Blog Posts

Award-winning crew documents the compelling story of Project Rhino in Calcutta, India
Thu, 9 Jun 2011 at 12:25 am

Recently, an award-winning crew of filmmakers flew to Calcutta, India to document the compelling story of Calcutta Mercy Ministries providing free education to children in Calcutta’s slums and outlying villages yearning to learn. Their mission: to capture the story of Project Rhino in 4 minutes.

The result: the inspiring true story of Arjun – the first member of his family to attend school.

This project has been a labor of love to share with you the desire for education in India and how Project Rhino is providing children with the resources to pursue their dreams. In India, more than 5.5 million school-age children are denied the chance to go to school. But world leaders are working together to ensure that by 2015, all boys and girls worldwide, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. I dare you to watch and join us to take up the cause for the dignity and equality of the most vulnerable children of Calcutta, India, and their future.

The Ultimate Management Guru
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:46 am

 

1)     Foreword by Ravi Zacharias plus photo of Ravi
A Glimpse Inside . . .  Jesus: The Ultimate Management Guru
 
Foreword by Ravi Zacharias, Author & Speaker:
[Insert photo of Ravi and cover photo of UMG]
         Have you ever worked for a company that did not know why it existed? One of my favorite television commercials shows a group of men and women around a board table in a serious and agitated discussion over some computer problems that have plagued the company. Finally, one young man speaks up and says, “What about the shirts?”
         “What about them?” demands the boss.
         “Isn’t that what this company is all about, manufacturing shirts?” comes the response.
         The commercial suggests that too often we put all our energies into the peripheral concerns of life and forget why we are here. We neglect the purpose of our life.
         Cliff Barrows, associate of the famed evangelist Billy Graham, told me that he always followed a particular practice when he checked into a hotel room. Before doing anything else, he put a picture of his family in a prominent place in the room. “It was a reminder to me and a signal to all who entered my room of my moral obligation to my family,” he said.
         You see, when you discover the mission of your life, it becomes the measuring stick to determine everything else.
         Two thousand years ago, Jesus wisely said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The Apostle Peter, an ordinary fisherman who left his nets to follow Jesus, describes the ultimate treasure as an inheritance from God—a treasure that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away. I believe that is what each of us longs for: a life purpose that does not get corrupted along the journey and that will not grow dim or dull with time.
         In this book, my friend Amitabh Singh demonstrates how Jesus was both clear and unwavering in his mission and offers the ultimate direction for our lives, one that is beyond corruption, beyond decay, and beyond tarnishing. And yet as Amitabh communicates, Jesus was not what we might expect from a CEO, for though he was rich, he became poor; though he was powerful, he was humble and even gave his life for those who hated him.
         Winsome in its message and rich in illustration, Jesus: The Ultimate Management Guru encourages you to consider your own treasure and mission in life. I am grateful for Amitabh Singh’s insights and know the reader will appreciate his work as well.
 
2)     Intro
 
Jesus: The Ultimate Management Guru
                                    By Amitabh Singh with Bethany Talbert
 
Excerpt from the Introduction
 
         People from every age, culture, government, and profession appreciate and admire the life and legacy of a man who lived over two thousand years ago in the ancient land of Israel. The biblical texts detailing his life continue to impact millions around the world. Many study his teachings, others adopt his precepts, and some dedicate their lives to teaching others about him. But why? Why did Handel weep as he composed “The Messiah;” Leonardo da Vinci sigh as he portrayed the “Last Supper;” and William Wilberforce fight with passion to free slaves in England?
         Who was this man?
         He was not a European, Westerner, or white man. Some malodorous shepherds were the first to hear about his birth. Wise men from the east (perhaps India), led by a supernatural star, visited him in a stable in a shoddy region of Israel. The king of the land sought to kill him as a baby. He grew up a tradesman living in a small insignificant town within the Roman Empire. People heard him talk as much about money as he did about God. He rarely mentioned conversion but often spoke of discipleship. Hated by the religious leaders, the outcasts revered him. Neither an author nor a world traveler, he retained a humble title of “teacher.” His name was Jesus.
 
3)     Chapter 1
 
Jesus: The Ultimate Management Guru
                                    By Amitabh Singh with Bethany Talbert
 
Excerpt from Chapter 1 – The CEO
 
                  The world is constantly undergoing major leadership transitions. Daily, new people rise to positions of power. Each must carefully choose how to govern his or her organization, community, or nation. Meanwhile life grows more complex as the evolution of technology and communication steadily increases in pace.
                  In the midst of any transition, Jesus’ instructions remain relevant. His central command was unusual, but simple: “Follow me, and I will make you…” (Matthew 4:19). Whether an executive of a multi-million dollar company or the organizer of a neighborhood club, leading well requires following Jesus.
 
4)     Chapter 2
 
 
Jesus: The Ultimate Management Guru
                                    By Amitabh Singh with Bethany Talbert
Excerpt from Chapter 2 – The Human Resources Manager
 
To walk with the greatest of all human resources managers is to believe that Jesus seeks what is good for others and personally helps them
embody it. Jesus graciously and without distinction encouraged people to lead lives that pleased God.  He interacted with children, knelt beside men
suffering with leprosy, forgave women caught in adultery, dined with crooked tax-collectors, and educated illiterate fishermen so that they too could come to see, profess, and enjoy the glory of God. Jesus demonstrated love embodied in both words and actions, recognizing human beings as valuable and thereby gifting them with the life and hope that God intended.

Maya Saha
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:25 am

 

Maya Saha is one of our most studious and devoted students at the Kadamtala Rhino Center. Since the genesis of the school earlier this year, Maya has maintained a 90% average both in attendance and academics. She remains highly engaged amongst her classmates and demonstrates great promise for higher education. Her passion for learning even inspires her to devote time each day to  helping teach the younger classes.

Coming from a large family that daily faces challenges due to poverty  Maya is an example of rising above the ordinary to pursue one's dreams. Maya's favorite subject in school is English, and her dream is to someday become a teacher.

Ajit Mohali
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:24 am

 

 

Ajit Mohali was born as total blind child with no proper eye balls. His parents and other family members live at Asansol Colliery area. This place is about 200 kms. West of West Bengal.

Ajit is a cute child and loves to sing and make different sounds from his mouth. He has learnt to brush his teeth and take a bath with other’s little help. He is a very attractive child at his school.

His parents come to see him every month. They are also happy to see his development while staying here. They are also thankful to the school and donor for taking care of him.

He loves to talk, play and run in the ground. He got many friends at his age and they love to play together. He loves to attend Sunday school and learns songs and Bible verses.

Thank you very much for taking care of him.

*******************************************************

Dear Sponsor,

I am fine here. God is good !
Thank you very much for your love and kind. I love you very much.

Yours loving child,

Ajit Mohali

N. B. This short letter was dictated by Ajit Mohali for his sponsor.

Mampi Haldar
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:23 am

 

 

Mampi Haldar is an enthusiastic seven-year-old at our Bhaga Jatin Learning Center, and one of its most eager learners. Before class begins each day, she is already belting out the English songs that she learned earlier that week.
 
Mampi lives with her parents and two brothers. When at home, she plays “school” for fun, along with other indoor games with her friends. When Mampi gets older, she wants to become a teacher so that one day she can also give others the joy of learning.

Dr. Stephanie Moore
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:22 am

 

  Dr. Stephanie Moore and Mr. Sanjay Prasad

Dr. Stephanie Moore, MD is an Instructor at Harvard Medical School and an Assistant in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology and practices heart failure and transplant cardiology. This month, Dr. Moore is in India at Calcutta Mercy Hospital, visiting the facilities and the newly renovated Operation Theater.


 
Stephanie has played a part in Calcutta Mercy Hospital's Continuous Medical Education (CME) program, which engages various healthcare professionals to share insights into the rapidly evolving world of medical science. On May 17th, 2011, Dr. Moore lectured on the topic: Cardiology for non Cardiologists. The hall was packed to capacity with every layer of the healthcare industry represented, including some of the most renowned doctors in Calcutta.

The event was introduced by Sanjay Prasad, CEO of Calcutta Mercy Hospital, who shared the importance of sprucing up healthcare in the Eastern region of India. Dr. Jim Long, President of Calcutta Mercy Hospital, introduced Dr. Moore, applauding her efforts in the field of Cardiology and stating that she was probably the best cardiologist he knew.

The doctors present received much by way of information and education. The simplicity with which Dr. Moore lectured was well appreciated, and the exchange of ideas was equally beneficial, contributing positively to the quality and breadth of medical care for all of India.

Medical Volunteers Have a Fruitful Stay in Calcutta!
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:21 am

 

 

This month, a team of thirty volunteers from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, have been diligently working with us in Calcutta, India. The talented group of mostly Nursing and Pre-Med students are applying their learning and expertise at Calcutta Mercy Hospital, working with Ruhi Prasad and Orijeet Ghosh to serve the thousands of patients receiving treatment.

We depend on our over 500 annual worldwide volunteers, like the Westminster team, to enrich and expand our work for the poor. To learn more about our volunteer program and apply online, click here.

Meet Project Rhino student, Sanjay Shaw!
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:20 am

 

Sanjay Shaw is a student at our Katabon Rhino Center. He is from a family of nine and lives with three brothers, three sisters, and his parents. His father
works a water pump in nearby Bagha Jatin, and his mother helps provide for the family as a housewife.

 

For fun, Sanjay loves to stay active, whether skipping around or jumping rope. He also loves to sing and will many times lead morning worship for his classmates. He is gifted with a wonderful voice, and would like to pursue a career as a singer, but his parents don't allow Sanjay to sing at home.

In school, he most enjoys studying his native language, Bengali, and hopes to someday use his education to open a shop. Managing a business, to Sanjay, is both a way to provide for himself and also something that will require him to keep learning for years to come.

Meet Project Rhino student, Rakhi Naskar!
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:19 am

 

Rakhi Naskar is a student at our Katabon Rhino Center. She lives with her father, who works in construction, and her sister. Rakhi once had a brother who sadly passed away, and her mother lives elsewhere and works as a housemaid.

Rakhi enjoys attending school and most looks forward to studying her native language, Bengali. When not at the Rhino Center, she helps out at home, collecting water, mopping the floor, and washing the dishes and clothes.
 

Rakhi is slowly beginning to understand that earning an education is an opportunity to pursue her dreams. When we first asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up, she said, "I'll do what my mother does." Digging deeper, we asked if she had a dream for her future. She answered, "Yes, I would like to be a doctor."

A Call for Silent Givers!
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 at 10:17 am
Medical      Laundry     Candle-making


Sonargachi is the largest red-light district in Calcutta and one of the largest in Asia. It is an area with several hundred multi-story brothels and 10,000 sex workers. Many of these prostitutes have children who eventually fall into prostitution themselves, following in the footsteps of their mothers.

Calcutta Mercy Ministries is committed to helping these women and their children by providing healthy alternative employment opportunities. Currently, we have a laundry facility where rescued prostitutes work and earn a decent wage to provide for their families. Additionally, we support a candle-making business run by rescued prostitutes as another source of employment. Last year, donors gave $1,500 towards this cause, and with this donation, the women became the third best candle makers in the city of Calcutta. This year, we need $1,700 so that they can continue making candles.

Likewise, our medical clinic inside the red-light area needs $5,000 a month in support so that we can provide free healthcare to 10,000 sex workers and their children.

These red-light initiatives desperately need your help. More specifically, we need "silent givers" -  people who will give to these causes without requiring a picture of a prostitute in return. We need people who will give without visiting the red-light area with their cameras or posting related photos on their social networking pages, who are chiefly concerned about protecting the identity of these families. We need silent givers who are simply happy to lend their support to the work we are doing for these women and children of Sonargachi.

If you would like to become a silent giver, please donate or consider sharing this letter with your friends or co-workers.