Calcutta Hilton

One of the highlights of our stay in Calcutta has been the chance to meet Annie (Annette Sanson whose Dad was the doctor who delivered me in Agartala, and the three kids were also at MHS) and Kerry Hilton and see the work they are doing. A few years ago they moved here and ended up living on the very edge of the largest red light district in Calcutta. They have set up a business making jute bags and are employing women to do the sewing etc. Some of these women come straight from 'the trade' while others have mothers or even grandmothers who have been working oin the street.

Annie took us for a walk through the red light district itself - something of an experience!
It was sad to see the girls lining the side of the road waiting for custom. She was greeted with animation by a number of people along the way. From there we went to the new Freeset premises, where they were still moving into. It was an old icecream factory and gives them a lot more room than they had in their previous place. Downstairs we met Priya who was directing dyeing operations, and then upstairs to where the women work at sewing.

Annie introduced us to the women individually and told us some of their stories. Many of the women (notably those who hadn't been in prostitution) really sparkled - they asked questions about us and laughed and joked. Many of them were quite young - some not much older than Roxanne, and the contrast gave me pause for thought!

We went up on the balcony and appreciated the peacefulness and space of the new property. Back down and had a tea break with the women, some of whom clamoured to have their photos taken. I was impressed with Annie's easy friendship with the women and the banter that took place. Some of the more capable girls are going to be moved onto computers and trained to do the office work. Kerry's vision seems tireless and to have no limits! Roxanne bought a couple of bags to bring home - they are much better made than some of the similar products that we saw later being sold on stalls along Chowringhee.

We went back to the Hiltons again for a delicious lunch (chappatis and paneer curry)! Then caught the underground to the school where Rachel and Toby are at school, as Annie picks them up each day. This was a bit of a mission. Ten minute walk to the underground (very efficient and impressive, and Annie says it is a real lifeline in terms of being able to move around the city effectively), quite a few stops down the line, then a baby taxi ride to the school. We went home via an icecream, then through the posher residential areas and on to the Victoria Memorial (see photo in other entry on the blog). This monument in marble presides grandly over one end of the maidan. The gardens are well maintained and lots of people were strolling through the park - beggars and hawkers being noticeable by their absence. We didn't go inside.

It was good to have tea with the Hiltons and a chance to meet Kerry, Jess and Josh. We appreciated a sneak preview of a documentary made recently by TV3, which will show on NZ TV around March. It is called Calcutta Hilton, and gives very good insights into what Annie and Kerry are doing here - without any indication of their motivation, which is basically to emulate Christ's concern for the poor! Keep an eye out for the documentary screening - it was even more inspiring for us to be here and see the work in action!