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স্বাগত Trisha

MSC archived stories - August 12, 2022

In particular my cultural connection to Kolkata, India resonates mainly with food, music, festivals but even as a Buddhist I was brought up believing in deities of Hinduism worshipping gods Vishnu, Ganesh, goddess Saraswati alike. The portrayals are often colourful and depicting supernatural form of human being.

 

An image of this struck a chord with me at first sight of seeing Trisha only 4 days into her waiting for a sponsor, yet never did it cross my mind to take her on at that moment.

 

First, the name (and indeed her brother, Rick) did not sound Bengali though has a meaning 'noble'. Second, her Chinese zodiac sign, which I always check to see our compatibility as a lot of faith goes into sponsor/child relationship to work – she was just lucky (by 3 days!). Third, I was told Trisha will be the first in her family to start receiving sponsorship benefits, which made it extra special to give her a chance.

 

Both Neha and Trisha (her debut) attend the Hazra Community Center, run by SAHAY in West Bengal [www.sahaywb.in]. The current situation in India is as follows:

"The centers are open, but with very limited activities and a very reduced number of youth and families at the center at all times. The staff is taking great precautions to keep the youth and staff safe. Additionally, letters, annual photos and EG follow-up are all taking much longer than normal. We are allowing 12-15 weeks for EG follow-up."

 

I was intrigued to find visual matches to the dress Trisha's wearing using Google Lens (right click on the annual photo > 'Search image with Google Lens') – all design varieties presented are from India (how did that happen?), shows her style unique to the continent.

 

Also, "Bangal" and "Ghoti" are two castes of Bengalis living in West Bengal. The families migrated during the Partition of India in 1947, mainly Hindus are Bangals, whereas those native are Ghotis. They both keep up their cultural rivalry through respective football clubs and cuisines. I kind of feel that Trisha has roots to Bangal and Neha to Ghoti.

 

স্বাগত (Sbāgata) Welcome!

Comments

  1. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:22

    She is so lucky to have been found by you, a caring and kind sponsor who has the experience to know how to help her best! Wishing you both a joyful journey ahead. Namaste!

    August 13, 2022

    ReplyDelete
  2. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:22

    Sounds like Trisha just found herself a wonderful friend and mentor! Best wishes on your new sponsorship, chelaka!

    August 13, 2022

    ReplyDelete
  3. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:22

    That's great! I love cultures and religions too, so I am happy to learn about her traditions as well as yours. I hope that you two will share holidays and teach us what you and her know.

    August 13, 2022

    ReplyDelete
  4. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:23

    Thank you. I just wrote to Trisha on the eve of India’s Independence Day.

    August 14, 2022

    ReplyDelete
  5. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:23

    Wonderful! Welcome to her!

    August 15, 2022

    ReplyDelete

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