January 13, 2006

Fostering kindness at an early age

Eight-year-old Tiara Bhatacharya embarks on a mission to help orphans

By Michelle Hecht
Staff Writer

With role models that include Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman and Abraham Lincoln, it’s no wonder that Tiara Bhatacharya frequently donates her time to helping others.

This last summer, Tiara Bhatacharya bought ice cream for 1400 orphans in Calcutta, India, serving them one-by-one.

“People should be able to come closer together and not have so much hatred between them. There’s still a lot of people dying and people being mistreated. So, I believe the world should be equal, and nobody should be treated worse than other people,” said Tiara, an Evergreen resident.

Her parents, Partho “Phil” and Susmita Bhatacharya, encourage her desire to make a difference in the life of others. With the support of friends, family and local community organization, Bay Area Prabasi, the Bhatacharyas raise money every year for an orphanage in their homeland of Calcutta (Kolkata), India.

“It’s been a wonderful project for us,” said Susmita.

On her eighth birthday this past summer in Calcutta, Tiara thought of a way to be more involved. “When I saw all the money I got [as birthday gifts], I said let’s use this to get them [the orphans] ice cream,” said Tiara.

On a hot July afternoon, Tiara bought ice cream for 1,400 children, serving them herself. “She always thinks about these children first,” said Susmita.

Every year at a religious festival in Hayward, Calif., Partho “Phil” Bhatacharya shares stories and pictures of his family’s trips to Calcutta, India in order to raise money for an orphanage there.

Tiara knew it would be a treat for the children, so the family decided each would receive both a popsicle and an ice cream cup.

“They eat enough, but they don’t get as much as we eat,” said Tiara.

Surprisingly, the orphans were hesitant to take so much, going so far as to offer Tiara their second helping.

“They were just as happy with one ice cream,” said Susmita.

For Tiara, her joy in the matter was simply spending time with the children.

“I had so much joy in my heart,” said Tiara. “I felt generous and kind. I felt happy and joyous.” Each child in turn expressed gratitude, personally thanking Tiara in both English and Bengali.

“Tiara created this bridge with an amazing touch of giving, sharing and caring for these wonderful children. Distance didn’t matter to Tiara,” said Susmita.

Looking ahead for the orphans
The Bhatacharyas have now begun work on another project to help these young people, who range in age from 2 to over 21. The orphanage, run by Brahamachari Mural Bhai, already provides a well-rounded education, including art classes, sports and vocational training. To further the orphans’ opportunities, Phil, Susmita and Tiara started fundraising efforts to assist those ready for college.

“We were so blessed and fortunate enough to have the attention of our friends in the community this year who said, ‘we are there for you guys. Let’s see what we can do,’” said Susmita.

So far, 20 orphans have applied for scholarships.

“They’re very, very smart kids,” said Tiara.

Tiara’s promising future
Tiara sincerest hope is to bring the orphans ice cream every summer. Susmita sees this as an opportunity for Tiara to lead and motivate friends and classmates to help as well. Tiara, who finds inspiration reading about other young people making a difference, also looks forward to volunteering here at home. Next Thanksgiving, she will work at a soup kitchen. When she is older, she plans to help at Kaiser Permanente.

“I want to be a doctor when I grow up,” Tiara said of her future plans.

She could just as easily choose a career in art or literature. A talented artist, she draws, paints and constructs many works of art, which Susmita proudly displays throughout their home. Tiara also enjoys writing, thoughtfully expressing herself through stories and poetry. In a poem she completed after her latest visit to India, Tiara wrote: “We are one family under the same sky.” [See sidebar for entire poem.] Tiara carries these values of family, equality and peace into every part of her life.

Diplomatic in her outlook on life, Tiara has considered following in many of her heroes’ footsteps and, among her many goals in life, is intent on becoming a U.S. president. Tiara believes it is unfair that men hold a lot of the power, and often asks her mother if she could be the first woman president.

On a lighthearted note, she also sees it as an opportunity for Susmita to throw a party.

“My mom plans a lot of parties; she likes parties,” Tiara said with a touch of humor. “There’s going to be a huge party at the White House. I just know it.”

On the road to success and a positive outlook on life, and with the support of her parents – her most important heroes – this third-grader is already on her way.