Dashbal Shishu Sadan in Rangamati
<i>A beacon of hope for poor children </i>
“I got a safe shelter and can study here. I feel fine. I can live and eat enough,” Sobinoy Chakma, a class seven student of Kharangipara High School, said expressing his happy feelings at Dashbal Shishu Sadan, a children's home at remote Chelchhara in Ghagra union under Kaukhali upazila.
Sobinoy, hailing from Shrinagar of Barahorina union under Barkal upazila, is one of the 30 helpless boys who have found the children's home a safe and happy abode.
Nanda Basu Sthabir, a Buddhist monk of Chelchhara Bouddha Bihar established the 'Shishu Sadan' in 2001 on ten decimals of land beside Chelchhara Bouddha Bihar.
“Monk Nandu Basu got me admitted to the school last year after an UP member handed me over to him. The monk pays my school fee every month. Everything including paper, pen, pencil and books are also provided by him,” said Sobinoy.
Like Sobinoy, many other children from different inaccessible villages have got shelter at the Shishu Sadan.
“I want the poor boys in rural areas to get chance to study through my institution. So, I always think for them,” Nanda Basu said.
Social Welfare Department provides Tk 700 for a student every month. Ten students of the sadan receive help from the department. The rest are provided by Nanda Basu.
Bangladesh Army from Rangamati region has extended its helping hand to the Shishu Sadan.
The then commander of Ghagra zone, Lt Col Joglu built the house, said Nanda Basu.
As the house became unfit for living for the school-going boys due to its dilapidated condition earlier this year, Bangladesh Army from Sadar zone of Rangamati Brigade recently renovated it with money from their funds, sources said.
“Basically, we ensure the infrastructural facilities. We make arrangement for repair work whenever necessary. We are also going to start financial assistance to the Sadan,” said Lt Col Tareque, commander of Sadar zone.
Moti Lal Chakma, vice president of the managing committee of Shishu Sadan, said they are very happy that many poor boys from different areas can stay there and get chance to study.
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