Media Release

Mumbai, Mar 7: Jagruti Kendra, an NGO of St Jude’s Church, Jerimeri marked its silver jubilee milestone with a celebration recently at Quadrangle Hall of St Jude’s Church, Jerimeri, Mumbai.

Jagruti Kendra is a Women's Cell fighting for the rights of women and also for justice and peace of poor and downtrodden with the vision “a new society where peace, unity, freedom, secularism, tolerance and social justice will be experienced by all”. 

The function commenced with a cordial welcome to chief guest Bishop Bosco Phena, guest of honour Sr Leela, JK founder Fr Alwyn D’Silva and all guest priests, nuns and dignities of different faiths with blowing lamps to the tune of “tere darpe badate kadam”.

The programme began with “ek don teen char panch… gin gin ke guzre hai saal, dekho aya hai silver jubilee” jubilee song by Gulshan and group (Jagruti Kendra staff).

Sr Seema, head and founder of Jagruti Kendra welcomed the gathering by thanking God almighty for using her as an instrument for the founding of JK along with Fr Alwyn D’Silva in the year 1988 and presented a succinct report on the respect, help, unity, co-operation rendered by all priests and parishioners and also the hard work of community workers (staff) who she said are the unsung heroines.

The function was inaugurated by lighting of the auspicious lamp by Bishop Bosco Phena, Sr Leela, Fr Alwyn, Fr Barthol, Fr Michael, Subadra and the dignitaries present on the dais with the Hymn of “Sarva Jeeva Sukham” followed by Sarva Dharma Prarthana (Inter Religious Dialogue) by four representatives from different religions – Fr Lancy from Christian community, Surindra Kaur from Sikh, Hindu representative and Dr Ansari from Islam.

Fr Alwyn D’Silva, the founder of JK, in his speech expressed his feelings about the name of the Kendra which suggests aim of the Centre was to mobilize and organize people and bring about qualitative and quantitative growth in all spheres of life. He said awareness, mass organization, mass action and networking with other groups were the key methods of JK. 

Chief guest Bishop Bosco Penha said, “Time and tide waits for no man. I still remember the inauguration of JK and now it is a paradigmatic organization in the Archdiocese, being mother of all 'Centres for Community Organization'."  He extended his warm congratulations to the present manager, director, the workers and all those concerned with JK on this memorable occasion.  He was associated with JK in the year 1987 when he was newly appointed as the bishop.

Guest of honour Sr Leela also congratulated JK on organizing a wonderful event.

Jagruti Kendra felicitated many dignitaries who has served  Jagruti Kendra during this 25 years.  They are Bishop Bosco Penha, Sr Leela, Fr Allwyn D’silva, Fr Nelson Saldanha, Fr Barthol Machado, Fr Michael D’souza, Fr John almeida, Fr Lancy Pinto, Sr Seema, Sr Shakuntala, Sr Annie, Sr Philomena, Sr Arthi, Sr Lucy, Sr Anita, Sr Amruti, Sr Jenefer, Sr Gladys, Sr Alizabeth, Sr Madhuri and  Sr Tejawini.

Current staff, founder staff and jubilee committee members also felicitated by JK  presenting them  shawl, gift and bouquets.

Melodious singing was presented by the Hindi Choir Group under the leadership of  John Mascarenhas and Francis Chettiar sung by Santosh Lobo, Joseph, Juliana Mascarenhas, Rani, Melony, Mercin, Jacintha, Maggi, Gracy, Lilly, Irene and Mercelin.

Small children by their action song, and different groups by presenting Koli Dance, Konkani Dance & Tamil Dance entertained  the crowd.

Parish priest and manager of JK, Fr Nelson Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks to all for their co-operation and for making this event a grand success.

Santosh, Kala and Mamatha compered the programme. Delicious snacks and dinner were served to all.