Media Contacts

Amrita-Seattle | +1 206-484-7910 | contact@AmritaSeattle.onmicrosoft.com

PCI India | +91 011 4605 8888 | infoindia@pciglobal.in

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SEATTLE, WA, USA & NEW DELHI, INDIA | August 31, 2025 - ​​

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Amrita-Seattle is thrilled to announce the launch of the second phase of the portfolio evaluation in West Bengal in collaboration with PCI India. The evaluation team has arrived and over the next several weeks will be visiting each of Amrita-Seattle's seven (7) program sites in the remote rural Sundarbans, Shantiniketan, Basirhat, and Hasnabad.

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If we consider a rough route starting from Kolkata → Sundarbans → Shantiniketan → Basirhat → Hasnabad → back to Kolkata, plus internal site visits and the complex last-mile legs (boat/river crossings in Sundarbans, local transport in other remote areas), the total distance traveled will likely exceed 700-800 km, possibly more, not counting miles covered on water or small internal paths.

The Sundarbans portion especially adds far more “travel effort” than its distance suggests, because:

• After reaching road endpoints, there are river crossings by boat or dinghy;

• Many program sites are on small islands or across tributaries with no direct road access;

• Travel times vary dramatically depending on tides, weather, and water levels.

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Before embarking on field visits, there will be two (2) full days of training in Kolkata for the field investigators. During this training:

• Field tools (surveys, interview guides, observation checklists, etc.) will be reviewed to ensure they work well under actual conditions.

• The training will also cover logistical preparation, safety in transit (especially river crossings and boat travel), community engagement protocols, and how to manage unexpected delays (weather, transport).

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This ensures that once evaluation begins at each site, the team will work efficiently, safely, and respectfully—with tools that are adapted to the remoteness and local realities.

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This evaluation marks a significant step in our journey — an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, learn directly from the communities we serve, and strengthen our impact for the future. Children deserve the best, and together with PCI India, we are committed to listening deeply, gathering insights, and ensuring our programs continue to deliver meaningful change for families across Bengal.

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“We believe that accountability and learning are central to growth. This evaluation will help us refine our efforts so that every initiative we run is more responsive, more effective, and more aligned with the hopes of the communities themselves,” said [Name, Title of Amrita-Seattle leader/representative].

We look forward to a journey of growth, shared purpose, and renewed commitment.

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About Amrita‑Seattle

Amrita‑Seattle is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For 15 years the organization has delivered education, nutrition, healthcare, and clean‑water solutions to underserved communities in the U.S., India, and Nepal—living its motto “Live to Serve.” 

Website: https://www.amrita-seattle.org/

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About Project Concern International – India (PCI India)

PCI India, a non-profit organization, has been working since 1998 to improve the well-being of marginalized communities by addressing complex social challenges at scale. In 2023-‘24, PCI reached over 17 million people across 16 states through a combination of technical assistance and direct implementation programs spanning health, nutrition, women’s economic empowerment, livelihoods, social entitlements, and climate action. PCI designs and delivers impactful, evidence-driven programs grounded in real-time measurement and learning. PCI Research, a centralized unit, leads the organization’s measurement and Learning function through rigorous assessments, behavioral studies, and evaluations—ensuring data-driven decisions that drive inclusive and sustainable development.

Website: https://www.pciglobal.in/​​​​