• Celebrates 57th National Day with children
By Perpetua Egesimba
Nigerians, including expatriates have been urged to demonstrate exemplary character and render services that will make the world proud of the country.
The founder of Urja Foundation, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to humanitarian services, Rukhi Mitra made the appeal during the celebration of Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary organized by the group in Lagos.
The Indian, who has lived in the country for 34 years, said she was proud of the country. “I myself, I am proud of Nigerians, I consider myself as one simply because I have lived 34 years of my life here,” she said. “You are walking along the road and a small child you do not know will come and greet you ekaro ma (Good morning) and you think and feel so good about it. I have learnt to do that and I love it. I love the Pidgin English,” Rukhi added.
The event is held annually. This year’s event brought together children irrespective of family background, race and religion. It was fun for the children as they were treated to a variety of performances by Nigerian and Indian artists. The highlight of the event was the presentation of gift items to the children.
On how the organization was founded, Mitra said, after some people asked for assistance from her and as she had limited resources, she decided to consult friends to establish the Urja Foundation to raise fund to meet the needs of the children.
“People keep sending gifts to us. My house is like a dump yard because people keep on sending items such as old clothes, old shoes and others materials. Every week, I have to get it going so that more items can come in. We keep doing that all the time, and I thank all our sponsors including the media because I have never asked for support and they said no, that is why we keep going.”
The organization was founded in 2013 and it is currently training 21 children. She disclosed that the foundation plan to take in seven children every year but it would depend on the level of sponsorship it gets, adding that managing 21 kids is capital intensive. She explained that they not only sponsor the children’s education but follow up in their advancement in life.
15 year- old Eze Fedrick, a beneficiary of the foundation expressed happiness for celebrating Nigeria’s Independence Day with the Foundation, adding that the organisation has helped him in many ways.
“I am so happy to be here today, Urja foundation has really helped me in so many ways. It pays my school fees and gives us some gifts whenever we are here. I am in school today because of Urja foundation. Another beneficiary, Emmanuella Nwokocha who is 13 year -old and in SS1 was excited celebrating with the group.
“See my bag, they gave us gifts. In the raffle draw, I won something. They have given me an opportunity to be in school. And every year, they organise a fun fair event like this for us. I am really grateful, I want them to grow and may God bless them. I appreciate them for sponsoring my education,” Emmanuella said.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Head of Chancery, Indian High Commission, Lagos, Mr. Subu Ramesh, Divisional Crime Officer, Ilupeju Police Station, Mrs. Sarah Onyibe and President, Indian Cultural Association, Chief Sanjay Jain.