PRATIDIN TIME IMPACT – Assam government announces Rs 50 lakh for Mother Old Age Home

– By Rameej Akhtar

What had started with trickle soon turned into a stream and then to a river as last evening Assam Government also joined hands with Pratidin Time's movement for shelter for aged people by offering Rs 50 lakh to the Mother's Old age home.

Taking part in the "Abhimat" program  of the Pratidin Time, where Editor in Chief Nitumoni Saikia started a campaign for the Mother's Old age home on August 23, the Assam Social welfare Minister Praneela Rani Brahma not only turned emotional but announced Rs 50 lakh.

When pointed out by Editor in Chief  r Saikia that similar sanction of Rs 3 lakh by previous Minister Akon Bora fell flat., Mrs Brahma promised that it would not recur.

It all started with a talk show on August 23. Pratidin Time's much loved show ABHIMAT, presented by Editor-in-Chief Nitumoni Saikia, brought forward a few aged parents and grandparents from the 'Mother Old Age Home' who have been neglected and left alone by their loved ones.

The particular episode was aimed at showcasing the hardships of saving and maintaining the rented place that houses Mother Old Age Home in Jyoti Nagar, Guwahati which is run and managed by a duo of two dedicated youth Utpal Harsavardhan and Monika Sarma to help these aged people live their lives happily. But recently, their land owner had not been of much help as they received a notice to evacuate the house owing to financial issues.

Pratidin Time was able to collect Rs 20 lakh within 20 hrs of broadcasting the show. Helped came in from across the State and country, and from land far away too. The figures are near about Rs 30 lakh in 96 hours now.

Through the show, she announced an Rs 50 lakh compensation for the construction and maintenance of the home. Tears soon turned into smiles. Tears of joy on the face of people present at the studio, especially Utpal Harsavardhan and Monika Sarma, who have fought a long battle with the property but whole of Assam stands by their side today.

Nitumoni Saikia constantly reminded everyone how serious the issue was and how any contribution would go a long way towards our campaign. And people of Assam have wholeheartedly made it a success. More than the success of our appeal, happiness lies in the fact that we contributed in turning tears and agony into smile for these people who only seek love and care, and nothing else.

All those who wish to stand with the campaign can send their donations to the following SBI account number of Mother old age home or may come to Pratidin Time's head office in Ulubari, Guwahati.

MOTHER OLD AGE HOME

A/C no 30949254557

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Monalisha Society, SBI, New Guwahati