Zurn family visits Behala Study Homes, February 2009

In early February 2009 Mr. & Mrs. James Zurn visited Kolkata as guests of Subhash and Rakhi Mukerji.  Since they have been regular supporters of Lily Foundation in Dallas we thought it would be appropriate for them to visit one of the Lily schools and see where their contributions and the contributions of their friends had gone.

The Behala school was the most convenient school to visit so we set off in two cars early in the morning accompanied by Prasad Sarkar and   Subir Mitra.  The short drive was both interesting and challenging for our visitors considering the congested roads and the tiny streets we navigated through to get to the school.  Or arriving there we were greeted by Sharmila Basu and Smita Mazumder  and a host of very young children with little bouquets, big smiles and a chorus of ‘Good Mornings.’  Some of the parents of the young children were also there.

After a brief over-view of how the school operated from Subir the Zurns had an opportunity to ask questions about how the school was set up.  The children then put on a short performance for us during which they sang songs, recited poems and told us about themselves.  Refreshments were served and the Zurns distributed some candy they had brought with them.

 During the children’s performance I could see how moved both the Zurns were, listening to the little voices and seeing the trusting and anxious faces.  And once we were in the car there was no reason to hold back our emotions – we traveled back with brimming eyes and aching hearts.  So much to be done for so many by so few.

Rakhi Mukerji