Founded in 2014 by a group of school-going teenagers after a candlelight protest, the community-driven organization Helping Hand successfully wrapped up its annual charitable exhibition and sale, Numaish 2026, in 2026. The two-day event occurred on September 19th and 20th, 2026, at Gallery Gold, Kolkata (First Floor, Rabindra Sarobar), and showcased 21 custom stalls selling handmade chocolates, savory snacks, home decor, woolen crafts, bags, jewelry, and clothing.

The organizers of the exhibition noted a positive public reaction, and a share of the revenue from every stall was earmarked specifically to support the education of disadvantaged children.

Ankit Mitra, President of Katjunagar Helping Hand Society, emphasized that Numaish aims to offer talented but lesser-known creators and homemakers a respected commercial space where they can showcase their crafts, which often lack accessible markets.

The organization currently includes 50 active young members, spanning professions such as schoolteachers, college professors, IT professionals, mechanical engineers, psychologists, bank employees, and students. To support the group’s social initiatives, members set aside part of their personal income and savings, complemented by contributions from well-wishers, while managing their professional commitments.

A major feature of the event was the official unveiling of Helping Hand’s new website, launched by renowned social worker Pinaki Ganguly. After being congratulated by the organization, Mr. Ganguly praised the young team for their commitment to supporting marginalized communities and bringing joy to those overlooked, all while managing their demanding careers.

Funds and momentum generated by Numaish 2026 will directly bolster Helping Hand’s existing social welfare and educational infrastructure initiatives, including:

• Transforming used and restored electronics, such as old computers and laptops, into operational tech labs in areas like the Sundarbans and Santiniketan. Efforts encompass instructing rural students in AI, computer skills, and English, alongside major school improvement projects currently being implemented at Birinchibari High School in Jharkhali and Khagendranath Smriti School.
• In Konnagar, Special Needs Support collaborates with ‘ Bansai Prochesta’ to assist neurodivergent and differently-abled individuals, including supplying equipment for Special Olympics athletes.
• Offering skill-building, vocational training, moral education, and English classes at Tollygunge Ramakrishna Bhabadarsha Siksha Prangan and in urban slums, while also distributing sanitary napkins to 300-400 women.

Priyanka Dutta