Mukti Annual Report 2008 2009 - Asha for Education

MUKTIAnnual Report2008-2009Let’s Serve the NeedyA Non-Profit Socio-Economic Development Trust(Registered under Government of India Trust Act – Section 64)MUKTIPurba Sridharpur,Raidighi, 24 Pargs(south)WB, India, 743383+91 3174 214454nfo@muktiweb.orgwww.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Make the Difference and Move ForwardTable of ContentPage 1(Page) Title(2) Inauguration of MuktiPublic Library(3) Birth of Mukti for SocialDevelopment(4) Brief Status Report ofMukti for Social Development(5) TSS Award Ceremony inBankura(5) TSS Award Ceremony atJU, Kolkata(6) Village Computer LiteracyProgram at Kakdwip(7) Village Computer LiteracyProgram at Hooghly(7) Site visit at Purbashridhar-pur, Raidighi(8) Annual Board MeetingMukti 2008-0909(9) Mukti India Board of Trus-tees(10) Mukti Site Visit ReportDecember 2008(12) 2008 Balance Sheet(13) Income & ExpenditureStatement 2008-0909(15) Mukti’s EducationalCamp 2009(15) Annual KankandighiSports Events(16) Mukti Kakdwip ChapterBroad of TrusteesThe Mukti movement started in 2003in Sunderbans delta of West Bengal by few energeticidealists who envisioned a world, wherehunger was unheard of and health and educationwere basic rights. “Jodi tor daak shune keu naaase, tobe ekla cholo re’ (If they don’t answer tothy call, walk alone. Open your mind and speakalone till it reaches the subconscious of all! ) wasthe mantra that these people believed in.Since its conception Mukti has grown into asuccessful organization, drawing dedicated volunteersfrom around the world, who are leadingvarious projects that help boost local economy,education health and culture. Our country is aland of potentials, but how can one provide educationfor his off springs, when it is an everydaybattle to bring food to the table? With the help ofworld wide individualdonors, Mukti’sTSS (Talented StudentScholarship)program is currentlysponsoring hundredsuch meritorious butneedy studentswhose academiccareer would havehad come otherwiseto an abrupt end.This year’s IndependenceDay alsoset milestone forMukti’s movement against illiteracy as a publiclibrary dedicated to local needy was inauguratedin Nagendrapur of Sunderbans delta. Mukti isdetermined to carry the torch in the race againstilliteracy so that no children are left behind. It isa monumental task but someday we would reachour goal with generous help from you. There isno “right time”! Let us start TODAY!Mukti believes in sustainable growth and developmentin the rural areas by using non-arablelands. It undertook Coconut Plantation project inSunderban, where coconuts will be grown inhigh saline lands that are otherwise unusable.Even the majority of the usable lands are singlecrop, causing hardship for small farmers. Thissimple, sustainable yet high impact projectcaught immediate attention of the highest governmentofficials. The Central Government ofIndia extended its aid for the project by grantinga good amount for the current year and promisedeven more in the upcoming years. This is definitelysignificant asthis is the first time aNREGA (NationalRural EmploymentGuarantee Act) hassupported a projectsponsored by a NGOin West Bengal andalso by far it is thelargest project sponsoredby Mukti. Needlessto mention thatthis project would haveDuring TSS Award Ceremony at JU in Nov 2008Visit Us www.muktiweb.orgSankar Haldera tremendous ecological as well as socioeconomicalimpact creating considerable mandays of direct employment and much more indirectly,boosting the local economy within a fewyears time.There are myriadNGOs that are currentlyactive for ruraldevelopment in India.What is Mukti’suniqueness? ManyNGOs have got thefund but do not haveaccess to the remotest,underdevelopedareas. Mukti’s grassrootlevel volunteersare bridging thesetwo groups; the donorsand the recipients.For example, the vocational training, throughwhich Mukti plans to train the local workforce inmarketable skills, would increase the earning potentialand make them self-reliant. This is capitolintensive which demands a proper infrastructure inorder to receive grant from Central Government.Asha-USA extended their help to make vocationaltraining project a reality. Mukti has also successfullyinitiated revenue generating environmentallysustainable psici-culture projects. In future with allthese skilled workers, Mukti envisions formingself-help groups to transform them into selfsufficiententrepreneurs.We are looking forward to do much more in comingyears than what we have done so far. Longways to go and we do not have any room of takingrest or self-satisfaction. We have to defeat our- Sankar Halder, PresidentMukti India

Annual Report | 2008-2009Inauguration of Public Library at NagendrapurIndia marks the sixty-second IndependenceDay on August 15 this year (2008). Since our independenceboth central and state governments have undertakenmajor initiatives including land reform, roadconstruction, economic liberalization etc. towards thedevelopment of Modern India. However, we the role ofNGOs towards the integrated development of bothurban and rural areas cannot undermined. Mukti is onesuch organization, dedicated to upliftment of underprivilegedwith better health, and education. Its activityis primarily focused on remote areas of the Sunderbansincluding village Nagendrapur in South 24 Parganas.This year the Independence Day brought a specialsense of achievement and joyfulness in the communityas a public library built by Mukti with funding from‘Asha for Education’ was inaugurated. There are quitea few primary schools as well as high schools in thearea. But, the students had no access to books for furtherstudies once they finish schools. Others such as theolder people or bookworms who could not afford tobuy books will also be immensely benefited by thislibrary project. Books broaden the mind and knowledgeis power.Many distinguished guests were present to celebratethis auspicious day along with the Mukti volunteers.Among them were Sudhir Mallick, senior manager ofTCS, Nirapada Debnath, head master of Jata Nagendrapurhigh school; Nimai Pradhan; PanchugopalMuktiHal-which would be beneficial for the common people. Mr.Public Libraryder, the village head; Mr. Subimol Guria; GodadhorHalder; Mr. Purnendu Naiya, member of ZillaParishad. The students from the 8-coaching centers runby the Mukti volunteers and employee arranged a culturalprogram. The program was presided by Mr. SubimolGuria. The guests were welcomed by Bulbuli Mandaland her group by presenting a flower bouquet tothem. The ceremony began at 10:30 am with flag hoistingby Madhusudan Bairagi, the general secretary ofMukti followed by a colorful parade organized by allthe students of the coaching centers. The local talentsmade the program a great success by performing dance,recitation, and patriotic songs.In his speech, the president Subimol Guria, remindedeveryone that even though China formed the republictwo years later than Indian independence, it is muchahead of India now in every respect. And we cannotsimply blame on population, as China is the mostpopulous country of the world. So if China can rise toan advanced nation what has kept us behind? One ofthe main reasons is lack of education. Building a libraryfor the unprivileged community will definitelyfurther strengthen the movement to eradicate illiteracy.Panchugopal Halder commented that we cannot justrely on the government for development, we need helpfrom non-government organizations as well. PraisingMukti’s initiatives, he added that this would set up anexample of common people taking the reins of developmentin their own hands for betterment of their society.Purnendu Naiya while introducing Sankar Halder,Mukti’s founder and president, proclaimed that willforcecould overcome any difficulties however hard itmay be. He further commented that if someone sets hismind to help mitigate the evils of society nothing couldstop him. Sankar Halder is one such pioneer Mr. Naiyawas so impressed by Mukti’s dedication that he promisedto get involved to make it a difference for the society.The chief guest Sudhir Mallick recognized the dedicationof the Mukti’s volunteers to make this library projecta success. He also greatly admired Mukti’s effortsto make the society a better place for everyone. Hepromised that TCS would try to develop software’s,Mallick inaugurated the library building, which wasfollowed by release of white doves to symbolize peaceand harmony.The ceremony ended with planting of trees. All thedistinguished guests along with students planted 1500trees. In his brief message, Sankar Halder mentionedthe necessity for afforestation in order to prevent naturalcalamities and land erosions. The delta of Sunderbanis a unique eco system with so much natural biodiversity.Mukti is determined to put all the efforts topreserve this land and make it more beautiful.Inauguration Ceremony ofPublic Library“Building a library forthe unprivilegedcommunity willdefinitely furtherstrengthen themovement to eradicatethe illiteracy of oursociety”Ribbon Cutting CeremonyInside the new libraryPage 2Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Birth of Mukti for Social Development, USAGreetings to all fromUnited States. We are the newestmembers of the Mukti family andwould like to introduce ourselves toall the Mukti members and volunteersaround the world. Mukti’s workand dedication to foster self-reliantand thriving communities amongstlow-income and under-privileged inWest Bengal, India, keep inspiringmany of us in USA.Most of the members have been livingin the US for quite some time nowbut have been longing to give back tothe country and community they camefrom. However, lot of us could notfind a suitable group that has grassroot level organization in India andwould let us get involved in all levelsof the organization and not be justdonors.Then Sankar Haldar, President ofMukti India came to US and got connectedto many of us through Orkut.He introduced us to Mukti and explainedits goals and achievements.We all were very impressed thatMukti could accomplish so much insuch a short period of time. WithSankar’s encouragement and activeparticipation the interested began tomeet through phone conference as lotof participants were from differentcorners of US. Everybody agreed thatMukti was the platform that all of uswere looking for. Thus we started theinformal Mukti USA chapter to explorethe ideas to help Mukti India.As time progressed we figured the US volunteers talents wouldbe best utilized by not only raising funds but also design, writereports, grant proposals and presentations for projects andmaintain the Mukti website. We figured that to be seriousabout our commitment to Mukti’s goal we need to be registeredas a non-profit in the US. Thus we started the process ofregistering the Mukti USA chapter as an independent nonprofit organization in California, USA. It took months butfinally we were registered as a California Non Profit PublicBenefit Corporation on April 2008. We could not get the firstchoice of name “Mukti USA” but had to settle for “Mukti forSocial Development” which seemed appropriate too. We arenow in the process of applying for 501(c) tax exempt status.From the beginning, Mukti for Social Development focused onraising funds for the talented but needy students of the TSS. TheUS volunteershave also beenworking ond e s i g n i n g ,writing reportsand grant propo s al s fo rN a R K E L(Coconut Plantation),SelfHelp Group,V o c a t i o n a lTraining projects.We haveactively helpingMukti Indiaco-ordinate with other US nonprofits like ASHA, AID etc. InNovember of 2008 we distributedaround Rs.50,000 ($1200USD) amongst the TSS studentscollected from US volunteersand well wishers in an AwardCeremony at Jadavpur Universityin Kolkata. There is an ongoingeffort to collect morefunds for the TSS project.Mukti for Social Developmentwould focus on promoting andsponsoring activities to improveeducation, heighten social andenvironmental awareness andfoster community developmentin India, organizing culturalactivities in USA to raise awarenessamongst the local communities about the plight of the underprivilegedof India, organizing meetings, seminars and discussionforums in US to solicit ideas and working with MuktiIndia to achieve common goals.We are really excited to partnering with Mukti India and togetherwe hope to help the underprivileged in West Bengal,India. Go Mukti!!- Samitinjoy Pal , PresidentMukti for Social DevelopmentPage 3Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Brief Status Report of Mukti for Social DevelopmentFollowing months ofdiscussion and conference callsvolunteers of Mukti USA chapterdecided to register as a non-profitcorporation so that we would raisefunds, organize meetings and helpMukti India without any legalhindrance. After months of effortwe were able to finalize on ourArticles of Corporation. Even thenwe had to go through two roundsGift of the MagiRijul’s “annaprashan” or therice eating ceremony wasspecial in more ways thanone. Symbolizing not onlyRijul’s journey towards neweravenues, it allowed many totread paths that they maynever have been able to otherwise.Thanks to Indraniand Saswata, a couple fromSan Diego California, whorequested donations towards charitable institutions likeMukti in lieu of gifts to commemorate the auspicious occasion.Mukti received a handsome amount while Indrani,Saswata and Rijul deserve accolades for such an inspirationalgesture towards Mukti.With registration completed westarted writing our CorporationBylaws and once that was completed,we held elections to electour Board of Directors and executivecommittee on June 27, 2008.Raja Ghosh was Chaired the ElectionCommittee and declared thefollowing results:The Board of Directors adoptedthe by-laws on July 3, 2008 andMukti for Social Developmentstarted in full swing.While the registration process wasongoing we have collected fundsfor TSS project some of which(approx. Rs.50,000 / $1200USD) was disbursed at an AwardCeremony at Jadavpur Universityin Kolkata. We plan to releasesome more funds in nearfuture. Our volunteers have beenhelping Mukti India design,write reports and grant proposalsfor NaRKEL (Coconut Plantation),Vocational Training projectsboth of which are nowfunded. ASHA is funding thevocational training project, whileNaRKEL is funded by the Governmentsof India and West Bengal.We have actively helpingMukti India co-ordinate with otherUS non profits like ASHA, AIDetc.Several US team members havevisited Sundarban sites multipletimes. The field trips were verywell organized. All our volunteerswere very satisfied with progressof the ongoing projects. The directinteraction with the grass rootlevel Mukti volunteers and projectmanagers were very rewardingExecutive CommitteePresidentSamitinjoy PalSecretaryBroad of DirectorsChairmanMemberMemberMemberGayatri PalTreasurerSujan ChaudhuriSatyajit RoyIndrani Talukdarof discussion with the Governmentbefore we were registered asa California non Profit PublicBenefit Corporation in April 2008.We have also opened a bank accountto deposit all funds receivedand completed all governmentformalities. We are in the processof applying for 501(c) IRS taxexempt status.and helped US volunteers get firsthand experience on the differentprojects.- Gayatri Pal , SecretaryMukti for Social DevelopmentDebargha DattaPage 4Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Annual TSS Award Ceremony in BankuraEducation is considered as a birthright of very child. Education builds minds; and thoughtful, creative,sensitive and energetic minds are needed to build a nation's future. Mukti has taken the above tenet toheart. Talented Student Sponsorship (TSS) is one such program of Mukti operating Bankura and other remotestregions of West Bengal. Mukti is committed to improve education, develop social and environmental awarenessand foster community development in the low-income, underdeveloped communities of India, includingsome of the remotest villages of West Bengal.Annual TSS Award Ceremony inBankuraFor the past two years TSS program in Bankura has been operating successfully, where a growing number oftalented but needy students are being sponsored within the scope of the project.On 25 th December, 2008, the annual TSS award ceremony was organized in Bheduasol, Bankura. The eventattracted a large crowd. The meeting was presided by the Guest of Honor ABTA secretary Mr. Sukumar Paine.The other distinguished guests included Mr. Kalipada Das, the Head Masterof Bheduasol, and Mr. Rajkumar Mahanty, the local Panchayat Pradhanof the region.Mukti Bankura chapterhas sponsored 25(twenty five) studentsthis fiscal yearMukti Bankura chapter hassponsored 25 (twenty five) students this fiscalyear. This was definitely in the right direction from last year, where14 (fourteen) students received the scholarships. Students of Science andArts were handed over Rs. 2200 and Rs. 1100 respectively, which coversfor initial three months.Panchayat Pradhan promised helping Mukti with all necessary means forits future endeavor. Mr. Sukumar Paine promised to help acquiringbooks for the library project. This event facilitated an interactive face toface meeting between the Mukti officials and students.Annual TSS Award Ceremony inBankuraTSS Award Ceremony at Jadavpur University, KolkataMukti has long recognized that lack of education is one of the root-causes of economicbackwardness in the remotest parts of West Bengal including Sundarbans, and everywhere else in ourcountry. Mukti is determined to usher in a change by sponsoring talented but needy students throughTalented Student Sponsorship (TSS) program. This program, in it second year, is currently supportingmore that 100 students in the area.Student Receiving Support under TSSAn annual TSS award ceremony was organized at Triguna Sen auditoriumof Jadavpur University (JU) on 7 th November, 2008 by Mukti-JUvolunteers. The distinguished guests present at the meeting wereMr.Satyaki Bhattacharya, the Controller of Examination, JadavpurUniversity, Professor Dulal Mondal, Professor Gautam Mazumder,Professor Budhhadeb Orao, Mr. Rajat Roy, the Dean of Students,Jadavpur University.The program was presided by Sankar Halder, one of the key members and President of Mukti. The beneficiariesincluded 113 students from the remotest parts of Sundarbans, Hoogly and Bankura. The profile of the studentsvaried from being enrolled in medical, engineering, and high school standards.Student Receiving TSS CheckIn his opening speech, Mr. Satyaki Bhattacharya, praised Mukti’s effort in bringing ‘education for all’ and eradicatingun-equality in society. He recited a poem that he composed dedicating to Mukti. Mr. Budhhadeb Orao, in hisspeech recollected his childhood memories of economic hardships and struggles to continue his education. He recognizedMukti’s hard work and inspired the Mukti workers as well as the students to keep up their good work. Mr. Mazumder was thrilled to learnabout Mukti’s activities as he also is involved in similar social work. He was highly impressed with Mukti’s progress and showed interest to joinMukti. In the closing speech Mr. Biswanath Mondal, a Mukti volunteer, asked the students to stay focused in achieving their goal and make all thehard work of the Mukti volunteers a success.Page 5Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Village Computer Literacy Program (VCLP) in KakdwipTCS - Maitree (Kolkata), along with Muktihas initiated the Village Computer Literacy Program(VCLP). VCLP is designed to provide computereducation to village students and youth. TataConsultancy Services Ltd., Kolkata has donated 12computers for the purpose. In the first phase of theproject one computer laboratory has been set up inKasinagar High School near Kakdwip (about 90 Kmsfrom Kolkata). This school has current enrollment of750 students. Mukti and TCS- Maitree volunteers aretraining the teachers under Faculty DevelopmentProgram.On 21 st September, 2008, the computer lab for VCLPproject was inaugurated at Kashinagar High School inKakdwip.VCLP project is VillageComputer Literacy Programdesigned by Mukti to spreadcomputer literacy in villages.The computer lab was set upin the school with the help of‘Mukti-Kakdwip’, which is anew chapter of Mukti. Fourcomputers were installed inthe lab. The computers weredonated by Tata ConsultancyServices Ltd., Kolkata.VCLP Project ComputersKashinagar is a small village in the Sunderban Deltasand is located about 90 kms from Kolkata. Cuurently,755 students are enrolled in Kashinagar High School,most of whom belong to economically backwardfamilies. The school could not afford a computer lab,as a result,, the students lacked the basic computerskills. The Principal, Mr Shyamal Kumar Samataunderstood the importance of having a computer ladfacility in the school and acted immediately to thestart the program. ThisThe students decorated the lab with flowers and balloons.They were very excited to get the glimpse ofthe machine which most of them had never seen earlier.Volunteers of Mukti – Kakdwip installed themachines in the lab. Lots of people were invited.Among the invited guests were Mr.Monturam Pakhira(ex-MLA from Kakdwip), Mr. Dipak Patra (Head ofVillage Panchayat Samiti), Mr. Gopal Chandra Das(Principal) and Mr. Ithirab Saha (Secretary of theSchool Committee ).Even some guardians of students,Principals and teachers of other schools were alsopresent.The chief guests for the occasion were:-Mr. Tomojeet Chakraborty (Head of CorporateSustainability Team, TCS Kolkata) and Mr. KironkantiKar (Coordinator of TSS project Mukti India).The chief guests accompanied by Mr. ShubhadeepDebta (coordinator of VCLP project & volunteer ofMukti- Kakdwip) arrived the venue at 2:30 P.M. Theywere given a very warm welcome by the Head Masterand members of the school authority. A welcome songwas sung by a group of students. The Head Masterthen greeted everybody and introduced the guests tothe audience.In his inspiring speech, chief guest Mr. TomojeetChakraborty focused on importance of computer literacyin modern day life.. He was very impressed withdedication of Mukt volunteers. Touched by the enthusiasmof the students to learn computer, he promisedthat he will try to providemore computers to theschool. It was also suggestedthat the progress of the studentswill be monitored on aregular basis..Mr. Shyamal Kr. Samanta,Principal also thanked Muktifor implementing the projectin their school, which will bebeneficial to the students andhelp shape their future career.He thanked TCS officials for donating computers. Buthe also pointed out that number of available computersto student ratio is not ideal., and hence requestedfor more computers. He also requested toarrange some interactive sessions between the studentsand the computer professionals which will bebeneficial for the students.Sweets and cakes were distributed among the studentsand guests. The Principals & teachers from otherschools expressed their interest to implement the projectin their respective schools. They had a thoroughdiscussion with the Mukti- Kakdwip team and thechief guests.The event was a grand success and all the credit goesto the Mukti -team, all the members of VCLP projectand TCS, Kolkata.VCLP Project at Kakdwip, WBTCS - Maitree (Kolkata),along with Mukti hasinitiated the VillageComputer LiteracyProgram (VCLP). VCLPis designed to providecomputer education tovillage students andyouth.Students of VCLP project arelearning computer in classIn the first phase of theproject one computerlaboratory has been setup in Kasinagar HighSchool near Kakdwip ofWest BengalPage 6Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Goal:Spread computer literacyto economicallybackward community sothat no one is left behind.This project has immensepotential in futureemployment in computerrelated industry.Location:Station Bazar Road,P.O. Guptipara, Dist.Hooghly (WB)Pin – 712512Village Computer Literacy Program (VCLP) inHooghly DistrictTCS Maitree (Kolkata) is working together with Mukti for Village Computer Literacy Program(VCLP). VCLP requires setting up computer facilities in the remotest villages. With Mukti’s initiatives, TataConsultancy Services Ltd (TCS)., Kolkata has donated 12 computers so far for this project. The first laboratorywas set up in Guptipara, where 80 students are being trained. Mukti and TCS- Maitree volunteers are organizingtraining workshops to enhance the computer skills of the teachers.For Guptipara computer training lab, two Mukti volunteers have been appointed. Basic as well as advanced levelprofessional courses are in the current curriculum. Moreover, one volunteer has been recruited to look after thecomputer facility and its daily operation. Additionally, another acting volunteer is responsible for maintainingFUTURE DIRECTIONMore computers are needed to meet the growing demand. Corporate donation of old or unused computerswill be requested. An income tax exemption has already been approved for this purpose. Oncewe receive additional computers, new facilities will be opened up in different localities to reach outthe paperwork including reports containing feedback, which later gets communicated to Mukti Kolkata, andTCS-Maitree.Currently approximately 50 students are receiving training. Mukti has borne hundred percent initial running cost.But since the number of trainees are growing rapidly, a nominal feeof Rs.20/- per student has been implemented as tuition fee as per theearlier agreement.Site visit at Purbashridharpur, RaidighiBy Debargha Datta (Mukti USA)During the site visit at the eco-friendly office of Mukti at Purbashridharpur in Raidighi onJune 8th 2008, the following three meetings were arranged:Public Library under constructionMeeting with local students: This was held with a group of students in a friendly and informal environment.The purpose of the meeting was to receive feedback from the group of students regarding possible causes that appear as hindrances towardbasic and higher studies. Various local students like Gopal Das (Class-XI, Arts), Pranab Kr. Mistry (qualified Madhyamik with 63% marks), UttamKr. Haldar (Class XII, Arts), Sasadhar Purohit (qualified HS with 58% marks in Arts), Sasadhar Ghosh (Class-XII, Arts), Basanti Halder (Class-X)and Bularani Mondal (qualified HS with 42% marks in Arts) participated in the meeting and discussed some of the basic problems they face in theirdaily life and which they think are the primary obstacles to their study. Apart from the financial problem that was common to all, some students likeBasanti Halder and Bularani Mondal also talked about some social and family related problems common in the poverty-stricken areas, whichseemed to be playing a major role. Students were advised to take assistance from the MUKTI coaching centers and avail the facilities of the upcomingMUKTI Library to its fullest extent to prepare for the board and other exams. This type of meeting was extremely helpful for students as it providedan opportunity for them to share their problems directly with Mukti officials. Students who attended the meeting were very excited and expressedtheir desire to look forward to similar meetings in future.The meeting with the volunteers of MUKTI Book Bank project was chaired by Mr. Sankar Halder. The purposeof the meeting was primarily to discuss the current status and different budgetary issues of the project.The meeting with the teachers of MUKTI Coaching Center was chaired by Mr. Bimal Sarkar, coordinator ofMUKTI Coaching Center. Issues regarding scheduling of teachers at different coaching centers in Sunderbanregion and other employment related items were discussed in the meeting.Pisci-culture ProjectPage 7Besides the above meetings, the sites for MUKTI Library which is currently under-construction and the piscicultureproject were also inspected during the visit.Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Annual Board Meeting of Mukti India 2008-2009The annual meeting of Mukti was held on 14th September, 2008. The venue was 40 Goria StationRoad , Kolkata. All the members of Mukti were invited. Total twenty members attended the meeting. The meetingwas chaired by the current President of Mukti, Sankar Halder. The meeting began with member introduction.The following members were also present.• Judhisthir Halder (General Coordinator of Kakandighi area)• Amalendu Prasad Halder (TSS Coordinator)• Subhodep debra (VCLP Coordinator)• Raghunath Bairagi (Coordinator of Book Bank and Sanitation project)• Bapyadityo Chakrabarti (Coordinator of Book Bank and TSS project)• Debabrata Halder (Coordinator of Jadavpur chapter)• Kiran Kanti Kar (Coordinator of TSS project)• Bijoy Krishna Halder (Active Mukti volunteer since 2003)• Biswanath Mondal (Active Mukti volunteer since 2003)• Chandan Mondal (VCLP group member)• Pulak Das (General Coordinator of Mukti Hooghly chapter)• Bimal Bairagi (Active Mukti volunteer since 2003)• Jibesh Patra (Coordinator of book bank project in Bankura)• Somnath Mukherjee (Active Mukti volunteer since 2003) and• Madhusudan Bairagi (Secretary of Mukti India)Madhusudan Bairagi, Secretary of Mukti India discussed several issues during the meeting. He stressed on theimportance of maintaining a Employee/ Volunteer Handbook with Code of Conduct for all Mukti employees/volunteers, that would be available to all. He also emphasized onsome monumental achievements of Mukti during the year 2007-08, which included inauguration of library building, starting ofVCLP, facilitating improved coaching centers etc. The problemsthat Mukti came across last year were also discussed. For example,many text books that are part of Book Bank project were not returnedto the library and of those returned some of them are not inproper condition for future circulation. Also, library does not havesufficient books yet. To circumvent these problems it was felt thatbetter monitoring and recollection of the distributed text books forBook Bank project,and collectionof books andbetter managementfor the Li-Annual Board Meetingbrary were needed. More books of wide variety topics are neededin order cater different categories of people. Volunteers could berecruited to guide the students and general people with the books.Biswanath Mondal shared his viewpoints about aim of Mukti andsuggested that our mission should be very clear to the new members.At the end, the current board was dissolved and votes were castto form the new board for the year 2008-2009.During post lunch session, Sankar Halder, the newly electedPresident laid out policies for future Mukti chapters in terms ofaccounting, management etc.The meeting was adjourned after congratulating the newly appointedBoard of Trustees.♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦Discussions during AGMElected Broad of Trustees ofMukti for 2008-2009Sankar Halder, PresidentBiswanath Mondal, VicePresidentMadhusudan Bairagi, SecretaryKiran Kanti Kar, TreasurerJibesh Patro, MemberSohini Mehta, MemberBijoy Krishna Halder, MemberPankaj Neogi, Member♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦AGENDAActivities of Mukti inthe year 2007-08Accounts and auditreport of the year 2007-08Mukti’s current boardof trusteesNomination andelection of Mukti’s newboard of trusteesBudget for the year2008-09Future activities,projects and planMukti’s present andfuture administrativehierarchiesOpen ForumMukti’s VisionT o c r e a t e a nenvironment where eachand every individual inthe society can lookforward to have apromising future.Mukti’s MissionTo implement programsfor the uplift of theu n d e r p r i v i l e g e d ,illiterate, poor andbackward people of theWorld by way ofmotivation and humanresource development.This mission aims atcreating a self-reliantsociety through efficientand environmentallyconscious use of localresources.Page 8Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Mukti India Board of Trustees 2008-2009PresidentSankar HalderIT Professional &Mukti’s FounderMemberVice PresidentBiswnath MandalLIC Development officer& Mukti’s FounderMemberSecretaryMadhusudan BairagiBank Officer & Mukti’sFounder MemberTreasurerKiran Kanti KarSoftware Professionaland social workerMemberPankaj NeogiHead teacher of HSschool and social workerMemberJeebesh PatraComputer Engineer andsoftware professionalMemberSohini MehetaComputer Engineer andsoftware professionalMemberBijoy Krishna HalderSocial worker andMukti’s founder memberThank you for supporting Mukti’s mission to serve the low income and under privileged people to fosterself-reliant and thriving communities. Together we will create an environment where each and every individualin the society can look forward to have a promising future.!! Donations are much needed. Please donate generously !!Electronic Fund TransferFor India: Bank: State Bank of IndiaAccount No.: 30599000811Account Name: MuktiFor US: Bank: Well FargoAccount #: 5052301933Routing #: 121042882A/C Name: Mukti for Social DevelopmentBy Check in USASend Check to (for USA):MUKTI FOR SOCIALDEVELPMENT519 Bellevue Street, Santa Cruz,CA 95060, USABy Cheque in IndiaSend Check to (for India):MUKTIKiran Kanti Kar (Treasurer)Mazumderpara, Shibtala, FartabadGaria Station Road, GariaKolkata-700084Page 9Visit Us www.muktiweb.org/donate

Annual Report | 2008-2009Mukti Site Visit Report December 2008By Ranitendra nath Tagore (Asha)The Mukti site at Purba-Sridharpur wasvisited on December 9th,2008 by the Asha USA volunteers.During the stay, the volunteers visitedMukti’s pisciculture ponds, the newly constructedlibrary building, its adjoining horticulture grounds,and two coaching centers, and also talked to the Muktisponsored TSS (Talented Student Sponsorship program)students, their parents, teachers, and Mukti’sfull-time workers.During their visit, the volunteer team evaluated theNREGA initiative by central government in thoseareas. The central government guarantees 100 daysemployment every year to per individual below povertyline under the National Rural Employment GuaranteeAct (NREGA). While this is a landmark actwith great potential, there have been widespread problemswith its implementation. Funds allocated forNREGA are routinely reported to be mishandled bymiddlemen, while the targeted population remainedjobless and unemployed. Also, there is often a lack ofsuitable projects that could potentially create employmentopportunities. Mukti has coordinated with thegovernment officials (e.g. Block Development Officer)in such a way that Mukti generates projects forNREGA, while the BDO’s office is providing fundsfrom NREGA for the projects. The digging of Mukti’spisciculture ponds and plantation of coconut samplingsare examples of such initiatives. Thus, there islocal employment generation, while Mukti is able toaccomplish larger scale projects for the betterment ofthe community that would have been otherwise impossible.The volunteers visited various such Muktisponsored project sites.Pisciculture: In Mukti’s pisciculture ponds, spawnsprocured from Naihati are being grown. Also due toit’s growing effectiveness and profitability, Pisciculturewill be one of the subjects taught at Mukti’s vocationaltraining institute.Horticulture: Different species of flowering plantsare being tested for compatibility with the local environment.This is being done on the land adjacent tothe newly completed Mukti library, as well as otherlands owned by Mukti. This will also be one of thecourses taught at the vocational training center.Coconut Plantations: This is potentially Mukti’sflagship project. The long-term goal of this project isto create coconut-based local industries, prevent soilerosion, contribute to further eco sustainability andgreening of the area, and eventually help in promotingtourism. Currently, around 8500 coconut samplingshave been obtained from the government to be plantedin this region, and the ground is being prepared forplanting.Apart from the above mentioned projects, the Muktivolunteer team also visited other Mukti sponsoredinitiatives.Public Library: The library building has been constructedwith funds from Asha - NYC/NJ and is almostready for use. The library stores the circulatingbooks for the book bank project, reference books forstudies, and other books of general interest. The librarycan accommodate nearly 40 people, and is constructedon a 750 square feet of land with an option ofadding more floors in future.Book bank: There has been a surprisingly high rate ofbook depreciation in the book bank project. Initially,it was expected that a given book could be circulatedfor three years. However, many books are being returnedin unusable condition by the end of the secondyear. Moreover, the rate of collection has fallen shortof expectations. There is ongoing discussion about thefeasibility of continuing with the book bank project.The volunteer team found that discontinuation of thebook bank project would have a huge negative effecton local students. Instead, it would be more meaningfulto come up with a way of continuing with the projectwhile addressing the current problems. One possiblesolution would be to charge a small amount of feeas deposit. Whole or part of the deposited amountcould be returned upon return of the books. The returnedamount could be adjusted depending on thecondition of the books. This would lead to improvedsense of ownership, and better handling of the books.Continue to page 8…..Mukti TSS Students“There is localemployment generation,while Mukti is able toaccomplish larger scaleprojects for thebetterment of thecommunity”Meeting with Mukti VolunteersMukti Public Library FoundationworkPage 10Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Mukti Site Visit Report December 2008Solar lights: The entire region in which Mukti isrunning its projects is deprived of electricity. It becomesmore difficult for students to continue studyingin darkness. In cases where students study at night bythe light of kerosene lamps, eye problems and headachesare very common. Because of this, solar lightsare considered an urgent requirement. Solar lights atthe library will provide a place for students to study atnight. Ideally, there also needs to be additional pointswhere solar lights should be made available, so thatstudents from different areas can gather to study. Thegovernment has offered a 75% subsidy on solar lightsfor Mukti projects.The Mukti volunteers also identified some challengesthat are being faced by the coaching centers.♦Students often have to travel long distances tocome to the coaching centers, and then from thecoaching center to their schools. This makesthem late for school. Some students asked if theycould be given bicycles. While it is clearly notfeasible at present for Mukti to provide bicyclesto individual students, some ideas for commontransportation arrangements (e.g. cycle vans)were discussed.Continued from page 8 ...they were felt to be verybeneficial. Mukti intends tokeep on holding more frequentteacher trainingcourses.Another initiative undertaken byMukti is the Talented StudentSponsorships (TSS). Currently,125 students are being supportedunder this program. However, dueto discontinued support by somesponsors and requests from morestudents than planned, there is afunding deficiency in this program. One student reportednot receiving funds on time. It was noted thatthe funding allocated to students under the TSS programis sufficient for studies conducted in publiclyfunded institutions. It was decided that students studyingat private institutions would not be supported infuture, since the amount covered by TSS will be asmall part of the total expenses in that case.The overall assessment by the Mukti visitors was thathe Mukti team working on the ground appeared verydedicated and motivated.They provided warmand sincere hospitalityto the site visitors.In front of Mukti’s OfficeTheoverall assessment by theMukti visitors was that heMukti team working onthe ground appeared verydedicated and motivated.Currently, there are 11paid staff working fulltimefor Mukti, and they oftenwork long hours withrelatively low payMukti Supported TSS Students♦♦The coaching centers are being held on the premisesof local schools. At one particular center, itis becoming very difficult to hold the coachingclasses due to the lack of cooperation from theschool. Because of the possibility of such situations,and also because of the demand for additionalcenters in places that are far away fromexisting centers, Mukti is considering building itsown low-cost classrooms.Teacher training camps have been arranged byMukti in the past. There was a suggestion fromone of the teachers to hold more such camps, asPage 11Currently, there are 11 paid staff workingfulltime for Mukti, and they often worklong hours with relatively low pay. Sincetheir salaries constitute less than 1% ofMukti’s working budget, the committee’srecommendation is to increase their remunerations,not only to sustain motivationand ability to concentrate on their work,but also as an acknowledgement of theexcellent work that they are doing.Visit Us www.muktiweb.orgMukti Public Library

Annual Report | 2008-2009MUKTIPurba Shridharpur, Raidighi, 24 Parganas (South),WB, India, 743383 | +91 3174 214454info@muktiweb.orgwww.muktiweb.orgBALANCE SHEET AS ON 31ST MARCH 2009Page 12Visit Us www.muktiweb.orgEmail: info@muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Income and Expenditure Statement from 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009Page 1Page 13Visit Us www.muktiweb.orgContinued to next page ...

Annual Report | 2008-2009Income and Expenditure Statement from 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009Page 2Page 14Visit Us www.muktiweb.org

Annual Report | 2008-2009Mukti’s Educational Camp for the Madhyamik CandidatesSpecialAnnouncementThe student scoringthe highest in Mathematicswill be felicitatednext year byDiptiman Dutta at theeducational camp.Prabir Chakrabortystated that Mukti willoffer updated monthlytraining through Mukticoaching center inMath and English tothe teachers of theeducational camp.For the last two years Mukti is hosting a “Two Day EducationalCamp” for the Madhyamik candidates. The educational campfor the Madhyamik candidates of 2009 was started on 23rd Januarywith an opening ceremony at 10:00am. Mr. Subirmal Guriya, the chiefguest of the camp lit the candle of hope, best wishes and harmony. Heexplained the significance of 23rd January to the students attendingthe camp. Subirmal offered garland to the statue of Netaji ShubhasChandra Bose to commemorate the great soul on his birthday. Mr.Nityananda Pal, the principal of Dumdum Hindu Academy School,presented a patriotic song for the nation to glorify the special missionof Mukti. It was our honor to have Mr. Diptiman Dutta, the veteranteacher of Hindu Academy School among us. Diptiman delivered a Students in this Campbrief speech. He is a role model for the entire nation for being an excellentmentor. The closing of the event was done by the chief guest, Mr Subirmal Guriya.Total 144 students from local community attended this two days camp. During the break after each class, MrityunjoyPal sang Patriotic and ‘Jibanmukhi’ (songs talk about common people and their facts) songs to motivateand energize the attending students. Arijit Ray highlighted the aspects of mental balance and psychology to thestudents. He emphasized on the art of concentration and about developing and maintaining a clear focus that areneeded to achieve their goals and excel in life.Mr. Arijit Ray highlighted the aspects of mental balance and psychology to the students. He emphasized on the artof concentration and about developing and maintaining a clear focus that are needed to achieve their goals andexcel in life.All the teachers shared their thoughts about success and hurdles in their brief speech. Mr. Nityananda Pal and Mr Mrityunjoy Pal presented a songtogether in the presence of teachers of Mukti’s coaching center, Mukti’s volunteers, residents of the village and well-wishers. The closure of theevent was done by exchanging the good thoughts about their fellow participants.The Annual Kankandighi Regional Sports EventsOn December 16, 2008 Kankandighi Regional Sports was organized at Jogendrapur High Schoolby the teachers of Kankandighi and the volunteers of Mukti. The event was witnessed by the eminent guests.The guests were Monoranjan Mondal, Manjuri haldar, Amar Pal, Balai Nashkar, Sisir Ray, Purno Das, BinodBhandari, Chintamoni Haldar, Tapan Pradhan, Nidhuram Kashari, Sneholata Chakladar, Prashanta Majhi,Bishnoranjan Podiya, Parimal Munda, Shundor Haldar, Monoranjan Dey, Tusharkanti Bhuyan, Prithiraj Mondal,Meghnath Khamaru. We were privileged to have Amar Shardar, Nagendrapur Mukti Coordinator RaghunathBairagi, Kankandighi Coordinator Judhishthir Haldar, Balaram Haldar, Raju Haldar, Amalendu Haldar.Apart from loads of fun, the purpose of this event was to encourage and motivate the schools for the physicaldevelopment of the students. The chief guest of this event was Mr. Nepal Chandra Gayen, the assistant Principalof Jota Jogendrapur High School. He started the event with a brief speech about the importance of sportsPrize Distribution Ceremonyand physical education. The schools that participated in the event were Jogendrapur School, KankandighiPrimary School, Kankandighi Adibashi Primary School, Rabi Haldar Memorial Primary School and manyothers. There were more than 100 participants in the sports.The sports included 75 meter, 100 meter and 200 meter race. Apart from that there were long jump, highjump and short put competitions. Potato race was very popular amongst the children. In potato race a spoonis placed in the mouth and a potato is balanced on it. The participants need to race to the finish line withoutdropping the potato. Students were very happy at the event, which was prominent in their smiles and highspirit. The guardians were also very happy to see their children doing different activities. In future Muktidecided to do lot of campaigns to promote the importance of sports among students and especially girls. Thiswill also help to engage and encourage more students.Food was also provided to the children. The chief guest closed the event by distributing prizes to the winnersand all participants. Kankandighi Regional Sports event was a grand success.Page 15Visit Us www.muktiweb.orgAn Event of this Sports Event

Annual Report | 2008-2009Broad of Trustees - Mukti Kakdwip ChapterPresidentSecretaryTreasurerShubhadeep DebtaIT Professionalshubhadeep.debta@gmail.comRajat Subhra DebtaTechnical Supervisorrajat.debta@gmail.comAtanu SahaPersonal Financial Advisor &Social Activistatanulic.lion@gmail.comBroad MemberBroad MemberRajat PandaBusiness manrajat.panda32@gmail.comShyamal DasTeachershyamal.d09@gmail.comBroad MemberBroad MemberNirmal DasBusinessman &Social Activistnir.das09@gmail.comSatyajit RoyIT Professionalsatyajit.roy@muktiweb.orgPage 16

Annual Report | 2008-2009Mukti ChaptersMUKTI USAmukti.usa@muktiweb.orgwww.usa.muktiweb.orgMUKTI UKmukti.uk@muktiweb.orgMUKTI INDIAinfo@muktiweb.orgwww.muktiweb.org♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦Mukti IndiaChaptersMukti JUMukti BankuraMukti HooghlyMukti KakdwipMukti KankandighiMukti MidnapurMukti ChennaiMukti DelhiMUKTI GERMANYmukti.germany@muktiweb.orgwww.germany.muktiweb.orgMUKTI UAEmukti.uae@muktiweb.orgMUKTI AUSTRALIAmukti.australia@muktiweb.orgVisit Us www.muktiweb.orgEmail: info@muktiweb.org

MUKTILet’s Us Serve The NeedyPURBA SRIDHARPUR | RAIDIGHI | 24 PARGANAS (SOUTH) | WEST BENGAL | INDIA | 743383+91 3174 214454 | INFO@MUKTIWEB.ORG | WWW.MUKTIWEB.ORGCopyright © 2008-2009 MUKTI