The sunny-cool breezes of December 10, Human Rights Day, wafted SIB members to a Kanakapura village trip. Sudha Manandi organised an eye check-up camp in association with B W Lions Eye Hospital.
It was heartwarming to support the screening of the young as well as the old. About 90 children from 6 to 12 years as well as senior citizens were checked. President Mamtha Ghosh gave various talks on Good touch-Bad touch, safety, health, children’s rights and duties. SIB member Menaka, well-known TV anchor, drew the children into some intricate dance steps and designs.
Mamta, Dr Margaret, Menaka, Bharti and Sudha, she distributed school bags for 90 children, as well as hygienically-packed food packets for 200. Women were sounded on their rights, including favourable work conditions, a good standard of living, physical and mental wellness, the value of speaking up against violence and menstrual hygiene.
Some women wanted to know whether they could open cottage industries and get support in vocational training. It was heartening to hear the women express their desire to open bank accounts. Some of them even had Internet connections. SIB showed them how it could help them in their everyday lives.
The end of the day brought down the curtains on a memorable Human Rights Day for SIB.