::News Flash::

Tumudibandh Tribal Orphanage

In Orissa, India for Kutia Kondh Tribal Children

   During our February, 1999 trip to tribal India, after visiting the Kutia Kondh market in the state of Orissa, where the women wear beautiful facial tattoos, we "discovered" this orphanage of 25 Kutia Kondh children, ranging in age from six to ten years old. These children live at the orphanage because they have no parents, or because their one surviving parent does not have the means to care for them. They attend the nearby local school.

   The orphanage was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Bhagaban Pradhan, who run it single-handedly. Although they officially registered with the government in 1998, the orphanage still receives no government help. A nearby mission provides some rice. The rest of the money comes from whatever the Pradhans can obtain as contributions, plus Mrs. Pardon's meager salary.

   It costs approximately $175 per month to feed the 25 children, which includes their basic diet of rice, vegetables and lentils, plus some fish or meat once or twice per month. In addition, the children need clothes and school supplies.

   Since May, 1999 TurtleWill has included Tumudibandha Orphanage in its donations list, continuing to contribute monthly $175. Major General Surjit Singh, who operates our tours into Tribal India, oversees the timely arrival via bank transfers of our donations. In addition, our wonderful local guide in Orissa, Ms. Sanghamitra Jena, travels frequently to this area and "looks in" on tumudibandha whenever she is in the area.

   We have also provided a sewing machine and cloth for Mrs. Pradhan to make clothing for the children, as well as electricity for the orphanage. In March 2000 and 2001 we have also personally brought a supply of gifts and toys for the children.