Footballers from Red Light Area Waiting to Fly, Let’s Give them Wings

Durbar-footballers

Kolkata: They do not get the recognition for what they deserve from the society. They are the childrens of the sex workers of Sonagachi-Largest sex brothel in Asia and few other brothels surrounding Kolkata. They are even denied the right and opportunity to education and sports, which is one of the basic rights of any citizen and more so a pre-requisite for a healthy society. In most cases they do not get an opportunity to go to school , while for some maintaining their daily diet is very difficult.

But the hardships and struggles do not stop them from dreaming big in their life, with an ambition to fly high. In spite of all odds they excel in a sport that unites the world – i.e., Football. Opportunity did arise for them to take the next step as they were invited to participate in the forthcoming Dana Cup football tournament in Denmark.

A group of talented footballers see their dream getting shattered owing to lack of sponsor. They were invited to participate in the forthcoming Dana Cup which is scheduled to be held from 20-27 July, 2016. But they are yet to find someone who is willing to support their dream become a reality.Little help and contribution can go a long way in bringing immense joy and happiness to their faces.

Some of the selected players that participated in the Padatik Football League organised by Durbar Mahila Samanway Samity- a NGO which works towards the welfare of the sex workers in Kolkata and suburbs have got a chance to show their skills in the Dana Cup. Durbar has also started a football academy three years back to rehabilitate these children, raising a new ray of hope through football.

Durbar Mahila Samanway Committee took a noble initiative as they came forward to sponsor 16 football teams that were part of the Padatik Football League. This year the league was in its fifth consecutive year. Twelve teams were named after the respective red light areas in the state viz.,  Basirhat, Sonagachhi, Rambagan-Sethbagan, Jorabagan, Dum Dum, Domjur, Khidirpur, Kalighat, Boubazar, Titagarh, Seoraphuli, Baruipur and Durgapur.A team was comprised of the tribal children from Amlasole, while another team was formed with the kids of prisoners, street children and drug addicts. A team from Durbar Sports Academy also participated. Basirhat emerged as the champions of the league defeating Durbar Sports Academy by 3-2 in the final held at Harish Park on March 05.

According to Dr Smarajit Jana, who is also the founder of Durbar Mahila Sammanwaya Committee was excited with the tournament, “The basic idea to have such a league is to make them feel they are not isolated from the society.”

Will their dream of making it big in their lives not see day light. Can we not come forward and provide them with their wings to fly high in life ahead. It’s a great opportunity for us to come forward and support in whatever way we can to bring back the smiles on the innocent faces.