“SILENCE: BREAKING THE CHAINS”
Date: April 12, 2024
Venue: Ram Mohan Hall, Kolkata
Organizer: Rotary Club of Calcutta Sutanuti, RI District 3291
On the evening of April 12, 2024, the Rotary Club of Calcutta Sutanuti, under the banner of RI District 3291, orchestrated an impactful event titled “SILENCE: BREAKING THE CHAINS” at Ram Mohan Hall. Commencing at 6 p.m., the event aimed to shed light on the critical issue of child and human trafficking through a compelling panel discussion.
The panel comprised three distinguished personalities, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the discourse. Rotarian Smarjit Mitra, a seasoned Chartered Accountant renowned for his involvement in numerous welfare projects focusing on the well-being of children and women, lent valuable insights. Joining him was Smt. Soma Sinha, a revered counselor and esteemed member of both the Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Board. Advocate Rotarian Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, dedicated to championing justice for the underprivileged, rounded out the panel, offering legal perspectives on combatting trafficking.
The discussion delved into the various forms of trafficking, extending beyond human exploitation to encompass organ trafficking and even the nefarious realm of photography trafficking. Panelists shared poignant anecdotes from their frontline experiences, recounting challenges faced during rescue missions and legal battles for justice. Particularly striking was the realization of how human trafficking has transcended geographical boundaries, assuming a global dimension.
Amidst the discourse, the audience was privileged to hear from two survivors, whose courage and resilience left an indelible impact. Their harrowing yet inspiring narratives, coupled with their unwavering dreams, resonated deeply with all attendees, underscoring the urgency of collective action against trafficking.
The event culminated on a poignant note with a mesmerizing dance performance by Ms. Aprita Chatterjee and her ensemble from Kalinga Nrityalaya. This artistic interlude served as a poignant reminder of the strength and beauty that can emerge from adversity.
At its core, “SILENCE: BREAKING THE CHAINS” aimed to raise public awareness about the escalating menace of trafficking. It emphasized that combating this scourge is not the sole prerogative of state authorities or specialized forums but requires active participation from all members of society. Only through collective vigilance and concerted efforts can we hope to stem the tide of exploitation and safeguard our communities from the clutches of this insidious racket.
In conclusion, the event served as a poignant reminder of the power of dialogue, empathy, and action in effecting positive change. It underscored the Rotary Club of Calcutta Sutanuti’s unwavering commitment to addressing pressing social issues and fostering a more just and compassionate society.