Rituparna Sengupta continues to help people in distress amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite staying in Singapore with her family right now, she joined hands with dancer Avirup Sengupta’s NGO Prayas to organize relief for the sex workers of Kalighat red-light area.
Recently, they distributed groceries, sanitary napkins and other daily essentials to 100 women, who have been out of work due to the restrictions in place. They also distributed milk, bread and biscuits to 40 kids in the area.
Rituparna said, “I have worked with these women as a part of 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 society, and it is my responsibility to stand by them in these tough times. I am glad to do my bit.”
Sengupta has been an active part of many of these initiatives; for instance, a community kitchen for COVID patients, vaccination for kids with special needs, distributing essentials to 300 hawkers in the Kalighat temple area and helping HIV patients. With the help of Prayas, Sengupta has also sent medicines and dry ration to those affected by cyclone Yaas in the Sundarbans.
“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,” added Sengupta. She is also working alongside Kolkata Endeavour society for the rickshaw pullers’ orphans as well.
