Deep and I first met in 1991. After Praajak started in 1997, I would drop by the office during my visits to Calcutta. In 1998, I returned to Calcutta. This allowed me to engage more with Praajak and add to my own understanding of the complexities of inequality and poverty in urban settings and its consequences on young boys. In 2003, I became a part of Praajak’s Governing Body. I later became the Secretary – a role that I still fulfil. While my career in the development sector has taken care of the tangible necessities of life, my time with Praajak has nourished the intangibles that make us who we are. As Umberto Eco once said, "We are formed by little scraps of wisdom," Praajak does exactly that for me.

Praajak is a “doer” organisation that believes in actions with positive outcomes for children. Its’ suggestion box model of child participation in government shelter homes in West Bengal in being successfully adapted by five RISE member organisations in Latin America who run shelter homes for girls affected by child sexual exploitation.

The adventure sports programme provided an opportunity for these extraordinary children to explore and challenge themselves in a different setting. Every goal they achieved strengthened their belief that they could fight the battles they chose to and not just the ones they were forced into. We travelled with them. We had numerous discussions that helped them think unconventionally. Their increased sense of self efficacy would later help them educate themselves, find employment opportunities or start small business

One outstanding characteristics of Praajak is its energetic and motivated team – just amazing!.

In 1997, Praajak was a new organisation which worked in the uncharted territory of child rights. Rarely did NGOs work with boys then – unless they were child laborers. Those at Praajak though otherwise. They boldly worked in state-run homes with often inadequate facilities and government staff of varying capacities. As a former colleague, governing body member and longtime supporter of Praajak. I have seen the big difference this once small NGO has made.

In 1997, Praajak started work with the children and caregivers at the Kishalaya Home. I had just taken charge as the superintendent. We use to have 150 boys at that time! The staff from Praajak came to the home every day. They spent time with the boys, did various activities and helped us. Together, we worked and learnt from each other.

Passionate, sincere, intelligent, courageous, self-reflective and, most of all, fun! That’s how I would describe Praajak (and its founder). Good wishes and Congratulation!

Innovative, committed and transforming. Passionate leadership. Creative in approach.

In December 2010, I first visited Praajak’s Muktangan shelter in Asansol. Praajak’s work has immensely shaped my understanding of the lives of children in contact with railways. Our relationship has grown stronger more so with the support I received from Praajak in filing the petition in the Delhi High Court for safeguarding the rights of children in contact with railways and the work thereafter.