Bichitra embodies community, and as such, we believe in espousing values of compassion, camaraderie and giving.

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Over the past 25 years, Bichitra helped numerous non-profit organizations achieve their goals. What began as the Social Service Committee, originated by the Late Dr. Prantosh Nag, and later named the Endowment Committee, is responsible for raising more than $80,000 to date - many thanks to our members for attaining such a tremendous accomplishment.

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Our contributions support local, national, and global efforts transcending geographical, economical, racial and religious boundaries. We give locally to organizations here in Southeast Michigan, as well as donate towards disaster relief programs spearheaded by the American Red Cross and UNICEF, for example.

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Bichitra never forgets its roots. Each year, we offer money to the Ramakrishna Mission where donations help at-risk populations take steps out of poverty. Funding supports education for girls and boys, provides basic health care, on-the-job training, childcare for parents seeking employment, and helps with the purchase of computers. The Ramakrishna Mission’s Narendrapur Vivekananda Social Welfare Society in Kolkata provides valuable skills to men, women and children to gain honest employment opportunities to lead a life of self-sufficiency.

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The Endowment Committee can only award monies to institutions designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3). 2016-2017 recipients include the following (click on the recipient names to learn more about their projects):

• Ramakrishna Mission: conducts social development programs perpetuated among the socio-economically backward community in the Rambagan slum (Kolkata, India)

• Coalition on Temporary Shelter: provides transitional housing and job training (Detroit, MI)

• Capuchin Soup Kitchen: feeding the hungry (Detroit, MI)

• World Medical Relief: provides medical equipment, supplies and prescriptions to those who need it locally and internationally (Southeast Michigan and worldwide)

• Michigan Asian Indian Family Services: provides domestic violence and mental health counseling and support to South Asians in Michigan (Southeast Michigan)

• Room to Read: seeks to improve literacy rates among children and provide education to girls (Bangladesh)

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We rely upon your generosity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. How can you help? Support Bichitra’s Endowment activities. Examples of past endeavors include ticket sales from cultural shows, and children’s carnivals; donations from photo booth pictures, and bake sales; and proceeds from the purchase of CDs, DVDs and Bengali books. Together we can transform lives and create a better tomorrow!