New: Visiting Mukti Rehabilitation Centre, Rajarhat: Education, Dignity, and Second Chances: August 2025

This year, I had the opportunity to visit Mukti Rehabilitation Centre in Rajarhat, India, my first visit to this remarkable space. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Mukti is not just a rehabilitation center; it is a community of care, built on the belief that healing, education, and dignity must go hand in hand.

Mukti works with addicted young adults and children with different abilities, creating opportunities for de-addiction alongside education. Their programs focus on self-help skills, communication, literacy, and behavioral modification supporting individuals as whole human beings, not just as recipients of services. The outreach program extends this work to addicted children and adults in the surrounding communities, meeting people where they are and offering consistent support.

The educational programs in Rajarhat , Kolkata, serve children living in nearby slums, many of whom are first-generation learners. I was especially moved by Mukti’s Adult Literacy Classes, which support parents and family members of students attending the Non-Formal School.

Creativity and skill-building are central to Mukti’s work. The Art and Crafts program nurtures children who show talent in drawing and painting offering them a space to express themselves and feel seen. Recognizing the growing importance of digital skills, Mukti also runs a Computer Literacy Program for children who otherwise would not have access to technology. For youth over 16, the Basic Computer Hardware and Networking Course opens pathways to future employment and independence.

Mukti’s commitment to empowerment extends to adults as well. Through its PRAGATI tailoring unit, women from surrounding areas gain vocational skills and economic confidence. For boys aged 18 and older, Mukti offers vocational training in plumbing and electrical work, providing practical skills that translate directly into job opportunities. In addition, Basic English Education classes for both children and adults help learners build confidence and access wider opportunities.

Equally powerful is Mukti’s Child Protection Unit, which ensures that medical, social, and legal aspects of child abuse cases are addressed with care and accountability. Mukti also runs government-aided initiatives, including an Open Shelter for vulnerable street children and a Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA) further reflecting the organization’s deep commitment to protection, justice, and long-term well-being.

During my visit, I spent meaningful time with administrators and then met students, both residential children and day students. Walking through classrooms, programs, and shared spaces, I felt a profound sense of respect for the work being done here. It was an incredibly humbling and inspiring experience to witness how education, rehabilitation, and compassion intersect so powerfully at Mukti.This visit will stay with me for a long time and I will definitely come back to Mukti to work hands-on with the students.

Returning to KolotaAn: From Virtual Collaboration to Shared Classrooms : Barasat, West Bengal, August 2025

This year, I had the opportunity to return to Kolotaan after spending the past year working closely with their team online. Our virtual collaboration focused on a range of instructional strategies, with particular attention to trauma-informed teaching and thoughtful, culturally responsive approaches to sex education. The administrators at Kolotan were especially interested in identifying age-appropriate books and practical methods for discussing sensitive topics in ways that are respectful, supportive, and grounded in care for students’ lived realities.

Alongside these instructional conversations, we also began talking about a much larger and more urgent need: space. Kolotaan currently operates out of a very small rented facility and has long dreamed of building a permanent school building but with little to no funding, that dream felt distant. Through my connection with MEDHA USA, I began exploring ways to help raise funds to make this vision possible.

When I finally returned in person this year, the experience was deeply moving. I visited the site of Kolotan’s new school building, met with the full teaching staff, and spent an entire day with students. I observed classes across subject areas and even had the chance to participate in a music class, an especially joyful moment. Being part of the daily rhythm of the school, even briefly, offered a powerful reminder of why this work matters. The students’ curiosity, resilience, and warmth filled every moment.

My goal during this visit was clear: to gather stories, observations, and firsthand understanding that I could bring back and submit to MEDHA, strengthening Kolotaan’s case for much-needed funding. Seeing the teachers’ commitment and the students’ enthusiasm reaffirmed my belief that Kolotaan deserves a space that matches the depth of its mission.

This visit was not just a return, it was a continuation of a shared journey. One that I hope will soon lead to a permanent home where Kolotana’s students can learn, grow, and thrive.

A Tangible Impact: The Bathroom Project

This year, I was especially happy to see a much-needed improvement at the school: a functional bathroom for the children. This was made possible through the support of Medha USA, the nonprofit organization based in the U.S. that I have the privilege of volunteering with.

Medha USA, founded by a group of passionate Indian women, is dedicated to supporting grassroots education in India and underserved communities in the U.S. The organization believes that access to basic infrastructure—such as sanitation—directly impacts a child’s dignity, health, and ability to learn. The installation of a bathroom may seem like a small milestone, but for this school and these children, it is a transformative change. Seeing it firsthand made me feel deeply grateful for the ripple effect our efforts can create, even across continents.

What made this visit even more meaningful was the familiarity and warmth with which I was welcomed. There was a sense of continuity in the relationships we’ve built over time—relationships founded on trust, shared purpose, and mutual respect. It’s heartening to know that our support is not just seen as charity, but as genuine partnership.