The SIR exercise in Kolkata, which began around October–November 2025, left me somewhat anxious about the outcome. I had returned to Kolkata in 2011, after nearly 40 years of living elsewhere, and was unsure if I met all the requirements under the new SIR rules. Although my widowed mother had a voter ID card, she had passed away before 2002.
When the BLO visited to verify my documents, he pointed out several shortcomings. The only option available was to arrange a personal hearing with the Election Officer, for which I was asked to present my PPO number, passport, voter ID, and Aadhaar card after December 16, 2025. Unfortunately, this seemed impossible, as I was scheduled to board a pre-booked flight to England on that very day and would be away for four months.
It was at this point that my Zonal Coordinator, Mr R. K. Singh, stepped in. He readily agreed to attend the hearing on my behalf, carrying all the necessary documents along with a letter of authorisation from me. On the day of the hearing, at 7:00 a.m. on a Sunday, he was present at the venue with all the papers. However, the officer refused to proceed, insisting that I either be present in person or apply for a new voter card in May 2026.
Undeterred, Mr Singh remained in touch with the authorities. Then, on a cold winter Sunday in January 2026, he called me in England and urgently requested fresh scanned copies of the first and last pages of my passport, duly signed and dated. He had managed to arrange another hearing at the Netaji Nagar Police Station, which was to take place shortly.
Within fifteen minutes, I sent him the required documents. He quickly prepared the copies, and the hearing was successfully conducted. He later sent me the signed papers confirming that the process had been completed.
On February 28, 2026, Mr Singh checked the updated SIR list and shared a screenshot showing my name included in it.
What can I say in appreciation of the kindness, care, and dedication of this young man and his organisation, Support Elders? I can only bow my head in gratitude and pray to the Almighty for their continued well-being.

Many thanks to the Support Elders team, with a special mention of Mr Md Moniruddin and Ms P. Das for their great support. We are delighted with the service they provided. We had a fantastic trip to Deoghar with our fellow members. Hope to see you again somewhere soon—till then, take care and stay cheerful.

Thanks to Support Elders Care Managers, Mr Md Moniruddin and Ms P. Das, for the excellent tour management to Deoghar. We truly enjoyed the trip.

It was a wonderful trip to Dakhineshwar, enabling us to have a clear and peaceful darshan. Thank you, Support Elders’ staff, for extending a helping hand and enabling me to walk around, as my body balance was almost nil. Because of the assistance and your cheerful company, it was a truly wonderful day for us.