Foundation stone laid for Sashakti Navajeevan Shelter Home
By Abhijit Kalita
Palasbari, July 1: The Assam Centre for Rural Development (ACRD), a prominent non-governmental organisation, organised the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Sashakti Navajeevan New Shelter Home at Barihat under Palasbari LAC in Kamrup district on Monday.
The ceremony began with a traditional Bhumi Pujan, conducted by a local religious facilitator, lending a spiritual start to the proceedings. The foundation stone was formally laid by Bhupen Bhattacharya, District Social Welfare Officer of Kamrup, in the presence of community members, local leaders, and officials.
Apurba Sarmah, State Coordinator of ACRD, delivered the welcome address and felicitated the dignitaries. Nawajyoti Sharma, President of ACRD, presented a comprehensive overview of the project, highlighting its mission to offer a secure, empowering environment for underprivileged individuals,particularly women and children through holistic rehabilitation and support services.
This compassionate initiative is made possible through the generous funding of the SBI Foundation and the dedicated implementation by ACRD. The project signifies a profound commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering space for orphaned and victimized girls under the age of 18.
The event was graced by the presence of several notable guests including Tagar Das Kalita, Member of Chayani Rani Zila Parishad; Satya Rabha, President of Dakhin Bholagaon Gaon Panchayat, Ajit Kalita, village headman,journalists Nurul Islam and Abhijit Kalita among others.They commended ACRD’s ongoing efforts in addressing social welfare challenges and underscored the need for such inclusive initiatives in rural areas.
Also in attendance was Sunita Changkakati, former Chairperson of the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR), who lauded the initiative as a timely and vital step towards ensuring dignity and protection for vulnerable communities. P.P. Changkakati, Founder Secretary of ACRD, reflected on the organisation’s journey and the vision driving the shelter home project.
Adding a cultural dimension to the programme, residents of the existing Navajeevan Shelter Home presented a heartfelt welcome song, which was warmly appreciated by the audience.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mustafa Ali, Coordinator of ACRD, followed by light refreshments for all attendees.
