The Cricket Association of Bengal today observed World Aids Day with
the kids of Anandaghar at Eden Gardens today ahead of the day's first game
between Town and Mohun Bagan.
On the occasion CAB President Avishek Dalmiya said: " The theme
of World AIDS Day 2020 is ‘Global solidarity, shared responsibility’. This
would help in defeating the coronavirus and also end the AIDS epidemic and
ensure the right to health for everyone. We hope that COVID-19 vaccine would be
out sooner than later. Also, we expect that HIV treatments and care – are
affordable and available to everyone across the globe. The Association marked
the Day and showed its support for people living with HIV. Players wore red
ribbons on their t-shirts during matches of the Bengal T20 Challenge."
"We hope this small act will go a long way in creating
awareness about the virus and stop those suffering from being social
ostracized," he added.
"We are happy to be able to spread awareness about AIDS through
our little effort. We want to bring about solidarity among the people and make
sure the patients are part of the mainstream of our lives," said Hony
Secretary Snehashis Ganguly.
The four children, Pinki Mishra, Madhumita Das, Satyajit Biswas,
Debashis Saw, from Ananda Ghar, a home for kids suffering from paediatric AIDS
run by NGO OFFER, let go a bunch of balloons from the lower tier of the stadium
in presence of the players from both the teams and CAB office bearers.
Ananda Ghar, which means House of Happiness, had also set up a kiosk
at Eden Gardens. It is a platform for these children to have a shot at life
instead of getting lost in depression. They come from different districts of
West Bengal and beyond. Other than taking care of basic needs and medicines,
the organisation provides education and tries to equip them for the challenges
ahead.
The kids later enjoyed cricket with Mr. Avishek Dalmiya, Hony.
secretary Snehashis Ganguly, Joint
Secretary Debabrata Das and Treasurer Debashis Ganguly, along with former India
cricketers Arun Lal and Ashok Malhotra.
Before that, the office bearers accompanied former India women
cricketer and cancer survivor Keya Roy for ringing the Eden Bell.
"It is a great honour at being called to ring the Eden Bell. I
thank CAB President for bestowing me with the opportunity. It felt really good
to share thia moment with kids who are fighting AIDS. My message to them is to
fight and look forward. Finally it felt really good to see cricket back at Eden
Gardens," Keya said.
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May 04, 2021 11:13 [IST]