New Light's headquarters is located at Kalighat (Ward 83) in Kolkata, a five minute walk from Nirmal Hriday, Mother Teresa's home for the dying destitute. This is one of the oldest red light areas of Kolkata housing sex workers from the city, the districts and neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

New Light, a secular nonprofit charitable trust, set up a night-shelter to protect and educate young girls, children and women at high risk. The program has been operating since December 2001 and provides a safe shelter, educational opportunities, recreational facilities, health care and legal aid for the children, girls and women in their community. Currently, New Light operates three facilities in Kolkata: the Creche and Safe Shelter; the Dalit Shelter; and the Soma Home.

New Light has evolved into a comprehensive community development project with a special thrust at HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. The demographic composition of New Light consists of women from Kolkata and its districts (70%), from Hindi-speaking areas of the country (20%) and from Nepal and Bangladesh (10%). Women from all religious communities are invited to take part in this program and the ratio is representative of the rest of India.

New Light's Public Policy

New Light does not work toward influencing legislation or public policy as it does not support legalizations of prostitution. It believes in the fact that most women involved in the sex trade are victims of circumstances and would choose a different life if they have the opportunity to do so. New Light does not involve or support any political group or their representatives.

Programs & Activities

New Light Website

Volunteer Information

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