2026 Expedition

HANDS ON INDIA 2026

Trip Report · Siliguri, West Bengal

Overview

The recent Hands on India trip to Siliguri, West Bengal once again proved to be a deeply impactful

and rewarding experience for all involved. Returning to serve the tea plantation and rock-breaking

communities reinforces both the importance and effectiveness of sustained, hands-on support in

regions where access to healthcare and education remains limited.

This year's trip took place from 31 January 2026 to 13 February 2026, and was led by Deb Paul,

Dr Andrew Moulton and Dr Andrew Paul, whose guidance, experience, and leadership ensured

a well-coordinated and meaningful journey for all participants. The trip brought together a

dedicated team of 19 Chiropractors and 4 Assistants, including 6 new graduate Chiropractors and

13 mentor Chiropractors, all united by a shared purpose—to deliver care, build connection, and

contribute to long-term change.

Over the course of two weeks, the team travelled daily into 3 remote villages, setting up clinics in

community halls, schools, and open spaces. In total, 2,321 people were provided with chiropractic

care and basic health support, many of whom had little to no access to such services otherwise.

Trip at a Glance

Trip Dates 31 January – 13 February 2026

Team Members 19 Chiropractors + 4 Assistants

New Graduate Chiropractors 6

Mentor Chiropractors 13

People Provided with Care 2,321

Remote Villages Visited 3

Students Checked 578 of 697 enrolled

Schools Supported 6

Village Health Centres 40

Women in Self-Help Groups 3,000+

Hands on India | Siliguri, West Bengal | In partnership with Seva KendraHANDS ON INDIA 2026 | Trip Report

Clinical Work

The physical demands of the work were significant, yet the resilience and gratitude of the

communities served made every moment worthwhile. Many patients presented with chronic

musculoskeletal conditions associated with years of repetitive, physically demanding labour.

Despite these challenges, they arrived with warmth, patience, and appreciation, often walking

long distances to receive care.

Hands on India | Siliguri, West Bengal | In partnership with Seva KendraHANDS ON INDIA 2026 | Trip Report

Education & Schools

The team visited the 6 schools supported through ongoing funding, where 697 children are

provided with access to education. These schools remain a cornerstone of the program, offering

opportunity and hope for future generations. Time spent with the students—whether through

health checks, activities, or simple interaction—was consistently one of the most uplifting aspects

of the trip. On this trip we were privileged to check 578 students.

Community Health Programs

The network of 40 village health centres plays a vital role in delivering ongoing care, health

education, and access to essential services throughout the year. These centres extend the impact

of the annual trip, ensuring continuity of care and supporting improved health outcomes across

entire communities.

Women's Self-Help Groups

The Women's Self-Help Groups remain a powerful force for change. Through micro-financing

initiatives and skill development, 3,000 plus women are building independence, generating

income, and strengthening community networks. Meeting with these groups and hearing their

stories firsthand is both humbling and inspiring, highlighting the profound ripple effect of

empowerment at a grassroots level.

Additional Initiatives

Additional initiatives, including Men's Self-Help

Groups, continue to expand the reach and depth of

support. During the trip, we also visited and inspected

the completion of the building works at the Suruk

School near Kalimpong in the mountains. The

children and teachers, who entertained us with an

amazing show of traditional dances, were incredibly

proud of the newly completed hall—a beautiful space

that now accommodates the entire school and serves

as a vital community centre for this remote village.

Several groups of our volunteers visited the Blind School, run by blind nuns for blind children,

which was both humbling and inspiring to witness. In addition, some of our team spent time along

the banks of the Mahananda River, observing firsthand the rock-breaking communities at work—

providing a deeper understanding of the daily realities faced by many of the people we serve.

These experiences further reinforce our commitment to not only short-term aid, but to sustainable,

long-term transformation.

Hands on India | Siliguri, West Bengal | In partnership with Seva KendraHANDS ON INDIA 2026 | Trip Report

Partnership with Seva Kendra

The partnership with the local NGO, Seva Kendra, remains central to the success of the mission.

Their organisation, leadership, and deep connection to the local communities ensure that all

efforts are delivered effectively and respectfully.

For the volunteers, the experience extends far beyond clinical service. It is an opportunity for

professional growth, cultural immersion, and personal reflection. The intensity of the work,

combined with shared experiences, fosters strong bonds within the team and leaves a lasting

impression on all who participate.

2026 Volunteers

Chiropractors Assistants

Adeline Kwong Deborah Paul

Aleksander Rayward Madeleine Barry

Andrew Moulton Matthew Bowdler

Andrew Paul Meghan Barker

Chloe Turnbull

Darren Little

Emily Fisher

Erika Love

Estella Hamilton-Gibbs

Fiona Haughie

Frank Jowett

Grace Buckley

Isabella Henry

Kimberlie Furness

Maxwell Doherty

Paul Bergamo

Rebecca Bowring

Troy Miles

Vivek Sharma

Hands on India | Siliguri, West Bengal | In partnership with Seva KendraHANDS ON INDIA 2026 | Trip Report

Acknowledgements

While the two-week trip delivers immediate care and connection, it is the year-round programs—

funded through ongoing support and fundraising—that create enduring impact. The model

continues to demonstrate that with commitment, collaboration, and consistency, meaningful

change is not only possible, but measurable.

A sincere acknowledgment goes to all volunteers who contributed their time, energy, and

expertise, as well as to the supporters and donors whose generosity underpins every initiative.

The collective effort ensures that the work continues to grow and reach those who need it most.

The experience serves as a powerful reminder that even within challenging environments, there

is immense resilience, generosity, and hope. Each visit strengthens the connection between

communities and reinforces a shared vision of creating opportunity, improving wellbeing, and

building a better future.

Sincerely yours,

Andrew Paul

Co-Team Leader, Hands on India 2026

Hands on India | Siliguri, West Bengal | In partnership with Seva Kendra