Story of Bilash Naiya

Bilash Naiya

20 years, Male

PursuingB.A.(Hons) Geography, Ashutosh College, Calcutta University

Village:Kuemuri, P.O. Kuemuri, P.S.-Patharpratima,

Dist. South 24 Parganas, Pin- 743383 

In the deeply vulnerable coastal belt of South 24 Parganas—where poverty, climate fragility, and limited access to education intersect—the lives of children are often shaped by cycles of deprivation. Many grow up

without the presence of either parent, as distress migration for livelihood pushes adults away from home for months at a time. Without guidance or protection, these children are left to navigate life on their own, making them highly vulnerable to early school dropout, child labour, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

Amid this challenging reality, Bilash Naiya, a 20-year-old youth from Kuemuri village, stands as a quiet example of resilience and transformation. Born into a humble farming family, Bilash’s life changed abruptly when he lost his father to cancer at a young age. The emotional blow was compounded by the financial debt

incurred during his father’s treatment. With mounting hardship, Bilash had to discontinue his studies to support his mother in farming, while his elder brother migrated for work to help sustain the family.

Bilash’s early experiences reflect the struggles of countless children in the Sundarbans—children full of potential, yet forced into labour at tea stalls, cracker factories, or trafficked under false promises of work. Hiring children as domestic workers remains widespread, and community-level awareness or child

protection mechanisms are often limited.

To respond to these challenges and ensure a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children, ‘Natun Alo’, a residential boarding facility, was established. The initiative aims to rescue and rehabilitate children at high risk of labour and trafficking, providing them with education, protection, and holistic development.

In 2018, with the support of the local Village Pradhan, Bilash was identified and enrolled in this transformative programme. Although the initial separation from his mother was painful, he soon found stability, care, and companionship within the residential school. The supportive environment and dedicated mentorship helped him reconnect with learning and rebuild his academic life.

Bilash flourished in his studies—scoring 75.3% in Class 11 and an impressive 92.8% in Class 12 from Krishnachandrapur High School. A passionate reader, he developed a strong love for English literature and fiction. Today, he is pursuing a B.A. (Hons.) in Geography from Ashutosh College under the University of Calcutta. His performance remains commendable; he secured nearly 77% in the first semester, a remarkable achievement considering the adversity he has faced.

Though the pressure to earn and support his family continues to weigh heavily on him, Bilash remains determined. He is actively looking for part-time employment opportunities to continue his education without adding to his family’s financial burden.

Bilash’s dreams extend beyond personal growth. He aspires to work in the field of social development, helping vulnerable children like himself reclaim their childhoods and build brighter futures. His journey is not just a story of individual success—it is a testament to hope, opportunity, and the trans-formative power of timely intervention.