GIVES: An NGO holding mirror to the society’s developmental experience
ANIRBAN BHATTACHARYA
March 11, New Delhi_(PTK) There are some people in this world that take the initiative to help everyone they can.
Some may try to get involved in social welfare initiatives but it may happen that due to certain issues, they are not able to do so. In order to make such initiatives a success, organization have been made to aid such people. They exist in every part of the world.
Such organizations bring relief to the needed during times of crisis eg. the famine in Somalia, War in Siria.
Organizations like this begin as a small institution and grow slowly into large organizations. One such welfare organization is called GIVES – tagline of the organisation is Global Innovative Vision ot Egalitarian Society.
The registered office of this organization is located in East Bardhaman district’s Guskara town of West Bengal. In order for it to function at optimum levels, branch offices are set at Khana Junction of Galsi II Block area.
They plan to slowly spread their activity to other districts, one branch office at a time.
In English, “GIVES” means “pass on something”. This mindset has been grown in each member at GIVES as they stand out to help those in need without a second thought.
Distribution of special needs equipment such as Tricycles, crutches takes place at regular intervals while bright students are also given monetary help as well.
At times such as sickness or marriage of a poor father’s daughter, GIVES puts it’s hands forward to make ends meet.
The project ” Safe Drive, Safe Life” initiated by CM Mamata Banerjee was made a success through the hard work of GIVES members as they coordinated with the policemen at Galsi to collaborate through the project successfully.
Awareness on topics such as drinking water conservation, plastic management, child marriage and female foeticides are also conducted through alerts, rally and awareness sessions in each district.
Each Independence Day cultural programme and a two-day Football Tournament is held at Khana Junction of Galsi for the youth to stay focused on sport rather than other distractions.
Reforestation Drives, Mission Nirmal Bangla Project, Rabindra Jayanti and Nazrul Jayanti are all celebrated and practiced with equal respect.
GIVES believes in inclusive growth, concentrating on monetary plans for lower income groups, sewing for women. Kantha stitching workshops are also held for ladies. Already they have constructed more than 30000 toilets at the latrineless households under Mission Nirmal Bangla (Swachh Bharat Mission) in different districts of W.B.
The creation of the organization has an interesting story too. 9 interested candidates from Guskara and close lying area’s had come together to create a society for the benefit of others. From these members, 3 of them were connected with the welfare organization from long days ago. Though each of these members had a healthy personal life, they all looked forward to working together towards the cause. Preparation began in 2012 and its regestration was finally completed in the year of 2015. This is when GIVES began its official operations.
Monetary issues were the main cause of concern, but those with good intentions things like this can always be overcome. Work began initially through small government projects. Well wishers and localities too slowly began to show their support, spreading the word of GIVES and it’s vision across to new places.
Though the regestrated office is as Guskara of Purba Bardhaman the commendable activities first began from Khana Junction and it’s near lying area. Offices were set up and workers were given homes for accommodation.
Administration had got news of GIVES as well. Galsi’s Panchayats came forward to help. They too were given work towards Government projects and they were pleased with GIVES performance.
Mission Nirmal Bangla’s toilet construction work was also distributed among them and each project was completed successfully much before the time allotted. As a result the goodwill of GIVES had grown leaps and bounds. The word of GIVES had spread to Bakura District and they were invited to help, which they did with open arms.
On speaking to the Panchayat Pridhan in Galsi, he had admitted that trust in GIVES was not as prominent and thus less work was shared from their end. But slowly as ties grew and the process was understood, both their trust and confidence had increased, and they began to take active part in work without being biased towards other organizations at the same time. The same words had been repeated by other people of power within the block.
A High School Headmaster, Binayak Bandopadhyay had also heard of GIVES’ initiatives and said, “GIVES is an emotion and inspiration – which is shocased through the organizations meticulous work. Ms. Aparna, a school teacher had said, ” I had consulted GIVES for help with regards to handicapped students and I was shocked by the courteous behavior towards her even though she was then unknown. On explaining my reason for my visit, GIVES immediately began work. ”
Not just these two personalities, the work of GIVES has been celebrated and praised by all that have come in contact with the organization.
GIVES has also taken the initiative to uphold religious harmony, with members working in institutions such as Temples, Mosques and Churches. Our belief is that humanity exists in every religion.
Where do we get all this inspiration? Rupchand Mandal, a member of the society explains, “Helping the mass and Indians are interconnected. This is why Margaret Elizabeth Nobel came from her home in England to India, becoming Sister Nivedita. The same story prevails for Mother Teresa as well. It is natural in a country such as India for people to put their hands out to help the less fortunate.
Nasimuddin Mullick, founder Secretary at GIVES explains, ” It was our dream to build our own welfare organization. Today that dream has been fulfilled.
Numerous people has gained employment both directly and indirectly through GIVES.”
Though monetary problems still exist, private and government aid makes work compltion much more attainable.
Rightly said, the way people are now getting to know the good works of GIVES, slowly others too will be inspired and follow in our path. All it takes is a kind heart and monetary support.(ptk)
