Hasnabad, July 18: A three-day series of social welfare programmes was organised from 16 to 18 July at the Community Hall adjacent to the Hasnabad BDO Office under the management and supervision of Joygram Social Welfare Society, with the support of the Central Bureau of Communication. The programmes focused on education, agriculture, women’s self-reliance, disability welfare and cultural activities, attracting the participation of several hundred people over the three days.
The inaugural day began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, the National Anthem, and patriotic dance and musical performances. The programme was attended by Mr. Samir Mondal, Block Development Officer, Hasnabad Block; Mr. Mrinal Kanti Hayat, Assistant Director, Central Bureau of Communication; and Mr. Ariful Islam Mandal, Founder Member of Joygram Social Welfare Society. More than one hundred students participated in a drawing competition. Winners in three different categories were awarded first, second and third prizes, while all participating students received educational materials and participation prizes.
During the first session of the second day, an agriculture awareness workshop was organised for more than one hundred coconut farmers from different parts of Hasnabad Block. Ms. Mridula K., Deputy Director, Coconut Development Board, West Bengal, delivered a detailed presentation on coconut cultivation, establishment of quality nurseries, the Coco Mitra Care programme, and various schemes of the Government of India. She informed the participants that, under the Government guidelines, farmers are eligible to receive financial assistance of up to ₹350 per coconut tree for maintenance. Ms. Sritama Biswas, Project Development Officer of the Board, highlighted the future prospects of coconut cultivation, skill enhancement and opportunities for farmers to become self-reliant.
The second session was attended by more than two hundred members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from different Gram Panchayat areas of Hasnabad Block. Mr. Ashok Roy, former Government of India official, spoke on self-employment, food processing, establishment of micro-enterprises and various Government subsidy schemes. His address inspired the participating women to develop self-reliant entrepreneurial initiatives.
The third session of the day featured an entertaining magic show. Distinguished guests included social worker Mr. Nimai Das; Hasnabad Panchayat Samiti members Mr. Prasenjit Bhowmik, Mr. Biswajit Sardar, Mr. Arvind Mondal and Ms. Nilima Mondal; Joint Block Development Officer Mr. Somnath Ghosh; Mr. Kalyan Saha, President of Joygram Social Welfare Society; Mr. Piar Ali Gaine, Secretary; Mr. Afsar Gazi, Special Project Coordinator; Mr. Khagendranath Mondal, and several other eminent personalities.
On the third and concluding day, the first session comprised a special awareness programme on the Niramay Health Insurance Scheme and Legal Guardianship for more than one hundred persons with disabilities and their family members from Hasnabad and Hingalganj Blocks. The session was addressed by Mr. Tapan Kar, former President of PARIVAAR Bengal and National Vice-President of PARIVAAR – National Confederation of Parents’ Organisations (PARIVAAR-NCPO). Persons with cerebral palsy, autism, multiple disabilities and intellectual disabilities, along with their family members, participated in the programme.
The concluding session featured traditional Santali Dance and Kati Dance performances. Mr. Joy Ganguly, representative of the Central Bureau of Communication, attended the programme as the Special Guest along with several eminent social workers from the locality.
According to the organisers, the three-day programme successfully conveyed a positive message on education, agriculture, women’s self-reliance, disability welfare and social awareness, thereby contributing to the overall welfare and empowerment of the community.
