Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Mar 13: Bethany Social Service Trust and Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra joined Sahodaya Bethany Mahila Okkoota, to celebrate the third anniversary of ‘Sahodaya Bethany Mahila Okkoota’ on the March 7, 2010. Sr Wilberta B S, the Superior General and the president of Bethany Social Service Trust,presided over the programme and all the general councillors graced this occasion. This new General team was welcomed and honoured by the Federation.
In her presidential address Sr Wilberta, the newly elected Superior General of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, recounted the dynamic and vibrant spirit of the Founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mgr RFC Mascarenhas, the Servant of God, which has impelled its members to march ahead in the service of God and His people with compassionate service born out of love.
Sahodaya Seva Kendra was started in the year 1994, in response to the vision of the XII General Chapter of the Congregation, by Sr Jyoti, the General Coordinator of the Social and Medical Apostolate of the Congregation. Later it was registered in 1995 as Bethany Social Service Trust. The Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra, a unit of this Trust, has continued with its social service activities systematically in collaboration with her sister concerns, government and non-governmental organizations. The activities are published in its quarterly news bulletin named ‘Sahodaya Patrike’.
Keeping in mind love, peace and justice, committed persons like Srs Jyoti, Lillis, Wilberta, Michelle, Dulcis, Anna Maria, Leena Periera and at present, Sr Prema Gonsalves, are coordinating the activities of these organizations, towards the empowerment of women. The self help groups which Sahodaya has sponsored, were formed into six zonal groups and they were brought together to form a federation, which is called ‘Sahodaya Bethany Mahila Okkoota DK’. At present, Shobha is its president, Manjula, the secretary, and Sunita, its treasurer, who are supported by a nine-member administrative body.
Sahodaya Bethany Mahila Okkoota DK was inaugurated on the first March 2007 at Pushpalaya hall of Bethany Convent, Bendur, by Sr Wilberta, the General Coordinater for socio-medical apostolate. On the fourth Tuesday of every month, the Federation members come together at Sahodaya Seva Kendra, Bendur, to evaluate and further plan the humanitarian activities.
To improve the status of the women in the society, and for the all-round development of the children, women and poor, the Okkoota networks in Mangalore and Bantwal taluks of DK district, through KPT, WPT, AWAKE and Samanvaya organizations, have been providing training in tailoring, embroidery, beautician course, rexine bag making, electrical and computer training, candle making, mushroom cultivation and other self employment courses. Most of the women are self employed and earn their living.
The cultural activities performed by different women groups brought out the rich cultural traditions of this land. Having been provided with the opportunities, the women though drawn from the rural areas, manifested extraordinary talents while on the stage, amusing the audience and sending out the message of empowerment. Thus it was befitting homage that Bethany could pay to our women who build up our society.