Indian Utility Bank

Twenty years ago, in 2003, in Tilkhoja village under Moyna Police Station in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, a young man named Sk Rousun Munshi dedicated himself to standing beside the underprivileged.

In the beginning, the work started on a small scale in Tilkhoja and neighboring villages. Educational and cultural initiatives such as quiz competitions, drawing contests, scholarship examinations, and student awards were organized to inspire young minds. During this time, the ideals of selfless service inspired by Swami Vivekananda and missionary movements deeply influenced the journey. With a vision to create a new social stream of responsibility and service, a new chapter began in 2007.

Unused household items were collected from homes and distributed among underprivileged families across different villages of Moyna. Discussions began with local youth, and gradually more young volunteers from various regions joined the mission. The service activities expanded from villages to railway station platforms, footpaths, and roadside communities where the most marginalized people lived.

Through this work, a powerful realization emerged — society consists of two groups: one with excess usable resources, and another lacking even the most basic necessities of life. It became clear that redistributing essential items could ease daily struggles. Even textbooks of students who had passed to the next grade could significantly support underprivileged children.

To establish this ideal in society, continuous outreach efforts were undertaken day and night. Utility collection and redistribution activities spread in scattered yet determined ways. Youth and students were actively involved in field distribution work to nurture social responsibility. During this time, collected items were temporarily stored in the homes and clubs of like-minded supporters in Moyna. A respected social worker from Tilkhoja extended special support by helping store utilities for long periods.

In 2011, through the initiative of a newly admitted medical student, connections were established with a national-level doctors' organization, leading to the organization of health camps. During this period, the neglect faced by elderly people in society deeply moved the team. Realizing that those who once filled our lives with color were now socially isolated, efforts were made to bring joy back into their lives.

In 2015, during Dol and Durga Puja festivals, new clothes were gifted to over a hundred elderly grandparents. They were taken on Toto rides for pandal visits, allowing them to relive memories of their youth. This initiative brought immense happiness and became a regular festival program with the support of dedicated volunteers.

In 2016, utility distribution among tribal communities in Jhargram stirred the conscience of civil society. As more well-wishers came forward, the scope of work expanded significantly with regular support from local people and volunteers.

In 2017, inspired individuals from West Bengal and other states joined together to organize a "Manobik Janbazar" (Humanitarian People's Market), where underprivileged individuals could freely choose items according to their needs. This initiative created a meaningful bridge between donors and recipients.

In 2018, the message of utility redistribution was carried across three southern Indian states — Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana — through a cycle journey.