The Boston Pledge (TBP) organized a fundraiser on April 24, 2005 at Babson College and raised over $5,000 to help the victims of Tsunami Disaster. Titled ‘An Exciting Evening of Dance, Drama and Music’, the event featured local artists who entertained the audience with  their talents. 

Dr. Fritz Fleischmann, Professor of English and Dean of Faculty at Babson College, presented some introductory remarks and talked about Philanthropy in global context. “There are three reasons for philanthropy: To take care of less fortunate, love for humanity, and spirituality, ” said Fleischman ”Typically people take care first of family and friends, then the community, followed by nation and now human beings globally. Philanthropy is enlightened self-interest. When we are in need we rely on others and as such it is our duty to help others in need.”

Partha Ghosh, Chairman, TBP, talked about the mission of TBP and highlighted the various initiatives including the Arsenic Project, Kalighat Project, LEAD-Lifetime Education and Assistance for the Disabled, Public Health/Second Opinion, Enterprise Development Network, Renaissance Corps and Human Development Network.

 Parna Baral opened the cultural program with a dance titled ‘The Lost Galaxy’. The dance set to Anand Shankar’s music was choreographed by Aparna Das.  This was followed by two songs by Akash Majumdar, a eight year old child protégé who impressed everyone with his renditions of  the popular songs Mera Juta Hai Japani (Hindi) and Coffee House (Bengali). The Sangeetayan group directed by Sagarika Kanjilal,  paid tribute to the Tsunami victims with a few Phagun Bhajans. Amra Kojon presented ‘Melodies of life and death with Bengali music’. "Babuder Dalkukure", an one act Bengali play by Manoj Mitra and directed by Nishit Mukherjee was a main attraction of the evening. This satire portrayed the life of politicians in India. “Walk down the memory lane” by Somen Saha brought back nostalgic memories of the good old days of Hindi film music. The quality of the program was excellent and each artist gave their best.

“As citizens of the world, we have to fulfill this obligation to help our fellow men through times of distress and strife and this may just one of the most effective ways to do so. This is another chance for people to give, to donate to help those in need. Only sustained and long-term efforts can make a difference at this point in time," said Sumita Basu, TBP member and a major force behind the event.

If you missed the event and would like to donate to the cause, please visit www.bostonpledge.org.

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