Reviving Hope: Women’s Empowerment Programme Restarts in Jharkhand

Karen Laister Uncategorised

For over a decade, community development efforts have been making a difference in the tribal regions of Gumla Nagar and its neighbouring villages—Pupunki, Satanpur, and Kasmar. Since 2009, these initiatives have focused on strengthening access to education and empowering local communities.

A key milestone in this journey came in 2013 with the construction of a safe and durable community centre. Replacing a fragile bamboo structure, the new building has since served as a vital hub for learning, gatherings, and community-led activities.

Working in partnership with Sarwangin Vikas Samiti (SVS), the programme has consistently supported educational opportunities for children while also promoting women’s empowerment through various initiatives.

After a temporary pause, the project has now been successfully re-started with renewed energy and commitment. Children are once again benefiting from structured educational support, helping them build a stronger foundation for the future. At the same time, women in the community are actively participating in skill-based training programmes designed to enhance livelihoods and foster financial independence.

Currently reaching several children and women across these villages, the revived programme is bringing a renewed sense of hope and opportunity to these underserved tribal communities. As activities regain momentum, the initiative continues its mission of creating sustainable change and empowering individuals to shape a better future.

New treasurer on epic cycle ride to raise funds for CRS

Karen Laister Fundraising, Uncategorised

In early May, to raise funds for CRS, Paul Doran is taking on an incredible cycling journey from Málaga to Bilbao covering approximately 1,200 km!

Paul, along with a friend, will begin by cycling along the coast towards Granada, before turning inland to Albacete. From there, they’ll tackle the stunning (and challenging!) Sierra Nevada mountains, ride through the famous Rioja vineyards, continue on to Zaragoza, and finally complete their journey in Bilbao.

And here’s the real challenge — they’re doing it all on standard bikes with no assisted power.

This is an amazing effort for a great cause. If you’d like to support Paul and learn more about his journey, please visit his Just Giving page

Paul and Michelle Doran

Paul recently Treasurer for the Friends of the Cathedral Relief Service in April 2026. He has recently retired after a long career in the aluminium industry, where he held senior positions in multinational companies. Hobbies including hockey, squash, tennis, cycling and now pickle ball.He writes about his appointment:

I became involved after my friend Crispin returned from visiting the charity in Kolkata. The pictures and videos he shared were truly inspiring and motivated me to take on this challenge in support of their work.

Support Paul’s sponsored cycle ride

Dr Henry – Obituary

Neil Swan Uncategorised

Dr Henry with a child patient.

It is 25 years since Dr.Henry first started her work with CRS, looking after the health of the poorest of the poor in the slums of Kolkata.  As a doctor she was determined to ensure, even at the age of 97 years, that the children and women received the very best medical advice she could offer.

Dr.Henry had a generous heart, and when she saw people in distress she often supported them in any way she could, even financially.  Recently she had the opportunity of meeting visitors from abroad including students and teachers from Derby University, Doctors from New Zealand and visitors from Little St Mary’s Church in Cambridge.  She enjoyed her contact with them and they were left with a lasting impress of her kindness, love and compassion.

May her soul rest in the peace that passeth all understanding.

275 killed in India’s worst train crash this century

Gemma Pask News from wider India

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the horrific train crash which took place in the eastern state of Odisha on Friday. The crash, which is suspected to have been caused by a signalling failure, happened near the Bahanaga Bazar station, about 170 miles south of Kolkata. Three trains were involved in the crash, which has been described as the worst seen in India this century. As of Sunday 4th June, 275 people had died and more than 1,000 were injured.

We pray for:

  • Those who have survived the crash. May God bring healing to both their physical and mental health following this traumatic experience.
  • Friends and family of those who have died, and those who are still searching for missing loved ones. May they lean on Almighty God for strength at this time.
  • Those who are missing. In Jesus’ name, we pray that they would be found alive and uninjured soon, and that the death toll would not grow any larger.

Asit Dutta

Gemma Pask CRS staff

We are saddened to announce the death of Asit Dutta, better known to all at CRS as Asit Da, which means ‘elder brother’. Asit Da served CRS for 42 years, with a particular focus on improving the health of disadvantaged communities. He was involved in setting up health projects for the children, women and wider communities where health facilities were previously minimal or non-existent. Most recently, he helped establish the Bosekati health clinic at St Luke’s Church, which has already provided over 500 people with life-changing health check-ups and medication.

Rig David, Director and Secretary of CRS, said: ‘Asit Da was extremely organised and methodical in his work. He was always ready to help anyone in need of medical assistance. He always wore a smile and tried to do his best lovingly, even in the most difficult situations. He was an extremely strong-minded person who came back to continue his work at CRS a week before he left us for his heavenly abode.’

Asit Da performs a health check-up on a woman from one of the CRS health projects.
Asit Da performing a health check-up at the Bosekati clinic.