Healing Little Hearts in India

Cambridge North Rotary Club takes the lead on raising matching grant funds for Healing Little Hearts in India.  The program was started in July, 2006 when the first child was operated on. The President of the Rotary Club of  Calcutta Manahagar, Dr. Ram Pal Vidhawan, wanted to assist young children with congenital heart disease whose parents do not earn enough to pay for the Surgery. An average income for a father is 100 rupees a day (approx. $2.50).  An average income per family is a mere 3,000 rupees a month.  The surgery cost is $3,500.  The original goal was to perform 6 surgeries a year.  Past Rotary District Governor, Shekhar Mehta, was approached to chair the project. Under his leadership, 75 children were assisted. Dr. Bimal Khatawat joined the team and the number of surgeries rose 150 in two years.  Shekhar's enthusiasm is very infectious and one cannot help being drawn in. With the present donation, the team will be able to assist 50 more children.