In the true spirit of Mahalaya—a day that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil—IHA Foundation, in collaboration with Fun Learn Day Boarding School, brought light into the lives of the city’s most vulnerable children. The event, SEVA 2024, was a heartfelt initiative where more than 600 underprivileged children were provided with new clothes for the festive season and nutritious meals, offering them not just physical sustenance, but also hope and dignity.

As Mahalaya signals new beginnings and the arrival of Maa Durga, the children—many of whom face daily struggles with hunger, deprivation, and hardship—were embraced in an atmosphere of love, care, and compassion. The initiative by IHA Foundation went beyond addressing immediate needs; it made each child feel recognized, valued, and cherished, reminding them they are not alone in their fight for survival.

The radiant smiles and gleaming eyes of the children as they received new clothes for the festive season and enjoyed a hearty meal were truly moving. For many of them, this was more than just a provision of essentials—it was an act of restoring their self-worth and dignity, assuring them that they, too, deserve warmth, kindness, and a hopeful future. Often overlooked by society, these children were reminded that they are cared for, that their lives matter, and that a brighter tomorrow awaits them.

The event also took into consideration the elderly members of the underprivileged communities, distributing new clothes to them as part of the Durga Puja celebrations. Clothes were carefully segregated by size, age, and gender to ensure that every recipient, young or old, was provided with the appropriate clothing. This thoughtful approach ensured that not just children, but also the elderly, felt the warmth and care that SEVA 2024 embodied.

Durga Puja, the biggest festival of West Bengal, now recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a celebration that embodies inclusivity and the collective spirit of the community. In light of this, SEVA 2024 by IHA Foundation and Fun Learn Day Boarding School took on even greater significance as it ensured that the joy and warmth of this monumental festival reached every corner of society, including its most underprivileged members. The initiative reinforced the belief that Durga Puja is not just a festival for some, but for everyone. It is crucial that no child or individual is left out of the celebrations, as the true spirit of the festival lies in unity, compassion, and uplifting those who are often forgotten. This effort ensured that these children, too, could partake in the joy and festivity of Durga Puja, fostering a sense of belonging and shared cultural pride

Present at the event were Koneenica Banerjee (Actress and Film Personality), Shehnaz Quadery (Member, West Bengal Minorities Commission), Ashok Turakhia ( Jain Member, West Bengal Minorities Commission), Chandan Gupta (Rotary Club of Calcutta), Bikash Barua (Buddhist Member, West Bengal Minorities Commission), Senjuti (London), Aankhi Bhattacharya among other notable figures.

Speaking at the event, Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman of IHA Foundation, beautifully captured the essence of the day: “Mahalaya is a time for invoking the spirit of compassion and selfless service. At IHA Foundation, we believe that every child deserves warmth, nourishment, and hope. By sharing food and clothing today, we are not just meeting their physical needs—we are nurturing their spirits. Our mission is to be a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable, and together, we can truly change lives.”

Speaking at the event, Koneenica Banerjee added a deeply emotional touch, acknowledging the recent tragedy at RG Kar Medical College. "As we all know, we recently lost a young girl, and my heart aches for her and her family. In moments like these, it can be hard to find joy, but it’s precisely in such times that we need the spirit of Durga Puja the most. While we mourn our loss, we must also keep the light of the festival alive in our hearts—offering support, love, and care to those who need it the most. It is in their smiles that we find hope, and that is how we honor both the living and the lost."

“The SEVA 2024 campaign embodied the strength of community and the immense impact that collective compassion can have. Volunteers and supporters from IHA Foundation and Fun Learn Day Boarding School came together with dedication and love, ensuring that each child not only received warm clothing and a meal, but also felt the warmth of human connection. This was not just an act of charity; it was about restoring faith, spreading joy, and instilling a sense of belonging and hope in the hearts of these children.”, said Udita Chakraborty, Principal of Fun Learning Boarding Day School.

As the event concluded, there was a sense of collective purpose—a promise that this was just the beginning. IHA Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable and to bringing smiles to those who need it the most. The foundation vows to continue its mission of serving and supporting underprivileged communities, ensuring that no child is left behind.