Kolkata: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Tuesday (December 1) observed World Aids Day with the kids of Anandaghar at Eden Gardens 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 the 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 Honorary Secretary Snehashis Ganguly.
The four children, Pinki Mishra, Madhumita Das, Satyajit Biswas, Debashis Saw, from Ananda Ghar, a home for kids suffering from pediatric 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 Indian women cricketer and cancer survivor Keya Roy came 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 this 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.
