Niswarth 

"Niswarth" was started by Neelam and Harsh Kumar at Bagrakote, West Bengal in 2007. It was set up as a means to providing employment & social standing to the underprivileged in our society.

Neelam had suffered a stroke 2 years prior to her demise causing her to be disabled. The many challenges faced in everyday life brought both Neelam and Harsh face to face with the everyday challenges disabled people encounter.

Key Milestones:

June 2010: Niswarth is officially registered as a Charity in the UK on the 21st of June 2010.

April 2010: In collaboration with the Dooars Branch of the Indian Tea Association, Niswarth organises a health workshop on the prevention and control of eye diseases amongst tea garden workers.

March 2010: Niswarth selects 30 people from within tea gardens to train as nurses through sponsorship from the Anandloke Hospital.

January 2010: For the first time in the history of the region, Niswarth organises a camp in the Bodoland, Assam.  In addition, a donation of Rs 1 lac (100 k) is received from the ABITA to support Niswarth's work. 

November 2009: Niswarth receives its PWD (Persons with Disabilities) registration which makes it a procurer of aids and appliances directly from the government.

August 2009: Niswarth expands into Assam by organising disability camps across Assam through support from the Assam branch of the Indian Tea Assosciation (ABITA) and the local district administration.

July 2009: Niswarth organises to send a number of deaf children to school run by the Salvation army in Darjeeling. 

May 2009: Niswarth receives its Tax Exempt status for all donations made under Section U/S 80G (5) (VI) of the Income Tax Act 1961.

April 2009: Niswarth celebrates 2 year in existance and launches "Neelam incense sticks". The anniversary is marked by a major function which saw performances by the disabled members of Niswarth infront of an audience of nearly 1,500 people.

January 2009: The first free eye camp is organised in collaboration with the Lions Club at Bagrakote and attended by over 220 people.

September 2008: Niswarth uses its donations to send volunteers to help victims of the Bihar floods. 

July 2008: Lions Club re-opens its Bagrakote pathological branch having renamed itself Lions Niswarth Pathological Centre for physically challenged from nearby areas get medical tests done.

July 2008: Niswarth organises it's pilot blood donation and disability camp. With a total turnout of 700 people, the camp also helped nearly 300 apply for disability ID cards and aids and appliances.

April 2008: Upon Neelam Kumar's demise, Harsh Kumar donates over Rs. 4 lakh (400 k) to help develop Niswarth's infrastructure to sustain itself. Niswarth's strategy is established to grow the organisation and reach out to the remotest regions.

May 2007: Niswarth starts production of it's incense sticks priced at Rs.5, Rs.3 & Rs.1

April 2007: Niswarth opens as a registered charity on the 3rd of April 2007.