Smile Street Launched by Rotary Calcutta Mahanagar & Lions Safari Park to Empower Children through Joy and Choice
Ambar Bhattacharya, Takmaa News, Kolkata, 22nd Nov 2025 : Rotary Calcutta Mahanagar, in collaboration with Lions Safari Park and the Lions Club of Calcutta North, Lions District 322B1, successfully launched Smile Street, a community-driven initiative designed to create joyful, inclusive and meaningful engagement opportunities for children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
The programme, held at Lions Safari Park, Rabindra Sarobar, witnessed the presence of Rtn. Dr. Ramendu Homchaudhuri, Mr. Debasish Kumar, Lion Manju Chamaria, Rtn. Shekhar Mehta, and Rtn. Sanjay Bhalotia, along with members, volunteers and supporters from both Rotary and Lions. Their collective participation reinforced a unified effort towards community service and child development.
As part of the initiative, each participating child received a ₹1,000 shopping coupon, enabling them to independently choose items they needed or desired—promoting dignity, freedom of choice and decision-making. Children selected from various educational and essential products including school bags, study tables, badminton sets, story books, bedsheets, tables, tiffin boxes, pencil boxes, drawing copies and many other stationery items.
The event also featured interactive, creative and recreational activities, making the day memorable for every child. The organisation and coordination efforts of the staff and volunteers played a key role in ensuring the programme’s success.
Smile Street stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community compassion, aiming to create a nurturing space where children can experience happiness, explore opportunities and grow with confidence.
