Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers, in association with the Sundarban Binodpur Shibom Society, organised a special pre-Puja celebration at Bela Saha Smriti Vidya Mandir, a primary school located in a remote corner of the Sundarbans, while laying the foundation stone for a new school campus.
The event marked the beginning of the festive season with a message of hope, education and community development. Bela Saha Smriti Vidya Mandir, established in 2024 as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers, was named in memory of Bela Saha, whose lifelong commitment to education continues to inspire efforts towards empowerment through learning.
The day’s programme began at an adjacent plot of land, where the foundation stone for the new school campus was laid. The celebrations subsequently continued at the existing school premises, where Puja gifts were distributed among 435 schoolchildren. Saris were also presented to their mothers and other local women, adding to the festive spirit.
Swami Satyakamananda-Ji Maharaj of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur, attended the programme as the chief guest and blessed the initiative.
Expressing his happiness at being part of the celebration, Swami Satyakamananda-Ji Maharaj congratulated the Sundarban Binodpur Shibom Society and Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers for their work at the school. He said that bringing smiles to the faces of children and mothers in vulnerable parts of the Sundarbans ahead of Durga Puja reflected the grace of Mother Durga.
Emphasising the importance of education, he said it was the greatest instrument of empowerment and noted that the new school campus initiative was in keeping with Swami Vivekananda’s vision of uplifting marginalised communities.
Dr. Dipankar Mondal, secretary of the Sundarban Binodpur Shibom Society, said the school was established in 2024 and thanked Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers for its continued support. He appealed to people to come forward and contribute to the construction of the new campus, which aims to expand access to education in the remote region.
Rupak Saha, director of Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers and son of Bela Saha, said the school was a dream project dedicated to his late mother’s memory and her passion for education.
Recalling her life, he said Bela Saha had excelled academically, first as a school topper and later by completing her graduation with distinction 18 years after her marriage. She had also extended support to meritorious students pursuing higher education.
He said the laying of the foundation stone marked an important step towards fulfilling her vision of education and empowerment.
Sucharita Roy, daughter of Bela Saha, said her mother had been a source of love and affection for many beneficiaries, particularly meritorious students. She added that the family remained emotionally connected to the institution named in her memory and was committed to ensuring that it continued to uphold her legacy.
The programme concluded with a community lunch, bringing together children, families, organisers and guests in a celebration of solidarity and the spirit of the festive season.