In a unique initiative during the Durga Puja festivities, the 'Have Nots' will be showered with gifts by the privileged to make true the axiom "Joy shared Joy Doubled."
Called 'Daan Utsav' (the festival of giving) the week will be Kolkata's contribution to the National Philanthropic Movement where 2,500 under-privielged kids will be given goodies by the celebs and more affluent commoners during the five days of merry making, puspaanjali and pandal hopping.
"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving," said celebrated fashion designer Sayantan Sarkar, whose robes adorn the Bollywood divas during premier fashion shows here and abroad gtom Lakme fashion show to Dubai.
Part of the Hope Foundation movement, students of elite city schools like South Point, M B World Academy, and Birla High have chipped in with their modest pocket money and parents offerings as also corporates and five star hotel chains.
"I need not do tarrot reading for these children. I already know they are on the cusp of a brighter life," said famous tarrot reader, actor, and socialite Nilanjana Chakroborty, a participant in the movement.
"The Hope Foundation wishes to provide a better life to these children by what we give through Joy of giving . Everybody is welcome to come forward and together let's make a world where it should never rankle to be a child in whichever economic background he is born and brought up. "
The Daan Utsav will begin on October 2.
