What Zana Briski Didn't Do

Swapan Mukhopadhyay, a diploma holder in social work from Calcutta University, set up CCD in 1978 for the economic and social development of the underprivileged. The body, which relies on public support and funding, works towards ensuring the rights of women and children, pursuing development programmes for the marginalised and providing prosthetic aid to the disabled. The home in Madhyamgram was opened in January 2001, intended as a shelter for boys whose childhood had been endangered. Starting with twelve boys, it now has fifty aged between 4 to 12.

Unlike other homes, CCD doesn’t just provide children with basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. Importance is also given to their intellectual development. Besides sending them to school, he has even organised tutors to help them with their lessons. "I wouldn’t be doing justice to them if I just imparted rudimentary education and vocational training to the boys. Many of them dream of making it big in life. I want to help them realise their dreams," he says.

Last June, CCD came to the limelight when a documentary made by the children of the home, Ami, went on to win the first prize at the prestigious Kids for Kids International Film Festival. The kids were first asked to illustrate and write on their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Twelve such picture-stories were made into theme videos. The boys of CCD were also on the cast. The 20-minute film starts with a child asking, "Do you want to know who I am? Do you want to be my friend? Come, let me tell you something about myself." The questions go on, "How do fish sleep with eyes open, why can’t we do the same? If birds fly, why can’t I? Why can’t I swim like a duck? Why do stars disappear when the sun rises?"

The documentary was directed by Ashikul Islam and filmed by Saiful Mondol of CCD. Says 11-year-old Ashikul: "Great team spirit made this documentary a success. It was fun to direct my friends. My most memorable part was the scene in which my friend Babu is slipping while trying to climb a coconut tree. I encouraged him to go on and he reaches the top. He wins against all odds, just like each of us have in this orphanage."

It was a touching moment for Ashikul when he received the International Professional Jury Prize for the Best Film in the Arts and Documentary (6-12-years-old) category. The applause showered on him at Athens was a stark contrast to the humiliation he had endured when he was forced to beg on the streets after he was orphaned at the age of four. West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya invited Ashikul and Saiful for lunch at the Writers Building and filmmaker Goutam Ghosh has agreed to teach them the nuances of filmmaking.

CCD has also worked towards preventing trafficking of women and children and providing legal aid to these victims. It also ensures economic empowerment of women through micro-credit and by setting up self-reliant groups of women. Under its Free the Children-India programme, CCD makes persistent efforts to prevent child trafficking for camel racing and organised begging during the Haj season.

Contact Swapan Mukhopadhyay at: CCD Destitute Children’s Home, Baikunthadeb Road, P.O. Madhyamgram Bazar, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal—700130, Tel: 2537-4660, 2537-1884, e-mail: ccdftc1@cal2.vsnl.net.in