Helen recently attended an event organised by Hamari Muskan which works to provide a better life to the children living in Red Light Areas of Kolkata.
Helen at the inaguration ceremony
Q. You have gone to lot of places round the world, so what differences do find between Calcutta and those places?
I see more similarities in places than dissimilarities. Whether in United States, on in Africa or in the Middle East, they are interested to have good life for themselves, their families and loved ones. It may be a different lifestyle in United States, but life is same everywhere.
Q. What are your views on Hamari Muskan?
Hamari Muskan is doing a wonderful job. These children deserve the same opportunity as anybody else’s kids do. I think it is the responsibility of this community to embrace them. They should get the opportunity and get the life that they deserve to have.
Q. You must have learnt bits and pieces of Bengali by now. So did you enjoy the programme?
Oh don’t be so sure! [Laughs!]. I do not understand Bengali. So I did not understanding what they were saying. I interpreted the first play to be an interesting comment on trafficking as the girl was being taken from one king to the other. And as for the children, I had no idea what they were saying but they were so cute! The karate demonstration was also very interesting. I did not pick up a theme there but they were demonstrating their skill and discipline. The last play I was told was folklore. The hunchback man was part of the community, yet not quite fully and in the end everything worked. They were very good in their theatrical representation. The certificates that they got said that they are the “Ornaments of the City” which I think is very true.
Q. What is your message to these children?
Seek out opportunities to be involved in organizations such as these. This is a way to enrich your life. You never know where opportunities may lead you. You have the potential for a good life and you would be surprised with what could happen.
Q. You have been in Kolkata for quite some time. How does it feel?
It has been a little over two months. I’m glad that it is getting a little less hot. The weather was lovely today, wasn’t it? [laughs] It is a lovely city and I am enjoying my stay here.
Please leave your message for Helen...
