Asansol: Bengal's Durga Utsav is vibrant, extending joy even to those whose lives lack such colors. Located in Ismail, Asansol, the 'Swa-Shakti Sadan Home' houses orphan and abused women who are forced to live within four walls year-round for security reasons. For the past 10 years, social worker Biswanath Mitra has been bringing moments of joy to their lives during Durga Utsav by taking them for pandal visits. This year, bus arrangements were made by former Mayor-in-Council member Gurudas Chatterjee alias Rocket, and financial aid was sent from the US by expatriate Paul Upadhyay. Home Superintendent Serina Mondal and former Railway School Headmistress Ranjana Munshi oversaw security.
Transcending differences of religion, caste, and language, the women visited various puja pandals across Asansol, Burnpur, and Kalyanpur, enjoying the lights, idols, and crowds. Returning home with dinner packets, their eyes gleamed with satisfaction and happiness.
