Sixteen stalls spread over two floors of the British Deputy High Commission premises provided an opportunity for visitors to take home items of décor or accessories rooted in local traditions while helping the participating NGOs carry on with their social services.
Deputy high commissioner Andrew Fleming inaugurated the monsoon charity fair. “This is the second edition of the fair. We are inspired by our German friends but we are holding it in a different season. Nor can we accommodate as many stalls as the Germans can,” he said, referring to the Christmas charity bazaar hosted for years by the German consulate general.
Two visitors from the UK at the Antara couter
“All the stalls support causes, like mental health, which align with the values of my government,” he added, with the event partners from Supreme Knowledge Foundation of India and Travel Agents Federation of India by his side.
The stall of Future Hope Foundation was manned by senior students of the school. “We try to reuse donated items to create these aprons. Those coasters are made by parents of students,” said Sweta Chowdhury, a Class XI student.
The table of Silence had an array of scented candles as well as earrings and cards. “These are created by physically challenged workers,” said stall associate Soma Mukherjee.
Those with little daughters in the family flocked to the corner of All Bengal Women’s Union, where dresses for 18 month to six-year-old girls were being sold.
Snacking options were on offer at three stalls. Rinchen’s Momo, where rose momo, lhaphing and shaphaley were hot picks. Shuktara Cakes served French bakery items. I Can Flyy Tea Kafi served hot beverages as well as items like garlic bread and loaded nachos.
Clay clocks and tote bags with prints of Sahaj Path linocut paintings at the Kolkata Society of Cultural Heritage counter
Roisin Duffy Bence and Dante Butler were busy shopping. “The crafts are amazing,” gushed the volunteers serving with Future Hope. “We were invited here today to see the work of other participating charities,” the Durham University undergraduates said.
