On January 5, 2025, the Hemalata Support Group had the privilege of experiencing a special day. Reinhard Bogdahn celebrated his 90th birthday in the atmosphere of St. Matthew’s Church in Vach, which was still decorated for Christmas, with an organ matinee by organist Matthias Ziegler together with many invited guests and friends.

During the following celebrations, the guests were briefly informed about the Hemalata Project in India:
Already in his birthday invitation, Rainer Bogdahn had announced that instead of gifts, he would gladly accept donations for the Hemalata Project.
A total of 5,000 euros was collected!

We are deeply grateful for this generous amount and for the wonderful time spent together on this special day.
What a fantastic start to the new year 2025!

Part of the money was used to set up the new sewing workshop with 10 sewing machines and custom-made sewing tables.
In the near future, we plan to purchase 10 additional sewing machines, as the demand for training opportunities for seamstresses remains very high — and there is still enough space in the room for more machines.

In addition, another portion of the donations will be used for necessary renovation work on the ZTI workshop roofs, as well as for new tools and replacement parts for the machinery.
This ensures that we are well prepared for the new training year starting in September 2025!

As the former pastor of the Protestant parish of Baiersdorf, Reinhard Bogdahn commissioned the Castelhun family in 1989 to visit the Hemalata orphanages in India, thereby establishing contact with Hemalata and Grace Kuhn.
In doing so, Reinhard Bogdahn laid the foundation for what has now become a 35-year-long friendship and partnership with the children’s homes in Madras and Surutupalli.
Through his commitment — and with the invaluable support of our many sponsors and godparents — we have been able to continue realizing these important projects to this day.

In recognition of his many years of dedication to the Hemalata children’s homes, we have awarded Reinhard Bogdahn honorary membership in the Hemalata Support Association.

Dear Reinhard, thank you very much for your generous donation.
We wish you all the very best for your future and, above all, good health!