Much of the biographical information on this site originates from Chapter 15 of A Thousand Suns. Half of the royalties of this book go directly to needy causes in Calcutta.

The City of Joy Aid provides funding for a variety of projects in and around Calcutta, but funding alone does not cure a leprosy patient or help a child learn to read.

The organization finances grass roots efforts headed by people who live in the community. These individuals have made it their life's work to assist the underprivileged people living in Calcutta's slums and in poor areas of rural Bengal. Those associated with this crusade come from a variety of backgrounds, from a renowned French author to a British reverend and a former Muslim terrorist. Please read their stories and share in the joy they have helped create.

• Dominique Lapierre
  Bestselling Writer Turns Philanthropist
  Article: Writer's Joy Is in Deeds, Not Words
  Article: Words Were Not Enough

• Dominique Conchon-Lapierre
  A Partner in the Humanitarian Crusade
  Story: Saving Sunil

• James Stevens
  A Former Businessman Saves Thousands of Children from Leprosy
  Profile: Udayan, Resurrection Home for Children with Leprosy
  Story: Curing and Educating Budi Ram
  Story: A Leprosy-Suffering Child Finds a Home

• Gaston Grandjean
  Hero of The City of Joy
  Story: The Lapierres Meet Gaston

• Wohab and Sabitri
  A Former Muslim Terrorist and a Hindu Nurse Work Together
  Profile: SHIS Tuberculosis Center

• Mohammed Kamruddin
  A Doctor Gives Back to the Community
  Profile: United Brothers' Association