100 Editions of Mukti Barta: A Journey of Service, Voices, and Impact

Reaching the 100th edition of Mukti Barta is not just a milestone—it is a celebration of a journey built on commitment, compassion, and collective effort. I feel immensely proud to have witnessed this journey since its inception and to see how a simple idea has grown into a meaningful platform that connects people, ideas, and stories of change.

The vision behind Mukti Barta has always been to share news, activities, thoughts, and ideas that inspire society. Over the years, it has evolved into much more than a newsletter. Mukti Barta has become a space where voices find expression, creativity finds recognition, and individuals feel empowered to share their perspectives with the world.

The journey of Mukti Barta reflects the journey of Mukti itself. From the early days of drafting in MS Word, to designing in Photoshop, and now creating in Canva, the publication has continuously evolved with time. Behind every edition is a dedicated team whose passion, creativity, and perseverance deserve heartfelt appreciation.

I have been proudly associated with Mukti for the past six years, and during this period I have witnessed its remarkable growth—from Mathurapur II Block to reaching communities across East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Lataguri, and many other regions. With every step forward, Mukti has strengthened its commitment to serve those who need support the most.

There have been many occasions when Mukti stood beside communities during their most difficult moments.

During devastating natural disasters such as Cyclone Amphan, Yaas, Dana, and Remal, our team worked tirelessly to support affected families and restore hope in the midst of loss and uncertainty.

One initiative that particularly stands out is the HelloBeta helpline.

When this service was first launched, awareness about it was limited. However, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, HelloBeta became a lifeline for thousands of people.

We received calls from individuals desperately seeking help to save their loved ones. Many of those conversations were emotional and heartbreaking, yet they reinforced our belief in the true purpose of working in the social sector. The gratitude and smiles of those we could support remain beyond words and continue to inspire us every day.

I would also like to recall two experiences that deeply reflect the trust people place in Mukti. During the first wave of COVID-19, when communities were struggling in countless ways, Mukti stepped forward with the support of generous donors to assist those in need. When Zomato Feeding India approached us to distribute rice among migrant labourers, we successfully implemented the initiative on the ground. Impressed by our dedication, they even invited Mukti to extend its work to Bangalore.

Similarly, during the second wave of COVID-19, when the crisis was at its peak, GiveIndia entrusted Mukti with the challenging responsibility of distributing 50 oxygen concentrators to PHCs and rural hospitals across West Bengal.

Despite limited manpower, our team completed this task successfully.

Soon after, the donor entrusted us with more than 1000 oxygen concentrators, requesting Mukti to deploy them across the state when many other partners were unable to do so during that critical time. Guided by Mukti’s motto of serving the needy, we ensured that these life-saving devices reached health centres across West Bengal within our capacity.

Moments like these constantly remind me how meaningful this journey has been. There are many times when I silently thank the Almighty for guiding me to a path that allows me to serve society and experience the profound satisfaction that comes from making a difference in people’s lives.

As Mukti Barta celebrates its 100th edition, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every team member, volunteer, donor, and well-wisher who has been part of this journey. Your dedication and belief have made this milestone possible.

The journey does not end here. With every new edition, Mukti Barta will continue to share stories of resilience, compassion, and hope—strengthening our collective vision of building a more caring and inclusive society.

The journey of Mukti Barta is a testament to the power of collective effort, compassion, and the belief that even small actions can create meaningful change.

Ankita Kothiyal
Program Director, MUKTI