Helping hand

It all began in 1984 when Chakrabarty, then in his early 20s, began teaching the rickshaw-pullers and slum-dwellers in his locality. Not really expecting a good response, but surprised when he got one, Chakrabarty realised soon that he wanted to do more than just teach them. Besides, experience had taught him that there were too many drop-outs and that he would have to provide them with vocational training or some means to earn some money if he wanted to hold on to their attention. With this goal in mind, Chakrabarty established the Vivekananda Adarsha Milan Mandir. The organisation was registered in 1987.

8220;I have always been inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Therefore, I decided to include his name in the name of my organisation,8221; says Chakrabarty. 8220;There were around 40 children at the time of registration. Now, the number has swelled to 120. I cannot admit more students as we do not have a permanent place of our own,8221; he added.

8220;When we started, classes used to be held either in the verandah of Lake Stadium or on the premises of a temple on Lake Temple Road. Today, classes are held at three places 8212; in a local club near Tollygunge overbridge; at Sahanagar and at Kamarmath also in Tollygunge. He says that the organisation functions the way any educational institution does. The difference is that it also provides vocational training to students.

At the centre near Tollygunge overbridge, the classes for nursery to Class III are held from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. From 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm classes are held for Classes IV to X. From Class V onwards only girls are admitted at this centre.

The community centre at Sahanagar is larger that the one near Tollygunge overbridge. It also has a library. Between 5 pm and 7 pm classes are held for those studying in kindergarten to Class III. From 7 pm to 10 pm, classes are held for students studying in Classes IV to X. From Class V onwards only boys are admitted.

Haldar, who was listening quietly while this correspondent spoke to Chakrabarty, said: 8220;Once a month there are separate yoga and meditation classes for the students. Also, depending upon their interests, they can learn tabla, tailoring, typing, screen printing and can even opt for a beautician8217;s course. Students are given a school uniform in April-May when the session starts and new clothes before the Pujas. They are also taken on an educational tour and camping once a year.

Chakrabarty added: 8220;Every year we organise an annual programme and a yuva sammelan. We also celebrate Rabindra Jayanti, Independence Day, Republic Day and so on.8221;

As in a school, there are quarterly, half-yearly and annual examinations.

There are around 30 teachers at present. Ninety per cent of them are ex-students. Any person who wants to join the organisation is first encouraged to teach for at least five years. The organisation is run by a 20-member executive committee which takes all the decisions.

Funds are a major problem, says Haldar. 8220;We have to depend on donations and more often than not end up paying from our own pocket.8221; Chakrabarty is all praise for Haldar who he believes is very dedicated. 8220;It is Gopal who organises everything. He takes his job as president of the organisation very seriously.8221;

Chakrabarty still recalls the day when eight-year-old Gopal and his mother first approached him. 8220;I did not realise then that he would spend so many years with us 8212; first as a student and then as a teacher.8221;

Haldar, on his part, acknowledges that Chakrabarty has been a friend, philosopher and guide. He says it is because of the guidance that he got at Vivekananda Adarsha Milan Mandir that he stood first in school every year.

8220;It is now my turn to give back. Teaching these kids three or four days a week gives me immense satisfaction.8221;