KOLKATA: She is not just a National Award-winning actor, Rituparna Sengupta is also a philanthropist and has stood beside people in distress during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite being in Singapore with her family, the actor has organized relief for the sex workers in Kalighat red-light area along with dancer Avirup Sengupta’s NGO Prayas.
On Sunday, the team distributed groceries, sanitary napkins and other daily essentials to 100 women, who are out of work because of the restrictions in place.
They also gave out milk, bread and biscuits to 40 kids in the area.
The initiative was supported by Ballygunge Siksha Sadan principal Sunita Sen, designer Papri Jain and social volunteers like Mohua Roy, Piyali Dutta, Shimanti Das, Madhumita Ghosh, Arnab Dutta, Abhyuday and Anirban Guhathakurata.
“I have worked with these women as a part my research for films where I played a sex worker.
I have been part of various social work involving them.
So, I know their agony, their struggle.
They are an important part of the society, and it is my responsibility to stand by them in these tough times.
I am glad to do my bit,” said Sengupta from her Singapore residence.
Ananya Mondal, is relieved to get the help after struggling to make ends meet for her son and daughter with the limited savings she had.
“I am thankful to all for providing us with the essential items.
I have almost exhausted my savings and was worried about the upcoming days,” the 35-year-old sex worker said.
Sengupta has been a part of many such initiatives including a community kitchen for the covid patients, vaccination of kids with special needs and giving out essentials to 300 hawkers in the Kalighat temple area.
Along with Prayas, Sengupta has also sent medicines and dry ration to those affected by cyclone Yaas in the Sundabans.
“I am a giver and will do everything in my capacity to help people in need.
I believe this is my way of giving back to society,” said Sengupta.