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Adopt-A-Gran: India – Kolkata (Calcutta)

View Kolkata (Calcutta) grans waiting for adoption…

Kolkata was once the capital of India and the centre of political, educational, scientific and cultural activity.

Kolkata is now the third most populated city in India, with an extended metropolitan population of over 14 million. It is the capital of the state of West Bengal and is in eastern India on the east (or left) bank of River Hooghly. It struggles with issues of poverty, pollution, and lack of infrastructure.

After India received independence from Britain in 1947, the country was subsequently divided into the secular nation of India and the state of Pakistan. Many natives were shunned because of their lighter skin tones and European heritage. The war between India and Pakistan led to a massive influx of refugees, causing a large strain on housing and infrastructure. The name Calcutta was formally changed to Kolkata in 2001.

Many of the elderly in Kolkata are now faced with extreme poverty, and no where to live. Those who are lucky enough to have a room, face poor living conditions with little to no ventilation. Often, they are forced to pay a high price for a small room because of the lack of housing available.

There is little opportunity for the elderly to earn money so they often depend on outside support to survive. Those who have children depend on their help, but many have no children or other means of support.

For further information please contact Brenda Packer – Adopt-A-Gran coordinator at: adoptagran@helptheaged.ca

Newsletters

• Woman seeks help in assisting poor seniors in India
  (Kelowna Capital News, May, 2008)
• Our $37 Cure for Blindness
• Trip moves woman to help India's aged
  (Okanagan Sunday)

 

Images of Kolkata

Kolkata street scene		Jeannie and CAISS volunteers		Jeannie with a Gran		A group of CAISS Grans
Kolkata		Typical cooking/living area		Alleyway to a Gran's home		Typical room

 

Our Partners in Kolkata:

In Kolkata (Calcutta), India we are partners with one caring organization, the Calcutta Anglo-Indian Service Society (CAISS). CAISS was established in 1976 and is a small society dedicated to helping Anglo-Indians in need. It is run mainly by volunteers – other local Anglo-Indians. One of the programs offered by CAISS is the Night Shelter, which provides residents with food, shelter, and medical care. After a period of three months, once their dignity is restored, they are either found work or put into Homes for the Aged. Other local seniors and adopted Grans with permanent residents receive food and basic necessities on a monthly basis..