Silvester D' Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, April 4: “Mata Amrithanandamayi who was born to a financially deprived family, experienced acute poverty and was determined that women should not face difficulties like her. She thus started Amritha self-help groups in four states. She inaugurated the self-help groups in Udupi during her recent visit here. The groups are intended for self-dependence, to develop the organizing skill, encourage awareness and increasing knowledge in women,” said Mata Amritanandamayi Seva Samithi taluk president and a fishing industrialist Ananda C Kunder.

He was speaking after opening bank accounts for 100 Amritha self-help groups at Chikku Amma's temple in Gopadi.

“Women should make proper use of available opportunities. Their attempts towards self-help can also start at home by cultivation of vegetables on their land. They must develop an interest in agriculture and sericulture too. They should stress on education. No child should be deprived of education,” he said.

President of Mogaveera Mahajana Seva Sangha Bagwadi Hobali, K K Kanchan, was the chief guest of the programme. Speaking on occasion he said, "The way we live between birth and death is important. Everybody should aim to be self-reliant. Co-operative societies must not confine t themselves to lending loans alone. They should work towards spending money for productive purposes, organizing people, fostering unity and being service oriented. May the groups led by Mata Amrithanandamayi be successful,” he encouraged.

Zilla panchayat member Srilatha Suresh Shetty speaking on occasion said, "Self-help groups have enabled petty deposits and have also been a source of large amount of wisdom disbursed. They have taught people to live together in unity,” he said.

“Amma started several effective programmes for cleanliness many years ago. She has created awareness on cleanliness along with scores of volunteers. During her recent visit in Udupi she had said 'women in the coastal region should be powerful' and accordingly planned on establishing self-help groups,” said Saraswathi G Putran, the joint secretary of Amrtiha self-help group and the president of Gopadi grama panchayat.

Taluk secretary Kalpana Bhasker delivered the keynote address. Saraswathi G Putran welcomed the gathering. Akashvani artiste Ganesh Gangolli compered the programme. Geetha R Kunder proposed the vote of thanks.

Grama panchayat member Shekar Jathrebettu, Corporation Bank manager Nagaraja Bhat, Amritha Seva Samithi vice president Pundalika Bangera, Sri Chikku Seva Samithi president Laxman Naik, Mallikarjuna Bhat were present on occasion.