Voice of World

A famous quote by Robert Boyce -
'Knowledge is Power. Knowledge shared is Power multiplied'

To share knowledge and wisdom, a Seminar on "Assistive Devices" was organised at the Saltighat Centre of 'Voice of World' today (28/12/22).
The seminar was an initiative of Swapner Sathi, an NGO working towards supporting other NGOs and the underprivileged.
Two eminent speakers - Mr. Rajib Ghosh, a renowned scholar and Founder & CEO of Health Roads (a Health IT Consulting Firm based out of California, USA) and Ms. Angana Ghosh, also a renowned scholar and Director of Product Management of Google in USA left the audience spellbound with their insights and deliberations on the topic.
The composition of the audience was a mix community of Students of Voice of World Blind School, Inclusive School their Teachers, Students of VOW Teacher Training College, it's Faculty members and Officials of Voice of World.
The topic of the Seminar was very relevant as a large section of the Audience were Differently-abled persons for whom Assistive Devices holds a significance of paramount importance.
It was a very interactive session to say the least as there were a lot of feedbacks and suggestions from the audience, who are the regular users of the accessibility features of the Android platform, which Ms. Ghosh carried back as resource to work upon and improve at the backend at Google.
On behalf of 'Voice of World' we extend our sincere gratitude to Members of Swapner Sathi, Mr. Rajib Ghosh and Ms. Angana Ghosh for enriching us with such huge amount of information as resource.

Regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006637
Website: www.voiceofworld.net

Few years from now a Major Crisis is awaiting to hit us, atleast in this part of the World - as these days very few people are interested in taking up Agriculture as their livelihood or profession. There could be a number of genuine reasons for that but the bottomline would be that few years from now we shall have a lot of money in our pocket but hardly any foodgrains on our plate. The writing is on wall - those days are looming large and would come as a major disaster. Perhaps we won't have any place to hide as we donot have any plans, in place, to take us out of that situation.
Nature has given us so much of resources but we are not ready to utilise them for our basic needs, rather we are more interested to exploit it to meet our strange desires and commercial needs.
Very few have the passion left in them for agriculture and do wish to soil their hands to make agriculture a part of their lives.
In an effort to reverse that dangerous trend or atleast arrest it, though in a small way as per our ability, we at 'Voice of World' have taken up the Organic Farming Initiative with great seriousness and commitment.
The primary aim is to involve the next generation in the farming process by making it an integral part of their Education. In a way we are trying to make the Agricultural Training more interesting and full of fun so that the underprivileged & differently-abled children feel the urge to get actively involved which in turn might ignite their passion towards it.
Apart from the regular benefits of Organic Farming, perhaps this could be the most impactful one as it is aimed towards the future development of our society at large.
We do intend to primarily utilise the produce of the Organic Farming Initiative for nutritional purpose of the Underprivileged and Differently-abled Beneficiaries.
Few other regular realised advantages of Organic Farming which would benefit us are:
1) The produce would be free from chemical insecticides, fertilizers and thus would be with improved nutrional value and good for health of the beneficiaries thereby building on their immunity.
2) No more genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are grown. This helps to save a lot of costs and also makes organic farming efficient. The risk of mutations in crops also decreases as they are not genetically altered.
3) Soil Protection -
Organic farming gives added protection to the soil. Healthy soil is very important for the good growth of crops.
Higher soil fertility means higher yield! The soils are protected and remain healthy because chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are avoided in the farming process; this protects the soil and its fertility in the long run.
4) Healthy working environment around farms.
Organic farming creates a non-toxic working environment for people working around the farm. This is because organic farming aims to stop using chemicals that may create health problems among people working on the farm.
5) Resistance to pests and diseases.
The benefit of growing plants in healthy soil with adequate pH and nutritional status helps strengthen the immune system of the plant. This way, plants produced from organic farming have a higher resistance against pests and various diseases without the use of pesticides or genetically modifying them.
6) Fertilizers are made naturally and on-site
Organic farming increases the yield of crops by making fertilizers on-site using natural substances which include green manure, cover crops, and application of compost.
7) Opportunity to grow a variety of crops
Conventional farming is limited only to producing a limited variety of crops. Organic farming has the limitless capacity of producing a diverse variety of crops which could be utilised for consumption of our beneficiaries.
8) Climate friendly - Organic farming is a much more climate friendly process as it doesn’t require petroleum-based fertilizers and chemicals. The plants produced by organic farming help to store carbon thus reducing the greenhouse effect.
Less fossil fuel is utilized as organic farming requires more work from animals and manual labour. This way the plants also help to support the ecosystem around it and create biodiversity in it.
9) For the future, Organic farming doesn’t damage the soil; neither does it promote the process of desertification. This low input and restorative process helps to preserve the land for future generations.
All the above benefits would also add to Sustainability, which is the key to development and is also a Major Goal of 'Voice of World' to achieve in days to come.
We have actively commenced the Organic Farming Initiative at our centre at Saltighat and also at Kantadih, Purulia.

At the Saltighat Ashram the area available for farming is a bit more than 1 Acre. However presently we are able to utilise only a part of it for Vegetable farming and Fruit Trees. For the major portion a boundary wall or atleast a fencing needs to be provided before we start the farming activity. Presently groups have been formed amongst the children and given responsibility for watering, providing manure and taking care of the fruit trees and also the vegetable plantation area. They also take active part in the Compost Manure making process.
Though the Initiative is working well at the Saltighat Ashram, addition of Boundary Wall/ Fencing to the bigger farm area would add a lot of value and make it more meaningful. We need your support so that we can fully execute our plans and achieve desired results.
At the Kantadih Centre, Purulia we partner in running a Pre-Primary School where the students are predominantly Tribals but all are essentially Underprivileged.
At Kantadih we have undertaken Organic Farming in a farm spread over 6.5 Acres of land (on lease) adjacent to the school & hostel. We have sowed Mustard seeds in about 6 acres of land and would be utilising the balance area for growing Vegetables (already started), Potato, Onion etc.
The Vegetables are being grown for consumption by the School Hostel residents.
The primary aim for growing of Oilseeds is to reduce dependency on support received from donation of cooking oil for all our centres and thus add a bit of sustainability in our approach.
Agricultural Training and participation has been introduced as a mandatory activity in the Education system of the Pre Primary School.
We do need a lot of resources to meet the expenses for labour, irrigation, infrastructure, equipments, consumables etc.
We thus seek your support so that we can take this Organic Farming Initiative forward successfully to reap it's current benefits and create a major impact for the society in days to come.

With Kind Regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006637
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.voiceofworld.net
Please visit the page of 'Voice of World'

Inclusion inspired Bhaidooj Celebrations at 'Voice of World'

Today on the occasion of Bhaidooj/ Bhratridwitiya - Sisters of 'Voice of World' applied Sandalwood Bindi on the forehead of the Brothers seeking good wishes and safety of the brothers. Apart from other centres the Bhaiphonta Ceremony was celebrated at the Saltighat Ashram wherein Underprivileged & Differently-abled Children as well as Old Age Beneficiaries did take part in the event exchanging pleasantries and making the event Inclusive to the core.
Inclusion was prevalent in terms of their Ability/ Disability, Age, Religion, Gender, Economic Status and what not.
Beneficiaries from Behala Sakherbazar, Pratyasha (Thakurpukur) and Saltighat all gathered at the Saltighat Ashram for the celebrations which made the event have more grandeur and splendor.
Few guests also took part in the ceremony making it more colourful.
The children enjoyed every bit of the celebrations which also had sumptuous food in store for them.
All in all it was an event to remember as it has been extremely successful.

Regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006627
Website: www.voiceofworld.net
Please visit the page of 'Voice of World'

ভাইয়ের কপালে দিলাম ফোঁটা
যমের দুয়ারে পড়লো কাঁটা

ভ্রাতৃদ্বিতীয়া উপলক্ষে আজ (১৫/১১/২৩) নিষ্ঠা এবং আড়ম্বরের সাথে ভয়েস অফ ওয়ার্ল্ড-র সালতিঘাট কেন্দ্রে বোনেরা ভাইয়েদের কপালে ভাইয়েদের মঙ্গল কামনা করে চন্দনের ফোঁটা পরিয়ে দেয়। তার সাথে মিষ্টিমুখ ও শুভেচ্ছা, স্নেহ ও আশীর্বাদ বিনিময়ও হয়।
বিভিন্ন ধরনের প্রতিবন্ধী শিশু, প্রান্তিক শিশু এবং বৃদ্ধ, বৃদ্ধারাও এই অনুষ্ঠানে যোগ দেয় এবং অনুষ্ঠানকে প্রকৃত অর্থে অন্তর্ভুক্তিমূলক করে তোলে।
ভয়েস অফ ওয়ার্ল্ড এ আগত নতুন কন্যারা এই অনুষ্ঠানের মাধ্যমে অন্য ছাত্র-ছাত্রীদের সাথে পরিচিত হওয়ার সুযোগ পায় এবং ভাই ফোঁটা দিতে পেরে খুবই আনন্দিত হয়। বেহালা সখেরবাজার, প্রত্যাশা ও সালতিঘাট কেন্দ্রের বেশিরভাগ ভাই ও বোনেরা একত্রিত হওয়াতে অনুষ্ঠানটির মাধুর্য আরো বেড়ে যায়।
অনুষ্ঠানে কিছু অতিথিরাও ভাইফোঁটা নেন।
সালতিঘাটের কন্যারা খুবই সুন্দর ভাবে দায়িত্ব নিয়ে অনুষ্ঠানটি আয়োজন করে।
সার্বিকভাবে সব শিশুরাই অনুষ্ঠান এবং জলপান, দুটিই, খুব উপভোগ করে।

শৈবাল গুহ
ভয়েস অফ ওয়ার্ল্ড
মোবাইল: ৯৮৩০০০৬৬৩৭

A sixty member team from 'Voice of World' went to the Eden Gardens today to watch the Cricket World Cup '23 match between England and Pakistan live. The team consisted mainly of Underprivileged Beneficiaries and also Volunteers. It was all arranged by Kolkata Police as a part of their philanthropic initiative.
Apart from free tickets, sumptuous food and transportation were arranged and the team was even es**rted by a Pilot Vehicle. About 15 Police Officials were deployed for Team Voice of World. More than anything else, it was the love, affection and respect which the Police Officials exhibited left us in a state of awe and happiness.
Though the match was a one sided affair with England winning by 93 runs but the atmosphere and ambience was electrifying which the children thoroughly enjoyed.
The best moment of the day came when Shri Vineet Kumar Goyal, IPS - Hon'ble Police Commissioner of Kolkata came to the stands to meet the children and gifted them with chocolate hampers.
The whole initiative was his brainchild and we do express our gratitude for this.
Exposure of the underprivileged children in such world class events and arena might ignite their competitive spirit and also do a world of good in their self esteem.

Regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006637
Website: www.voiceofworld.net

When you start a day by plantation of saplings it perhaps symbolises your commitment towards making the world greener and making it a better place to live.
The 32nd Foundation Day of 'Voice of World' exactly started in the above fashion when Saplings of Fruit Trees were planted by the Underprivileged & Differently-abled Children at the Saltighat Ashram.
The above activity also epitomises Voice of World's effort towards taking on more responsibility and transforming lives.
Over the last 31 years Voice of World have been relentlessly striving to improve the lives of Underprivileged Differently-abled Beneficiaries through Education, Cultural & Sporting Training and Skill Development and thereby placing them in the mainstream of the society.
A Cultural Programme at the Behala Sakherbazar Centre rounded off the Day long Celebrations.
On this day we also pledge to become more responsible and work towards our goal of touching and transforming lives of the underprivileged thereby improving the society with all forms of inclusion.

Regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006637
Website: www.voiceofworld.net
Please visit the page of 'Voice of World'.

Kolkata dresses up in dazzling colours, creative pandals, electrifying banners during it's biggest festival of the year - The Durga Puja and who does not want to be a part of it ?
'Kolkata Police' made this happen today (20/10/23) for the Underprivileged and Differently-abled Beneficiaries of 'Voice of World' when they organized a full day Puja Parikrama where they were taken around the city to witness quite a few renowned and important Puja Pandals.
The sixty member team from 'Voice of World' consisted mainly of children and few Volunteers.
Two Airconditioned Buses, a Pilot Vehicle and few Police Officials were deployed for the Puja Parikrama. Refreshments, Sumptuous lunch were also provided to the team. The children enjoyed every moment of the Puja Parikrama which was hugely successful. The es**rt team from Kolkata Police very efficiently handled the tour for these children in the hugely crowded Puja Pandals and streets.
On behalf of 'Voice of World' we sincerely thank Kolkata Police, Kolkata Police Community Policing Wing and especially Shri Vineet Goyal, IPS - Commissioner of Police, Kolkata for arranging this memorable initiative.

With kind regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006637
Website: www.voiceofworld.net
Please visit the page of 'Voice of World'

In Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta) Tram was introduced as a mode of Public Transport way back in 1873. Tram has been a very successful mode of transportation and was an integral part of the lives of Calcuttans for a century and half. It is a very safe & non-polluting transport system and was a pride of Kolkata. Trams were so popular that over the years it has become a Heritage of the City of Joy - Kolkata.
However due to reasons known to a few there is a concerted effort been taken to abolish Tram from Kolkata. Political and Economic reasons are being cited as most important reasons ignoring the Environmental, Safety, Heritage values thus creating a bad precedence.
On completion of 150 years of Introduction of Tram in Kolkata an initiative has been launched by Calcutta Tram Users Association in collaboration with 'Switch On' (an NGO)to organise Tram Yatra (Tram Tour around the city) to spread awareness and sensitize Kolkatans about the issues.
About 25 underprivileged & differently-abled children of 'Voice of World' today participated in such a Tram Yatra which started from Gariahat Tram Depot to Esplanade and to Shyambazar Depot thereafter returning to Gariahat via Esplanade.
The Tram Yatra was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm by the public enroute.
During the fun filled trip the children of 'Voice of World' were also explained about the operations of Tram, it's pros and cons and the trip was very enriching and educative.

Regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006637
Website: www.voiceofworld.net

Underprivileged Children of 'Voice of World' practising Pranayam & Eye exercise during their Daily Early Morning Class for Life Education

It is always important to add education in every step of life and that makes life extremely meaningful and fulfilling.
Few Underprivileged and Differently-abled students of 'Voice of World' were taken to the Dooars area in North Bengal for a Nature Study Trip from 27th August to 31st August, 2023. The first leg of the trip was conducted in the Putharjhora Tea Garden near Odlabari. This leg of the Nature Study Trip was supported by Tea Promoters India, the owners of this Tea Garden.
The Putharjhora Tea Garden is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the Dooars area.
The scenic beauty around the Tea Garden is absolutely fascinating with lush green surroundings, intermittent large trees, mountain streams.
The children had a first hand learning experience which started from plucking of tea leaves in the garden and thereafter processing of the tea, leaves to a stage ready for making the drinkable tea, in the Tea Factory.
Respected Manager of the Tea Garden took the responsibility of taking the team all around the Factory and the Tea Garden and explained every bit of the whole process. It was a major learning experience for the children which could become very handy for their future.
On the second day it was the turn of the children to deliver. They put up a splendid cultural show in front of an audience of more than 100, comprising of Factory Officials, Garden Supervisors, Garden & Factory Workers etc.
The performance of the Differently-abled students did leave the audience spellbound and showed them that disability can not be a barrier in terms of capabilities of anyone.
A Disability Identification & Awareness Camp was also arranged after the cultural performance.
About eight Persons with Special Needs did get their name registered for further rightful services.
On third day the team travelled to Naxalbari (located about 20 Kms. from Siliguri) where they took part in a Rakshabandhan Utsav. This Rakshabandhan Utsav organized by Alor Thikana (a unit of Voice of World) was a bit different. It was an initiative where Differently-abled Children tied Rakhis on the arms of Able-bodied Persons. The team of Differently-abled children then visited few Banks, Police Station, Railway Office to tie Rakhi on the arms of the Officials of those Offices to spread happiness and develop public relations.
Throughout the tour, major emphasis was given to put education in each step or activity to add value in the lives of the underprivileged and differently-abled children.

Regards,
Saibal Guha
Voice of World
Mob: 9830006637
Website: www.voiceofworld.net
Please visit page of Voice of World.

তোমাদের এই শুভেচ্ছা সব
মন যে আমার গেলো ছুঁয়ে,
ধন্যবাদ ও কৃতজ্ঞতায়
হৃদয়খানি গেলো নুয়ে।

মায়ের কাছে চাইবো কি আজ
সবই তো দেন নিত্য ঢেলে,
চাইবো - কৃতজ্ঞতার আলো
থাকে হৃদয়ে - সদাই জ্বলে।

পেলাম অনেক পুরস্কার
ক্ষুদ্র আমার এই জীবনে,
সবার সেরা - মানবজীবন
মন তা আমার - সদা মানে।

পশু পাখি তরুলতা
কতো প্রাণী - রাশি রাশি,
প্রতিদিনই তাদের মুখে
ফোটাই যেন কেবল - হাসি।

রোজই মাগো দিচ্ছো কতই
প্রতিদানে দিই না মোটে,
তোমার আশিস্ নিত্য যে পাই
তাই তো মোদের অন্ন জোটে।

আজকে না হয় একটু দিলাম
চাওয়ার মাঝে - একটু দেওয়া,
তোমার - চরণমাঝে সমর্পণই
শ্রেষ্ঠ দেওয়া - শ্রেষ্ঠ পাওয়া।

সৎসাহসে - মাথা উঁচু
আর হৃদয় ভরুক - কৃতজ্ঞতায়,
তোমাদের এই ভালবাসা
মোর জীবনের হোক - সঞ্চয়।

শৈবাল গুহ
২৯শে জুলাই, ২০২৩

পঞ্চায়েতের নির্বাচনে
(আজ) চলছে ভোটাভুটি,
সেই কারণেই আজকে মোদের
ইস্কুলেরও ছুটি।

টাপুর টুপুর বৃষ্টি সাথে
আজকে ভারী মজা,
আঙ্কেল যে খিচুড়ি রাঁধে
সঙ্গতে মাছ ভাজা।

শালতিঘাটে এসো সবাই
আজকে হবে ভোজ,
সুস্বাদু এই ভোজের খবর
পাবে না রোজ রোজ।

রোজই মোরা শিখছি কতই
নেইকো হেথা দুখ,
হলফ করে বলতে পারি
হেথায় ভারী সুখ।।

ভয়েস অফ ওয়ার্ল্ড-র ছাত্র ছাত্রীরা
৮ই জুলাই, ২০২৩