Kallol Ghosh: Working To Improve Lives With Vision And Purpose

Kallol Ghosh is not driven by material wealth but by a vision that resonates with spiritual clarity. Influenced by the words of Ramakrishna—“Through selfless work, Love of God grows in the heart”—Ghosh has made it his life’s mission to uplift the most vulnerable: children abandoned by society, living with HIV/AIDS, or suffering mental and physical challenges.

Born into an upper-middle-class family, Ghosh chose a path that is less commonly taken, prioritizing purpose over comfort. His decades-long journey as a social worker, educator, researcher, and activist reflects a commitment to dignity, empowerment, and inclusion.

Building Holistic Ecosystems for Marginalised Children

Since 1986, Kallol Ghosh has worked to rescue and rehabilitate children facing HIV, malnutrition, drug exposure, and poverty. He believes that care must be preventive, inclusive, and rooted in self-worth. His work provides vocational training, health education, artistic engagement, environmental awareness, and youth leadership development.

Ghosh’s philosophy is simple but powerful: every child—regardless of ability, background, or illness—deserves access to support systems that let them live a life of dignity and potential.

Anandaghar: Where Healing Begins with Love

At the core of his efforts is Anandaghar ("Abode of Joy"), a paediatric palliative care centre under OFFER (Organisation For Friends, Energies & Resources). Starting with just three children, it now supports over 5,0000. Many residents are orphans, socially rejected for being HIV-positive.

“These children deserve more than pity—they deserve opportunity,” Ghosh asserts.

He was involved in the establishment of Café Positive.—Asia’s first café run entirely by HIV-positive youth. Located in Kolkata, this vibrant space challenges stigma and offers employment, proving that inclusion isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

A Global Voice with Local Impact

Kallol’s influence is felt internationally. A former United Nations Volunteer and Senior Ashoka Fellow, he has also worked with UNICEF and the National Legal Services Authority to champion child rights.

His initiatives such as Apanjan, for mentally and physically challenged children, and Sahajpath, a sponsorship program for underprivileged schoolchildren, reflect his multi-dimensional impact. In development is the COI Hospital (Centre for Opportunistic Infections), a proposed 100-bed hospital dedicated to children with HIV and thalassemia—a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region.

Awards, Recognition & Unyielding Purpose

Kallol has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate from the Italian Government, recognizing his innovative social entrepreneurship. His work has been noted for combining empathy, resilience, and leadership.

“We are very, very small, but we are profoundly capable of very, very big things,” said Stephen Hawking—a quote that aptly mirrors Ghosh’s journey.

The Road Ahead: Expanding a Legacy of Care

Upcoming programs like the Swami Vivekananda Rural Health Mission aim to extend holistic healthcare into remote areas. For Kallol, every new idea is another step toward systemic change.

From saving abandoned infants to empowering HIV-positive youth to become entrepreneurs, Kallol Ghosh continues to contribute to social initiatives with a focus on integrity, commitment, and care.