Calcutta Tiljallah Relief, Inc.
(An IRS approved 'Not for Profit Organization' EIN# 22-3589193)

PO Box 6345, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831, USA

Phone 609-860-5856

E-mail: williams@blairrw.org

Dear friends,

CTR has grown in 2000, and this translates to more Anglo-Indians in India having a slightly better quality of life. As we end the year, we want to thank all those who have cared enough to help our less fortunate Anglo-Indians.

We now have about 75 seniors, in Calcutta, Madras and Bangalore, getting a monthly pension (we started the year with only 30 on pension), a pension without which they would be destitute. We are sponsoring 16 young girls as residential students in Loreto, Entally (we had none at the beginning of 2000) and in our latest project, individuals have sponsored 9 of these girls. This makes it possible for us to increase the numbers sponsored next year.

What are our plans for 2001?

We are looking for a project, similar to Entally for young boys, and more importantly a totally reliable organization or individual to administer it.

We must increase the number of Seniors on pension. It is unconscionable that we can live our relatively comfortable lives and have our communal brethren face daily misery and degradation.

Let me tell you a story. One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Calcutta (at least for me last year) was the CAISS Christmas party. At this party 450 needy Anglo-Indians, both young and old, are invited. Clothes are distributed and each is given a small present- after this there is a lunch for all. It is an experience of incredible sweetness and sadness. Avril Ayo from Sydney was in town, and, after lunch was helping to distribute rations; when she recognized a lady. They chatted and Avril gave her a bag of rations (one kilo rice, one kilo wheat, one bag of powdered milk and one bag of onions). She then turned to me and said, ‘We were in school together, same years and same class’.

That my friends is how razor thin the line is between 'them' and 'us'. It occurred to me that with just a little less luck, we could be them! How would we exist from day to day? A terrifying prospect.

We will continue to grow this program.

CAISS also has a Christmas party, for about 150 needy children. Each child is given an article of clothing and then they wait for Santa, who comes bringing a toy for each little one. Look at the expectancy and pleasure in their faces. To see such joy and happiness on the face of a child is to get a glimpse of heaven.

We go on, and with your help we will continue to make a difference.

Thanks for your support and may you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas.

Very Sincerely,

Blair Williams