Way of the orphans life running in 'Chandmani'

How are the orphans of Chandmani? Many in the society do not keep track of them. The childless couple Md. Pijirul Alam Dulal (6) and deceased Motahara Begum. Pijirul Alam Dulal is running for the welfare of the neglected children of the society. He formed this 'Chandmani' after losing his wife and getting the address of a childless life.

He voluntarily retired from the post of former Assistant General Manager of Uttara Bank in 1997. His father Moslem Uddin Ahmed was a school teacher and his mother Piara Ahmed was a social worker and assistant headmaster of a school in Gopibagh, Dhaka. They were the instigators of this work. Their home is in Chaoradangi village of Jaldhaka upazila of Nilphamari. And in that house in 1999 he built an orphanage for poor and helpless girl children called 'Chandamani'. At present 35 girls of different ages are studying there. The capacity of the ashram is 45-50 people.

Thinking of girls, Pijirul Alam started with the first 5 children. Now Chandmani is 23 years old. These 23-year-old 600-700 orphans have grown up by learning to read and write and have taken place in different parts of the society. ‘Chandamani’ is locally known for its charitable work.

He has his own house, Chandmani, free accommodation, food and education. At present 35 students (from secondary class to IA) are living here. They are studying in different educational institutions of the upazila. He is doing this humanitarian work to create employment opportunities by educating the children especially those who do not have father, mother or father or mother.

In response to a question, he said that the condition of staying here is that child marriage should not be allowed, at least up to higher secondary education should be taught, to come out of bigotry and superstition and lead a life in modern society. Regarding the safety of the children, there is a secluded environment for reading, there is a hall and reading library, chairs and tables in their respective rooms. Apart from class books, there are many books written on the history of liberation war, short stories, novels and biographies of great people. Thus, the orphanage 'Chandamani' has been running under the same rules for 23 years.

Chandmani started her journey in 1999 with Jasmine Banu Nipa, Anjuara Nisha, Preeti, Smriti and Neela. They are educated in modern education and many are now self-sufficient. However, they did not forget their moonshine. They are followed by Ruby, Deepa, Helali Akhtar Nupur and many others. At present there are 35 girls residing here. Among them are Zakia, Pinky, Ferdousi, Shantana, Suma, Lovely, Arefa, Ashamani, Nishad, Tanzila, Dulali, Pia, Habiba, Nadi, Rubina, Ruzina (two sisters), Moonmoon, Mejica (two sisters), Manjila, Mom, Mitu. (Two sisters) They have no parents, Mim, Mini Akhtar, Mozka Akhtar.

Hasina Begum, mother of Mim and Mini, said, "After the death of her husband, she was having a hard time with her three children. Suddenly one day I came to know about Pradeep Kumar, an egg seller in the area. Since then I got a new address and got rid of worries. Now my daughters are very happy and writing. I sincerely pray for Pijirul Bhai to benefit the poor orphans.

Monira Akhter Mona, a student of Chandmani and daughter of late Huzur Ali of Matukpur Purbapara village of Panga Matukpur Union of the upazila, said, “I was admitted in 6th class here in 2012. Now I am a second year student of Jaldhaka College. I have two sisters and one brother. My younger sister is married and younger brother Imran is now a ninth grader. After my father died, I came to Chandmani holding my mother's hand and got admitted. My father (guardian) Pijirul Alam Dulal has filled the place and kept it in his chest even though he did not have a father. It is good that 35 people like me, who have lost their father and mother, have been able to learn to read 'Chandmani' together. We all pray that God will give us the strength to do such a thing.

Jasmine Banu Nipa, Monteja Banu, Ritna Akhter Rita, Lipsi Akhter (MA), Firoza Akhter (BA) have all been employed by reading from Chandmani. Nipa has passed BSc and is currently working in the health department of the government. Monteja Banu and Mofeza Banu are government nurses. Ritina Banu Rita, Lipchi Akhter Ruby and Afrin Nahar are doing MA in Economics at Carmichael College with the help of Shobha Chandmani.

Pijirul Alam Dulal said that so far about 150 students have passed SSC, 150 students have passed HSC, 6 students have passed BA and 4-5 students have passed MA. He further said that Chandmani's main task is to create personal awareness of the neglected and disadvantaged women and men of the village.

In addition, there are madrasas in Chandmani for teaching the Qur'an. Four days a week the Qur'an is taught by experienced scholars. Drawing classes are held one day a week. There is a system of learning music two days a month with a skilled music artist. The girls are given training in handicrafts and sewing.

Pijirul Alam Dulal, founder of Chandmonir, said that a neglected girl child in a rural area fell into a storm before crossing the primary stairs and going to Madhyamik. Even if they are somehow educated in the midst of scarcity, their lives are covered with bigotry and superstition. Chandmani is working with the aim of establishing them in the society.

Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Yasir Arefin said that Pizirul Alam Dulal, the founder of Chandmani, is a progressive and cultured man. Half of the country is women. His efforts to take this community forward will be an example to the society. Everyone should come forward in such a great work.