WINTER CLASSES FOR POOR KIDS & HEALTH CAMP AT SCHOOL KNOWN AS `ROYAL' CRADLE ... North Point makes a point, hosts the less privileged

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, Darjeeling: Children from the royal families of Nepal and Bhutan have long walked down the corridors of St Joseph's School (North Point) here. Anisha Thami, a porter, did so on Saturday.

The Darjeeling woman in her mid-thirties was one of scores being checked at a health camp held in a classroom at the iconic Darjeeling school.

Her sons, too, were there -- in another classroom and taking lessons. The camp was organised by Sharad Rai, a doctor from Nepal, and Rajesh Kallanim, a Siliguri businessman.

Both former students said they had returned to "to give back" what they could to the school that shaped their lives.

"The Siliguri chapter of our alumni along with Planter's Hospital in Darjeeling and others are conducting a free health checkup not just for underprivileged children attending winter classes but also for their family members," said Deven Gurung, president, Darjeeling North Point School Alumni Association.

"I earn my living as a porter and never thought I would be sitting in one of these classrooms. I feel proud that my sons (aged 9 and 7) are here at such a great institution," said Thami, whose husband is also a porter.

Since January 2 this year, the school has opened its gates to 712 under-privileged students allowing them to use the school's infrastructure, teaching English and Math apart from providing special training in a host of events, from yoga to kathak and fine arts to sports.

"We also provide them free lunches. Classes are held from 8.30am to noon," said Brother P.D. Vincent of North Point.

Apart from alumni-members, volunteer students from North Point and Loreto Convent are holding classes, which will continue till January 31.

Anoushka Tamang, a Class XII student of Loreto, said: "People go out for holidays during winter but it feels nice to contribute towards society." Winter classes for underprivileged students have been held since 2004 but this is the first time that the parents, too, were involved in the initiative.

Prativa Tamang Rai, chairperson of the Darjeeling municipality who was present at the health camp, said: "Such initiatives strengthen community bonding.".