The Calcutta Samaritans

In the winter of 1971, Vijayan and Premila literally opened the doors of their home in Calcutta to anyone who needed help or just a sympathetic ear. They placed a simple advertisement in the newspaper – “Dial 442842. Someone to talk to” – which changed their lives forever. The next day 60 people from various strata of society turned up at their little cottage on the grounds of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Everyone was warmly welcomed with a cup of tea and each one received an empathetic listening. Thus the Calcutta Samaritans was born.

The Detoxification Unit (IRCA, Ramchandrapur) in particular was a welcome addition, and the Kamalgazi Rehabilitation Centre too enhanced our commitment to facilitating whole person recovery. Over the years, we have partnered with the Government in the field of Harm Minimization and Oral Substitution Therapy through the Targeted Intervention program and have worked towards capacity building and training in West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand through our Regional Centre Training Centre.

Our Campaign and Advocacy programs work with the urban poor on rights based issues. We first started meeting with rickshaw pullers informally, built a relationship, and, over time, were able to mobilize them and advocate for their right to livelihood and rehabilitation in face of official ban announced in 2005. The research from this interaction alerted us to the health issues affecting them. In the years to come we have worked with homeless communities, waste pickers, street vendors, among others, to address issues of livelihood, right to secure shelter, health, citizenship, gender rights, etc.

In the past, we have also worked with high-risk groups such as commercial sex workers and provided counselling, voluntary testing and treatment under the Prevention of AIDS, STDs, Awareness and Care (PASAC) program.

Throughout our journey we have endeavored to abide by our Founder’s simple yet profound motto – focus on the person, not the problem. It is a reminder to us all to stand alongside the vulnerable, despite the challenges, the stigma and disappointments.

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