It was the late ‘80s, a time when life seemed simpler. There was no pressure of schooling, no concerns over quality education, and little thought about careers. Instead, there was ample time for carefree leisure. One such evening in 1988, in the quiet town of Chandannagar, five friends decided to channel their free time into something meaningful—supporting fellow citizens in need.

In the damp and dimly lit study room of one of the friends, the foundation of a small club was laid. The mission was simple: to assist students who lacked resources. The wheels were set in motion, and by 1989, the club organized its first book distribution and fees payment for students. However, the primary challenge was funding. To overcome this, the group organized various events, including film festivals, theatre performances, science exhibitions, magic shows, and book fairs. The residents of Chandannagar rallied behind the club, offering unwavering support.

Interestingly, for the first 25 years, the club operated without a permanent home. Meetings were held wherever space was available—members’ homes, the Chandannagar Strand, or school halls. We use the word “club” instead of “NGO” because, at the time of its inception, the term "NGO" was not as widely recognized as it is today.

As the late ‘90s approached, the need for formal documentation became apparent. The club’s activities had grown both socially and financially, though meticulous records had been kept since day one. In 2001, the club was officially registered under the State Act, with the communication address listed as one of the member’s residences. Finally, in 2013, the club found its first permanent home.

This is just the beginning of our story. Anyone interested in learning more about our journey can explore our complete profile on this website.

With best regards,

Chandannagar Ispat Sangha