North East Support Helpline founder receives award
New Delhi: Alana Golmei, who pioneered the famous North East Helpline for the harried persons form the region was honoured by the Delhi Government on the occasion of international womens’ day here on Tuesday for her unique and innovate contributions to the people of North East.
The award was given by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) for her efforts which has benefited society. She was honoured with the DCW Achievement Award by Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal in a largely attended function.
Talking to reporters after the function, Golmei said that it was the gangrape of a Delhi University student from the NE in 2005 which left an impact on her . She had just shifted to Delhi from Manipur and had encountered discriminatory treatment towards the people of the region, though the unfortunate event was forgotten soon after the initial hue and cry. After consulting her friends, Golmei — along with four others — found the North East Support Centre and Helpline (NESCH) in 2007.
The present strength of Golmei’s team is 15 and she has made her personal number available to receive calls at any hour of the day. The helpline receives 20-30 calls per month on an average. The number has reduced since the Delhi Police started a helpline, 1093, for people from the Northeast. The helpline was launched after the murder of Nido Tania in 2014.
Interestingly, the helpline receives more calls from men than from women. “There are more physical assault complaints from men. They get beaten up on roads or thrown outside by their landlords,” she adds. Apart from that, Golmei’s hands are full when it comes to follow up of cases, approaching courts for victims’ compensation or holding workshops. She also holds workshops with the Delhi Police. She is also associated with various organizations related to NE and its problems.