About

About Us

Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta (EMC) is a Charitable Trust dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in and around Kolkata, helping them break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and neglect.

In a city of approximately 4.9 million people*, where overcrowded streets hide deep suffering, countless individuals live on pavements, in narrow alleys, and hidden corners—without access to basic necessities. Among the most vulnerable are Children in Street Situations (CISS), whose voices are often silenced and whose rights are ignored. They face the harsh realities of substance abuse, exploitation, and fractured families.

Since 1985, we have been providing critical services such as education, food, healthcare, and social support to uplift vulnerable children and families. We create safe spaces and opportunities for growth, focusing on protecting the rights of the underprivileged, empowering mothers to achieve financial independence, and equipping youth with skills for sustainable livelihoods.

Through a holistic and compassionate approach, we restore dignity, provide hope, and create lasting pathways for change in Kolkata’s most underserved communities.

*Based on growth estimates of the 2011 Census.

Mission

To empower Children in Street Situations (CISS), women, and families through education, healthcare, vocational training, and social support. We focus on prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, restoring dignity and creating pathways for lasting change.

Vision

To build empowered communities where individuals and families unite to uplift one another, restore dignity, foster hope, and inspire lasting change through opportunity, compassion, and shared growth.

Our History

How It All Began

In the winter of 1971, a young couple felt a deep calling to serve the distressed and vulnerable in the bustling city of Kolkata. With faith and a heart to help, they placed an advertisement in The Statesman newspaper, inviting those in need to reach out, either by phone or in person, at their home within the compound of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The very next day, they were overwhelmed when more than 60 people from all walks of life arrived. Each person was warmly welcomed with a cup of tea and an open ear. To their surprise, most of these individuals not only left feeling comforted and supported, but many also returned to volunteer and offer help to others. This experience revealed a small yet powerful glimpse into the profound need for such a service in the city.

In 1985, they established Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta, bringing together a network of projects dedicated to combating poverty and social injustice.

About the Founder

Vijayan Pavamani was born in Kerala in November 1935. As the eldest of three siblings, he grew up in a home shaped by discipline and culture. His father, John, respected for his intellect, and his mother, Francina, remembered for her wit and warmth, shaped his early character and worldview, one grounded in integrity, empathy, and resilience.

A profound influence in his formative years was his maternal grandmother, whose prayers and devout faith left a lasting mark. Vijayan often recalled her waking up at night, kneeling at his bedside praying for him, memories that he cherished throughout his life.

Our Journey Through the Years

From a Helpline to a Lifeline

Our journey began with an offer to listen in 1971, and over the decades, it’s become a story of compassion, intervention, and transformation. Walk with us through the milestones that shaped our mission and changed lives.

1971

A Helpline Opened. A Movement Began.

It all began with a simple telephone helpline — The Calcutta Samaritans was born, opening its heart to anyone in need and launching a decades-long mission of free care, befriending the distressed from all walks of life.

1977

Pioneering Addiction Care in India

Arunoday Midway Home was established as one of eastern India’s first therapeutic residences for individuals recovering from substance abuse — a significant step in advancing our commitment to long-term healing and rehabilitation.

1980

The Start of a Dream

A new educational initiative began when children playing noisily outside were invited in to listen to stories. One teacher was employed to conduct non-formal classes for disadvantaged children.

1984

Building on Dreams

The informal sessions with the children grew rapidly and before long, in 1984, The Calcutta Emmanuel School was registered under the Societies Act to bring structured learning to vulnerable children.

1985

A Name and a New Beginning

In 1985, Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta was formally registered as a Charitable Trust — a pivotal moment in our journey. More than a legal milestone, it was the point where our calling took shape, not just in name, but in purpose.

With the name Emmanuel — “God with us” — we embraced an identity rooted in compassion, presence, and unwavering faith. The registration gave us structure and standing, but more importantly, it anchored our mission in both spiritual clarity and social responsibility.

This step laid the foundation for the decades to come — enabling visionary outreach, sustained advocacy, and a commitment to walk alongside those in need. It was, and remains, a turning point: the moment we became Emmanuel in every sense of the word.

1992

A New Base

Our office moved to Ripon Street, which remains a central hub for our work even today.

1993 – 1995

Pavement Club

Neglected children on the streets were given a safe space to grow and develop, 6 hours a day.

Rooted in Community

Two landmark community development projects took root — one in New Market, inaugurated by the then Honourable Health Minister, Shri Prosanto Sur, and the other in Lokharmath, launched by our Founder Director, Late Vijayan Pavamani. Their belief in inclusive, ground-up change helped shape our enduring commitment to community-led progress.

1997

Recognized for Recovery

Our pioneering work in substance abuse rehabilitation was honoured by the Rotary and then Home Minister, Late Shri Indrajit Gupta.

Lions Club International

Presented to our Founder Director on the World Conference on AIDS and Drugs as an appreciation.

1998 – 1999

Infrastructure & Innovation

A 24x7 hydrant was installed by Kolkata Municipal Corporation for water access at New Market.

2000

Voices for Justice

Jhuma visited Bangladesh with UNICEF to share stories of struggle and exploitation of children of women in high-risk settings. A two-year collaboration began, focusing on adolescent and gender justice.

2001

Building Young Leaders

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program was launched, inspiring our youth to rise.

2002

Empowering Women and Girls

Vocational training in food processing for adolescent girls and mothers began with support from the Government of West Bengal. Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta expanded its Pavement Club Project in partnership with Save the Children (UK), and the Connexions Project — initiated by a Swiss couple Markus and Katharina was launched and later entrusted to Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta.

2003

Honoured for Service

Vijayan Pavamani, our founder Director received the Mother Teresa Beatification Award for outstanding services, achievements and contribution to society.
Our Founder Director was also conferred the Jim Elliot Andrew Memorial Award for holistic work with the marginalized and people living with AIDS.

2004

New Skills, New Starts

Tailoring classes for adolescent girls were launched in collaboration with Jadavpur University, offering them practical skills and a pathway to independence. That same year, the Sealdah Project was established — creating a safe space for homeless, abandoned, trafficked, and vulnerable children and youth living around railway platforms, offering care, protection, and a chance to rebuild their lives.

2006

A Year of Transitions

On August 20, 2006, our founder Director Vijayan Pavamani unexpectedly passed away. Although an indescribable loss of a unique individual who gave his life in service for others, the seamless transition of leadership was a testimony to his powerful legacy.

2007

Spaces for Girls, by Girls

The Prerona Club started — a safe, expressive space for adolescent girls.
The Vijayan Pavamani Centre at Creek Row was inaugurated.

2008 – 2010

Microcredit & Mobility

In partnership with local NGOs, micro-credit programs for mothers and vocational training for adolescents launched.

2012

Scaling up Hope

Resources and reach expanded through our livelihood projects.
Urban homeless shelters were launched at Bagbazar and Beliaghata.

2013 – 2015

Better lives, Brick by Brick

From waste compactors to community welfare work led by the Ward Councillor, and the launch of RAMP Project, we saw systemic change take root.

2016

Celebrating Courage

Five young changemakers earned gold in the Duke of Edinburgh Program.
Simran, a survivor of trafficking, was rescued — a quiet victory for justice.

2017 – 2018

Child Safety at the Core

Child protection and safeguarding policies introduced and implemented across all projects.

2019 – 2020

Health and Hunger Addressed

Children from the Lokharmath project received health check-ups from the Eastern Command Hospital.
Amid the pandemic, in collaboration with Feed India and Zomato, we distributed rice and pulses to families in need.

2022 – 2023

Networks for Change

Ties with Round Table India and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) strengthened, ensuring more collaborative care.

Step into our story.

Each year has shaped us — and we’re still learning, growing, and walking hand in hand with our communities.

Be a part of the next chapter.

Our Approach

Our model is rooted in community-driven empowerment, focusing on collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to create lasting, transformative impact.

Community Upliftment

We engage with vulnerable groups, particularly Children in Street Situations (CISS) and marginalized families, to build strong social networks and lay the groundwork for sustainable change.

Holistic Empowerment

We provide a comprehensive mix of education, healthcare, nutrition, counselling, livelihood, and vocational training, empowering individuals and families to break free from cycles of poverty and abuse.

Restoring Dignity

Through prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and reintegration, we help those affected by self-destructive behaviours and exploitation rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Collaboration for Impact

We partner with local organisations, government bodies, and key stakeholders to expand opportunities and ensure lasting change within the communities we serve.

Where We Work

We work in 11+ municipal wards in and around Kolkata.