A journey of care: Vintage cars, young smiles and Kolkata’s heart on the road
Times of India | 30 November 2025
KOLKATA: Kolkata-based NGO serving underprivileged and HIV-affected children for over four decades, is opening a 100-bedded hospital for marginalized children requiring long-term care. As part of the lead-up to this hospital’s opening and in pre-observation of World AIDS Day, the NGO in association with EIMG, organised Legacy on Wheels — a Vintage Car Drive themed “Drive for Awareness.”
This year’s World AIDS Day slogan, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” further underscored the purpose of the initiative. The event aimed to raise awareness on HIV, road safety, and social inclusion, while highlighting the organisation’s continued commitment to child welfare and public health.
The event was flagged off by GST state commissioner Uma Shankar, CRC secretary Chandan Roychowdhury and EIMG secretary Subhajit Kumar. Their participation reflected the concern for HIV awareness and the importance of ensuring dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all children.
The morning witnessed a vibrant assembly of 34 vintage cars and four vintage bikes, each representing a unique chapter of Kolkata’s heritage. Adding a deeply emotional touch, every vintage car carried children from CRC to Anandaghar, giving them a joyful experience and symbolizing the central message of care, continuity, and shared responsibility.
Participants, supporters, and well-wishers gathered at the Calcutta Rowing Club (CRC) to show solidarity for the cause. The convoy was flagged off from CRC and made its way to Anandaghar Home, Sonarpur, symbolically connecting the city’s legacy with OFFER’s mission of long-term care, protection, and empowerment of children living with HIV.
The drive brought together vintage car owners, community leaders, partner organisations, and volunteers, turning the city’s streets into a moving celebration of compassion, resilience, and collective responsibility. The powerful visual of heritage cars escorting children to Anandaghar stood as a reminder of what thoughtful care and community support can achieve.
After reaching Anandaghar, painter Samir Aich created a live painting of a vintage car, adding an artistic tribute to the day’s theme and making the moment even more memorable for the children and participants.
Speaking on the occasion, OFFER founder Kallol Ghosh said, “Legacy on Wheels is more than a vintage car rally — it is a message. These cars are 60-70 years old, yet they run beautifully because they have been cared for with love and attention. In the same way, when children living with HIV receive proper care, nutrition, and medical support, they can live full, healthy, and dignified lives. It is a complete misconception that children with HIV cannot survive long. Today’s rally is our way of showing that with the right care, every child can thrive and shine.”
The initiative not only amplified public awareness but also fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and possibilities associated with HIV care. As OFFER prepares to open its 100-bedded hospital — a first-of-its-kind commitment to long-term pediatric care — the rally marked a significant milestone, reinforcing Kolkata’s collective commitment to building a future rooted in compassion, equality, and hope.