The Journey of Hope in Kolkata’s Slums

The Journey of Hope in Kolkata’s Slums

In the bustling city of Kolkata, amidst the sprawling slums of Hastings, a remarkable project titled “I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y” was underway. This project has several vital objectives in addition to provide age-appropriate education to the underprivileged children of the slums – obtaining government documents to establish identities of individuals being  one of the other several objectives.

On the 12th of October 2023, two dedicated teachers, Ms. Papiya Bauri and Ms. Atiya Mehboob, embarked on a mission to the heart of the city, the head office of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in Esplanade. Their purpose was both noble and essential: to register the births of two young souls and obtain their birth certificates.

Upon their arrival at the KMC office, they encountered a seemingly endless queue of hopeful parents and caretakers, all seeking the same recognition for their beloved children. With patience and perseverance, Ms. Papiya and Ms. Atiya proceeded to the counter to initiate the birth registration process. They were greeted with a piece of crucial advice – to visit the official website of e-District West Bengal, the government’s dedicated portal for birth registrations.

There, on the digital platform, they embarked on a journey filled with hope, determination, and paperwork. The process was explained in detail, including the required documents and the precise procedure for uploading these vital records. As the last document found its digital home on the portal, they were advised to return to the KMC Desk, this time bearing the originals of all the documents they had meticulously uploaded.

Days turned into weeks, and the 3rd of November arrived. Once again, our two resilient teachers made their way to the KMC office, steadfast in their commitment to these young lives. Their dedication was rewarded with an appointment at 12:30 to collect the Birth Certificates.

The clock’s hands moved slowly, and a hushed anticipation filled the air as they waited patiently. Then, the moment arrived when their names were called – a moment that was a culmination of months of hard work, persistence, and hope. They collected the Birth Certificate of Salah Haroon, currently aged 2 years, and the joy that radiated from their faces was nothing short of heartwarming.

But the mission was not complete. The birth certificate of another child, a 9-year-old named Ranveer Bhuiya, still awaited recognition. Ms. Papiya and Ms. Atiya did not falter; they submitted the necessary documents, an application, and Xerox copies of the parents’ ID proofs for Ranveer.

The final step on this journey was now underway, and they were asked to return after 15 days to collect the certificate of young Ranveer. It was a period filled with hope and anticipation, a countdown to the moment when Ranveer Bhuiya’s identity would also be officially acknowledged.

In the heart of Kolkata, in the midst of adversity and challenges, these teachers stood as beacons of hope and determination, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, received the recognition and identity they deserved. Their journey is a testament to the power of compassion and the difference that a few dedicated individuals can make in the lives of those they touch.