Physical Health India Project #23676

Emergency Food and Medicine for Kolkata's Poorest

by Tiljala Society for Human and Educational Development

Project Report | Mar 31, 2026
From Hunger to Hope: Emergency Food Support

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

Baby, a 47-year-old woman from an economically vulnerable background, is currently battling a severe health condition that has deeply affected her entire family. Earlier, she lived only with her husband, but as her health deteriorated, her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren moved in to take care of her. Today, the household consists of seven members who are trying to support one another through this difficult phase.

The family survives on a very limited income. Her husband works as a security guard, while her son is employed as housekeeping staff in a hotel. Despite their hard work, their earnings are not enough to meet the growing needs of the family. There are three children in the household—a 14-year-old girl, a 6-year-old boy, and a younger child—all of whom are studying in a government school. However, their education and overall well-being are now at risk due to the family’s unstable financial condition.

Baby is undergoing dialysis, which has left her extremely weak and dependent on others for daily care. The cost of her treatment, combined with the household’s daily expenses, has placed the family under severe financial pressure. The family reached a point where even arranging daily meals became a challenge, leading to serious food insecurity and emotional distress.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Tiljala SHED identified the family as highly vulnerable and provided emergency dry food ration support. This intervention was critical in addressing immediate hunger and ensuring that the family had access to basic food during a time of extreme need. The emergency food support acted as a lifeline, helping the family stabilize temporarily and regain a sense of security.

This support not only helped meet their immediate nutritional needs but also reduced the stress and uncertainty faced by the family. With food available at home, they were able to focus on caregiving and managing Baby’s treatment without the constant fear of hunger.

At present, the family remains united in caring for Baby, showing strength despite their hardships. However, the need for continued emergency food support remains critical, as their financial condition is still fragile and medical expenses continue to rise.

This intervention highlights how timely emergency food assistance can protect vulnerable families from falling deeper into crisis. With sustained support, Baby and her family can continue their journey with dignity, hope, and the assurance that they are not alone in their struggle.

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Nov 28, 2025
Rising through challenges

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

Rising Through Challenges: The Inspiring Journey of Little Wakil and His Family

Six-year-old Wakil is a cheerful and determined child who continues to shine despite the many challenges his family faces. Living in a vulnerable socio-economic situation, Wakil’s story is not just about hardship — it is about strength, courage, and the unwavering hope his family carries every day.

Wakil’s father, Shakil, is an electrician known in his locality for his skills and hard work. Even after suffering a serious accident that left both of his hands fractured, and while battling ongoing heart-related complications, he continues to take up whatever small repair work he can manage. His spirit to keep going, despite physical pain, reflects a father’s deep commitment to his family.

His grandmother, Samina, recently underwent a hip fracture after a severe fall. Though she is now dependent on others for movement and care, the family surrounds her with love, patience, and support. Their care is a beautiful example of how compassion keeps families strong even in difficult times.

Wakil’s mother, Razia, who previously worked as a maid servant, had to leave her job to care for her ailing mother-in-law. Though she has lost her income, she has not lost her hope. She dreams of seeing her children grow, study, and break the cycle of poverty. Her strength as a mother inspires confidence that the family will slowly rise again.

With two children studying in school, the parents remain deeply committed to their education. They believe that education is the key that will unlock a brighter future for both Wakil and his sister. Despite financial constraints, they continue to motivate the children to study well and dream fearlessly.

Today, the family is going through a tough phase, especially with medical expenses and irregular income. The medical and treatment cost for the grandmother alone amounts to about 1,000 to 1,500 — which is approximately US$ 12 to US$ 18 per month. But what keeps them moving forward is their resilience and the belief that better days are ahead. Emergency food support at this moment becomes a source of relief and stability — allowing the family to breathe a little easier and focus on health, recovery, and the children’s education.

This family’s journey is a reminder that when strength meets support, hope becomes reality. Every bit of help they receive pushes them one step closer to rebuilding their lives with dignity and confidence.

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Aug 1, 2025
Living on the Edge - With Hope

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

A Family's Resilience Amid Disability, Illness, and Poverty

Jamal, a 65-year-old man, resides with his wife and two sons in a slum settlement on Meher Ali Lane. Despite being physically disabled and unable to work, Jamal continues to hold his family together with strength and quiet resilience.

His wife, Nasreen (48), has long been the pillar of the household, working tirelessly as a daily wage labourer to support the family. Even while managing her own health challenges—including high blood pressure, body pain, earache, and spondylosis—Nasreen remains determined to care for her loved ones. Her strong will and sense of responsibility have helped the family survive on a modest income of approximately 4,000 ($48) per month.

The couple’s two sons are their source of strength and future hope. Their elder son, Kalam (21), contributes to the family income through daily labour. Although the work is seasonal and limited during the monsoons, his efforts reflect the family’s spirit of perseverance. The younger son, Arman (19), is currently unemployed but remains optimistic about finding work and supporting the family in the near future.

Support and Hope for the Future

Recognizing the family's struggles, Tiljala SHED has extended monthly ration support through its emergency food relief program for impoverished families. This timely intervention has helped ease the pressure of food insecurity and has brought much-needed relief.

However, the family's needs extend beyond food. Nasreen's health now requires regular medical care and rest, putting her daily wage work—and the family’s only stable income—at risk. Despite these challenges, the family remains hopeful for continued medical assistance and livelihood support that can help them regain stability and security.

The courage and commitment displayed by Jamal’s family in the face of adversity is inspiring. With the right support and opportunities, they are determined to overcome these setbacks and move towards a more secure and dignified future.

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