Helping Hand is a non-profit organization started in 2002 with the aim of helping cancer patients.  It was started by Mrs. Geeta S. Advani and her husband Dr. Suresh H. Advani, an eminent oncologist in India.  Since 2002, it has grown to have more than 500 voluntary workers including social workers, survivors, friends and families, doctors and volunteers from all walks of life.

On 29^th March 2014, Helping Hand arranged a colourful programme for the cancer patients residing at Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Vashi.

The programme started at 10.30 am and was compared by a veteran volunteer of the Sangha named Mr. Prem Shrivastava.  A welcome speech was given by Mrs. Geeta Advani.   A short speech by Swami Prashantanandaji was followed by Rabindra Sangeet presented by Mrs. Diya Sinha, Mrs. Manjee Munshi, & Mrs. Chandreyi Sarkar.  Few cancer patients recited poetries.  After that Dr. Imran Nisar Shaikh gave an interactive talk on “Chemotherapy – After Care” which was followed by an action song by Mrs. Nilima Davawala. Then there was a puppet show by Mr. Rohan Malude and a magic show by Mr. Rakesh Gaikwad.  Patients enjoyed these shows very much.  Then there were various games and activities for the patients.  There was a talk on Yoga by Mrs. Parashar. All participants were given appreciation awards. All patients were given a sumptuous meal. The overall programme was arranged by Ms. Prajakta Mhaparle. The event was a really delightful break for all and much enjoyed by everyone. 

HOLI 2014

The students of Pranavananda Computer Institute and Tutorial classes created some colourful posters to show their views of this festival of colours:

Children were given a special treat on 5^th March, 2014

Ms. Mitali Sarkar and her sister-in-law Ms. Shikha Dutta performed a puja and other rituals on 5^th March at the Ashram Temple.  The occasion was the 2^nd death anniversary of Mrs. Sarkar (mother of Ms. Mitali Sarkar and mother-in law of Ms. Sikha Dutta).  As the late Mrs. Sarkar was very fond of children and she always used to be very happy by feeding them, Ms. Sarkar and Ms. Dutta decided to feed the children who are staying in or around the Ashram.  So the children who are availing various educational services at the Ashram and children who are themselves cancer patients / accompanied their relative who are cancer patients staying at Ashram were given a treat.  They were fed sumptuously. The children were very happy and so was Ms. Sarkar and Ms. Dutta. 

INVITATION

Sri Sri Maghi Purnima, 118^th Birth Anniversary of Shrimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj, Annakut Mahotsav, will be celebrated on 14^th February 2014, Friday, from 4:00 AM to 8 PM at Ashram premises.  You are cordially invited to participate.

HITAISHINI, based in Kolkata , was formed by Vijaya Mukherjee in Nov. 1995 with a group of breast cancer survivors, and a couple of socially committed women as the West Bengal chapter of the Mastectomy Association of India. Subsequently, in 2000 , it was registered as “HITAISHINI (M.A.I.-W.B.)”, being the only breast cancer support group in Eastern India.

The Lotus motif on top symbolises Life, Serenity and Inner peace. A cancer survivor epitomises all these and more, for she is the model from whom similar patients draw courage, hope and faith.

HITAISHINI is a totally voluntary , non-profit making charitable organization formed with the sole purpose of helping breast cancer patients in eastern India. It is run entirely by ladies – cancer survivors and some socially committed women in West Bengal. Its activities are actively supported by women social workers and health professionals and are solely dependent on voluntary donations and fund raising activities.

Besides running FREE breast cancer clinics at different cancer hospitals in and around Kolkata to help and guide poor and needy female patients coming from different parts of the eastern region, HITAISHINI organizes regular programmes to enhance cancer awareness among the people.

Founder & President:	Smt. Vijaya Mukherjee (+91 98302 19414)
Vice President:	Smt. Dipti Roy (+91 92305 13328)
Secretary:	Smt. Nupur Chakraborty (+91 98319 99969)
Jt. Secretary:	Smt Dhira Bose (+ 91 92316 11392)
Treasurer:	Smt. Pami Shah (+91 98307 55895)
Jt. Treasurer:	Smt. Sabita Dutta (+91 98303 03362)

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