Local Riverview chiropractor Eric Conti and Nicola Conti from Be.U Natural in Lane Cove have just returned from volunteering in Siliguri, West Bengal with Hands on India
What is Hands On India?
Hands on India is a not-for-profit charity organisation powered by volunteers.
The charity was founded and run by chiropractors and non-chiropractors to support communities in West Bengal through women’s empowerment, childhood education and basic health education and support.
It all started in 2004, when Brett Dellar, a second-year chiropractor student, wanted hands-on experience within the university program and wanted to make a difference by helping those overseas.
In 2015 the ABC published an article about the charity and noted:
“Women in the north-east Indian city of Siliguri constantly put their bodies under strain: dragging rocks from the local river, smashing them by hand into stones, and carrying heavy baskets to a truck that takes the load for use as road base.
They and other women in the north-east of India who work as tea pickers, also carrying heavy loads, had little hope of relief until a group of Australian chiropractors made a trek to help out.”
Eric and Nicola were among 30 volunteer chiropractors and assistants who cared for over 2,000 people in remote villages in the rock-breaking and tea plantation communities.
“Seeing what can be achieved in just two weeks is amazing, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the people we served,” Eric Conti said.
“The communities welcomed us warmly, sharing cultural performances and expressing deep gratitude. Our partnership with Seva Kendra, the Indian NGO, and seeing where our funding goes reassured us that our efforts are making a lasting difference in this high-needs area.”
“We raised crucial funds for year-round programs, run by Hands on India, that continue to support these communities. Our goal is to guide, facilitate and mentor these communities to improve their quality of life without relying on our physical presence.”
Both Eric and Nicola said one of the most special aspects of the trip was visiting the six schools’ Hands on India fund, which educates 900 children. All benefit from passionate teachers who provide excellent education to engaged and joyful students.
They also witnessed the strength of the Women’s Self-Help Groups. The most touching moment was presenting awards to participants of the new literacy program, in which many women have learned basic literacy and know how to sign their names.
Hands on India assistance includes funding 40 volunteer-run village health centres, which act as hubs for healthcare, hygiene education, and access to medical services. Many people would not have this access if these were not operating.
Eric and Nicola would like to thank everyone who supported their fundraising efforts this year.
Eric and Nicola said:
“The progress we’ve made together is not only thrilling but also profoundly rewarding, making all the preparation and fundraising efforts feel truly worthwhile.
Our hearts are full, our energies renewed, and we are so grateful for this life-changing experience.”
If you would like to learn more about Hands on India’s life-changing work, visit their website here.
Donations to Hands On India
You can donate to Hands on India’ via the following links:
https://hands-on-india-2024-25.raiselysite.com/nicola-conti
https://hands-on-india-2024-25.raiselysite.com/eric-conti
Your donations will go towards the following:
$20 – enables a woman to join a self-help group for a year
$50 – provides a child’s education for a year
$100 – pays for a teacher for a month
$2000 – funds a village health centre for a year
Hands On India Contact Details
Website: https://www.handsonindia.org.au/
Instagram: @hands_on_india_official
Facebook: @HandsOnIndiaOfficial/
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