[vc_row margin_top=”26″][vc_column][vc_column_text]We at HOPE are both inspired and heartbroken at what our colleagues in Kolkata are dealing with during a devastating time. We wanted to share the stories of these inspirational heroes with you all, we think it shows the incredible people on the ground in Kolkata working tirelessly thanks to your donations. Our HOPE Heroes series will share thoughts and stories from our extraordinary colleagues.
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Our third hero in the series is Bijoy Jadab.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”20″][vc_column][vc_message message_box_style=”solid-icon” message_box_color=”orange” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-id-card-o”]
Hero: Bijoy Jadab
Role: Ambulance driver for HOPE Hospital and HOPE Emergency Response Team
Posted at: HOPE Hospital[/vc_message][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]How long have you worked for HOPE?
Bijoy: I was rescued by HOPE from the Howrah Station at 15 years of age. Then I was rehabilitated at the HOPE Punorjibon Home (Drug Rehabilitation Centre) where I further received informal education and took training as cook and worked in a Chinese restaurant for one year. After that I took driving training and acquired a driving license. I was working at different places until I joined HOPE’s Child watch Project four years back as a driver. Currently I am the ambulance driver at the Hope Hospital. For the last few months I am heading HOPE’s Emergency Response Team in distributing food and rescuing homeless people from the streets during the corona virus pandemic. Hope has helped me in various ways. My daughter is getting the Educational materials as per requirement under Hope Educational Sponsorship Programme.
How did you know you wanted to work in social care?
Bijoy: I owe my betterment and current job to the social work that was once done by HOPE. Coming from the most unprivileged background, I strongly feel that social care is one of the most effective ways to bring change in the society.
Are you from Kolkata?
Bijoy: No, I am not from Kolkata. I live in a village called Nalikul, Hooghly district.
How does it feel to see such suffering in Kolkata?
Bijoy: It is very depressing and heart-breaking to see such suffering, at the same time, it makes me more motivated to work towards the betterment of the downtrodden people as I also suffered in my Childhood. I did not get proper food in my childhood. I only eat Burly. Due to hunger I left my home and started to live in Howrah station.
How has working on the HOPE Emergency Response made you feel?
Bijoy: The sense of responsibility was very encouraging. For the first time I felt proud of being able to directly help people in their dire needs. The responses from the people have boosted my inspiration to work among the underprivileged sections. I thank all the generous donors of HOPE for their contributions.
Has Cyclone Amphan and Covid-19 affected you or your family?
Bijoy: Yes, I and my family were suffered due to Covid Pandemic and Cyclone Amphan. Due to lock down I was unable to meet my family as local trains are not running. For last four months I am staying in the Hope Hospital. I miss my family and children.
What do your family think of the work you are doing?
Bijoy: My family is very proud of me because of the work I do. Their support serves as the backbone of my dedication in helping the poor.
Do you have a message for the people who want to know how to help?
Bijoy: Please help HOPE as much as you can to continue our mission.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][TS_VCSC_Lightbox_Gallery content_images=”44633,44632,44630,44631,44629″ content_images_size=”full” data_grid_preloader=”-1″][/TS_VCSC_Lightbox_Gallery][/vc_column][/vc_row]
