projects and programs to address needs across the life span and a conscious rights based approach, that actively protects and upholds the rights of persons with disabilities.
02. Mothers Old Age Home :– A drive through Pub Jyotinagar, Bamunimaidan leads one to perhaps the happiest “home” in the city – Mothers Old Age Home – a last resort to many elderly people.
The three storey building, which otherwise is just another house’ in the lane, has over the years become the home for many aged people. They have been coerced by circumstances of life to live away from their family environs; some are plain destitutes while others have raised children to be successful NRIs.
Among these ageing faces are two youngsters, Utpal Harshavardhan and Monica Sharma, who have devoted their lives to provide this home to their “grandparents or aitas and kokas.” 36-year-old Utpal and 27 year-old Monica are the humble but sturdy pillars of the old age home; they are virtually family to the aged residents and are living epitomes of patience. To give up on the luxuries of life and to leave behind jobs that fed well not only requires courage but also humanity. Monica is currently pursuing her Masters and Utpal devotes his full time to the old age home. Before starting the shelter home, Utpal was temporarily employed with Gauhati Medical College & Hospital.
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Guwahati, Assam, Mother Old Age Home stands as a beacon of compassion and care for the elderly. Founded with a heartfelt commitment to provide a dignified and nurturing environment for senior citizens, this institution has become a second home for many, offering solace and companionship in their twilight years.
A Haven for Seniors
Mother Old Age Home, established over a decade ago, was born out of a vision to address the growing need for comprehensive elder care services in the region. Situated in the heart of Guwahati, the home provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, creating an atmosphere conducive to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its residents.
Holistic Care and Support
One of the distinctive features of Mother Old Age Home is its commitment to holistic care. Trained and compassionate staff members not only attend to the residents’ physical needs but also prioritize their emotional and mental health. Regular health check-ups, nutritious meals, and recreational activities are seamlessly woven into the daily routine, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Personalized Attention and Activities
Understanding the diverse needs of its residents, Mother Old Age Home takes pride in offering personalized attention. From leisurely walks in the lush garden to engaging in creative pursuits like art and music, the residents are encouraged to participate in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. The home is designed to cater to various interests, ensuring that each individual can age with grace and dignity.
Community Engagement and Volunteerism
Mother Old Age Home actively engages with the local community and encourages volunteerism. Volunteers, ranging from students to professionals, contribute their time and skills to enhance the lives of the residents. This intergenerational interaction not only adds vibrancy to the home but also dispels stereotypes about aging, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and respect.
Stories of Resilience and Joy
Behind the doors of Mother Old Age Home are stories of resilience and joy. Residents, each with a unique life journey, find solace in sharing experiences and forming deep connections with their fellow companions. The home becomes a canvas for the tapestry of memories, where laughter and camaraderie echo through the halls, creating an environment that celebrates the richness of life at every stage.
How to Support Mother Old Age Home
For those inspired by the noble cause of Mother Old Age Home, there are various ways to extend support. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness, every contribution plays a crucial role in ensuring that the elderly residents continue to experience love, care, and companionship in their golden years.
In conclusion, Mother Old Age Home stands as a testament to the compassion and dedication of those who recognize the inherent value of our elderly population. As it continues to be a haven for seniors in Guwahati, this institution embodies the essence of providing not just care but a home filled with warmth, understanding, and a sense of belonging for the elderly residents it serves.
03. Ashadeep :- Ashadeep mission is to initiate and strengthen interventions for persons with mental disorders and their families in the North Eastern states of India, in an attempt to achieve a life of better quality for them.
Anjana and Mukul Goswami, with like minded people, formed Ashadeep in 1996 to take care of people with mental disorders as the rehabilitation facilities. There were no mental health rehabilitation facilities available in Assam and the North East during that time. People had to go to Kolkata or Bangalore, which was not affordable for all.
Founder Mukul Chandra Goswami had a traumatic but positive experience of taking care of and rehabilitating his sister suffering from Schizophrenia. Mukul Goswami, a banker till 2001, along with his wife Anjana, a lecturer, formed Ashadeep in 1996.
Over 360 individuals suffering from mental illness and intellectual disability have received therapy, special and conventional education, training in sports and vocational activities in Ashadeep Day Rehabilitation Centre since 1996.
650 homeless mentally ill persons have been housed and treated in rehabilitation homes, of which 550 have been successfully reintegrated with their families.
1200 individuals in Guwahati and over 2000 in rural areas of Assam have been intervened upon issues related to mental health through their Outdoor Psychiatric Clinic and Outreach Camps.
Over 120 training and orientation programmes on mental health have been organized for school and college students, ASHAs, ANMs, Anganwadi workers, policemen, etc.
Since 2013, a Community Mental Health Programme has been initiated in 3 different blocks of Assam helping 1500 patients with Severe Mental Disorders.
04. Foundation for Social Transformation :-
Registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 in December 2005, Foundation for Social Transformation – enabling north east india (FST) is an organization that operates in North East India. The conceptualization and eventual emergence of FST as a development support organization in North East India emerged and a Planning Committee was constituted with members drawn from the region to brainstorm on setting up the organization.
Having recognized the need for grants making organization in the region committed to fostering positive social transformation by enabling innovative and creative grassroots initiatives from within, the committee deliberated intensively on the nature and form of such an organization including its vision, mission, structure, and jurisdiction, areas of activities, sources, and modus of funding amongst others, leading ultimately to the emergence of FST as it stands today.
FST has been and continues to be part of the region’s larger civil society movement and progressive discourses. It helps to sharpen our analysis and commitment to social justice and search for issues that need to be supported and addressed. FST’s works have been recognized and appreciated and were awarded the Certificate of Excellence in the World CSR Congress held in Mumbai on the 18th of February, 2017.
05. Bhavada Devi Memorial Philanthropic Trust (SENEH) :–
Bhavada Devi Philanthropic Trust is working for the benefit of the underprivileged and deprived sections of the society, especially women of North East India.
The old and the infirm suffer, sinc their children in many cases are dumping them to fend for themselves out of economic compulsions. Women in the age group of fifty and above are the ones who suffer the most, because they are mentally and physically vulnerable.
To alleviate their suffering and bring dignity to some of these women, the Trust has opened a destitute home at Guwahati. Aptly named SENEH, meaning ‘Selfless Love’, the home provides shelter, food, medical care, clothing and all necessities for sustaining a decent dignified life.
As of now there are over 20 destitute women who have made SENEH their home. The extent of help that such hapless women require is evident from the fact that in the last few years SENEH has organized cataract operations, provided dentures, hearing aids, and treatments for various ailments including prolonged psychiatric medication.
The vision is that in the sunset of their lives, they can once again learn to laugh and sing and live together as a family.
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