Of hope… and beyond

Sister Maria Helena,who is fondly known as Aruna tai and has been coordinating the activities at the Niketan for 31 years,says,“By shaping tender minds,the Sisters have established a day crèche,shifting the burden from working mothers. For children from unstable families the temporary day- night care offered right up to school-age,is like an oasis of support.”

Located at Pudumjee Park,the Niketan Sisters are busy throughout the day,looking after the aged and teaching soft skills to the youngsters. “The proposed centre will be run by an expert team of one or more psychiatrists and specialists in the field. We are also planning a study class where students can come and study. We are hoping to get a mini-van for taking the children and aged persons for social outings,apart from empowering young poor boys with driving skills.” Aruna tai also said that they helped poor women make cloth bags and sell them for earning an income.

In keeping with their motto,“To receive and give the love of God,our Abba,” the nuns have been taking care of the infirm,destitute,teaching girls how to read and write and others. “We have 64 inmates and even sponsored the heart operation of a two and a half year old baby girl and post operative care of the child,”says Aruna tai. The niketan is also launching its own website,www.Ishaprema-Niketan.org.