Former Miss Slovakia's heart beats for the poor in Raichur


Florine Roche
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Sep 11: We have seen that in most beauty pageants contestants often make lofty promises of working with the poor, the downtrodden, the impoverished and the underprivileged in their bid to win the coveted crown. In reality very few fulfil the promise once they reach the goal of winning of reaching the final round or even winning the contest.

There are however, exceptions to every rule and Miss Slovakia 1995 Iveta Jankularova is one such. Having won the title Miss Slovakia in 1995, she got an opportunity to take part in the Miss Universe contest in 1996 held in Las Vegas in USA. Naturally, winning the pageant gave her a free ticket to the glamorous world of showbiz. Her foray into the fascinating field of beauty and subsequently into the showbiz fetched her name, international fame, exposure and also money. All these material gains however failed to make way for the inner peace and joy she was yearning. It is this craving for happiness and fulfilment landed her in Raichur district of Karnataka a few months ago and she wants her association with India to continue forever.

Dressed in simple purple leggings and a grey tunic top with a thin overlapping shawl Iveta is devoid of anything that symbolize beauty or showbiz with which she was associated with for the last two decades. She talks about Indian Ayurveda and says she is a yoga buff as it has become a regular part of her life. She is now working among the poorest of the poor children of Manvi and Jagir Pannur of Raichur district of Karnataka for the last 3 ½ months. You have to trust her when she says without batting an eyelid “All these years I was in search of true joyfulness and now I have found real happiness and meaning to my existence working amongst these marginalized sections of people”.


In Search of Inner Joy

It is not that Iveta is paying lip service when she talks about her association with the Dalits, Devadasis, the illiterate, the poor and those who are segregated because of the caste they are born with. “In Manvi and Jagir Pannur I have come across people who are totally segregated from the rest of the world. They don’t have basic facilities like education, healthcare, safe drinking water or transportation. Caste system is still paying havoc with the lives of Dalit children. I have found true happiness working for the welfare of these people who living in appalling conditions”, says this beauty mincing no words to express her joy of having found true bliss in India.

Iveta recalls that she was drawn towards the beauty pageant even at a young age motivated by the aspirations to help the needy, the poor and the sick. But in reality she found that the showbiz was completely different from what she envisioned. So she took to social work studies to learn ways and means of helping the needy. Her showbiz engagements took her to different destinations the world over. But there was emptiness within her and she did not get that fulfillment she craved for. That is when she decided to do something.

She got in touch with St Elizabeth University, College of Health and Social Sciences in Slovakia which incidentally runs more than 100 public health and social work project the world over including India. Through this University she came across Lenka Rabarova who works for the University and also runs a NGO “The Way Home” and offered her services to work as a volunteer here. Elizabeth University is associated with the Jesuit missionaries who have set up their mission in Pannur in 2002 and laid a sturdy foundation to ameliorate the marginalized sections of the society through a series of developmental measures. She came to Raichur 3 ½ months ago and is greatly moved by the plight of the people living in deplorable conditions.

“I have seen poverty in other countries but here the situation is different as people are oppressed in the name of caste system and Devadasi system in addition to poverty” she says when asked tell about her experience of working in Raichur.

Iveta is visiting villages, teaches and plays with the small children, visits the houses affected by floods and is actively involved in creating awareness among the people on the importance of education, health care, safe drinking water and importance of personal hygiene. “This experience has been like a vacation for my soul”, she sighs. “I am thankful for giving me an opportunity to be a volunteer among the poorest of the poor. I want to continue my support through the Jesuits whom I have stayed with. I would like to continue my association and work as much as possible for the children and their families whom I now consider my new family. I want to be involved forever because happiness is rare and is a precious gift. It would be foolish on my part to forgo this kind of internal happiness which I was longing for all these years.”

From 2004 onwards there was collaboration with some foreign NGO’s and organizations from UK, Spain Australia, France, Poland and Slovakia and their help resulted in the setting up of a school - “Guru Bhavan”. Volunteers rendered financial help to the Jesuits to purchase about 40 acres of land, to build schools and college, hostel constructions as well as residency for Jesuits priests and sponsored about 850 students. They were also instrumental in setting up a driving school so that the youth of this area are able to engage in gainful employment.

Iveta is also involved in fundraising campaigns in different parts of Raichur in her efforts to contribute to the various developmental projects. She will be leaving for Slovakia in a fortnight where she is planning to do some presentations to raise funds through individual donors by giving them the true picture of the problems faced by these people. “These children are like angels on earth and it would be my endeavor to invite more and more people from Slovakia to India so that they can be a part of our efforts”, she avers.


Leading by Example

Lenka is associated with the developmental works in Manvi and Jagir Pannur for the last three years through St Elizabeth College of Health and Social Science. She had come across some Jesuit priests in Slovakia and that connection brought her to Pannur with a group of friends. She stayed back in Jagir Pannur and found that many children were suffering from malnutrition and people were in need of health care facilities. “When there was a request from the mission requesting to sponsor an anti-malnutrition programme in 2012 we volunteered to take up the responsibility in about 65 villages of Raichur district”, Lenka declares. Since then the University has been sending medical and non-medical staff to Pannur and Manvi to ensure that children get nutritious food and good health care facilities. Individual donors from Slovakia have sponsored the education of about 360 children of this area.

Lenka is in Raichur from January this year along with Fr Mario Bosy of Slovakia and about 3 ½ months back Iveta joined them to render a helping hand. She is involved in myriad projects and she calls Raichur as “my second home”. A modus operandi adopted by the mission along with the volunteers is to reach out to the women of this district and involve them in the developmental process. Lenka believes that by reaching out to the women they are able to touch the entire family and therefore they have focused in involving more and more women in this task.

Fr Eric Mathias, Mukamar SJ, one of the pioneers who started and nurtured the Pannur mission since its inception in 2002 says that these volunteers are involved in many developmental programmes undertaken by the mission both in terms of voluntary work and financial help. He points out “It is really heartening to see them visit the villagers, stay with them, play with them, eat their food and mingle with them without any hassles. That makes a big difference to these people who are bogged down by the ghost of caste system and other ills like the Devadasi system. They lead by example and that is quite inspiring.”

The avidity shown by these volunteers and their altruistic spirit to bring about a change in the lives of the poor and the underprivileged is extraordinary and truly worth emulating. Miss Iveta Jankularova is a role model to today’s youngsters who has shown that beauty can be the stepping stone for doing things that might make a change to the lives of the poor.


The Pannur Mission

The Pannur Mission took shape in 1998 thanks to the zeal shown by five newly ordained Jesuit priest – Joseph D Mello, Joseph Monteiro, Johnson Pinto, Cyprian Tellis and Eric Mathias. It came into existence in 2002 and ever since the mission has been doing yeoman’s service by starting English medium schools, colleges, health care facilities, safe drinking water, transportation, women empowerment and many other programmes to ameliorate the oppressed people. There has been a marked improvement in their status since then and many of these children today are studying in various professional colleges of the state.

  

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Comment on this article

  • oneal Dcunha, Abu dhabi

    Fri, Sep 12 2014

    Excellent work done and hope God bless you with lots of good health to continue the noble task. All the best Joseph D Mello, Joseph Monteiro, Johnson Pinto, Cyprian Tellis and Eric Mathias.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Royston, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Fri, Sep 12 2014

    There is no greater joy then following one's inner call.........Great to come across people stepping out in search of eternal joy and happiness.....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • agnes, Bangalore

    Fri, Sep 12 2014

    God Bless you, there is no caste,creed before God.Love God and Love other human beings is the right choice you have made.Please continue and we'll join your effort.
    agnes

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • cliffy, Mangalore

    Fri, Sep 12 2014

    Thank you Iveta and friends for your charity and service to the Indian people. You are a role model for us all. Also thanks for Fr. Eric and team. May God bless you all.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Sep 12 2014

    A good deed from former Miss Slovakia.At the same time it is a shame that having so many wellto do and Show biz,stars here,a foreign Lady Comes here and teach us Show us to care the poor with Jesuits .she is not worried about caste,dlit or what else.we here are discussing about forced conversion and making These poor peoples life and People who work for them harder.A big thanks to Miss ivanka for eyeopening.Please continue your help to them further.God bless you.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vicky D, Dubai

    Fri, Sep 12 2014

    Thank God for showing Miss Slovakia the right path of humanity.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • ambrose D'Souza S.J., Vijaypura

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Thank Miss Lenka and Miss Iveta, you are teaching us how to be humane, kind and generous in service, both in kind and in action. God Bless You!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Iveta's love for the poor should serve as an example for many. This young lady who has enjoyed all the good things in life has opted to work with the poorest of the poor in Raichur. She indeed is a ROLE MODEL for many affluent people.

    I have had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Father Eric Mathais only recently ever since his posting to St. Aloysius in Mangalore. He has taken his job very seriously and is already functioning well as the P.R.O. for the Jesuit Mission.

    I wish there could me more persons like Iveta to make this world a happier place to dwell in.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [6] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • sunita lobo, abu dhabi

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Wish our Indian beauties and film personalities contribute at least 1% of their earnings, life would be so much better for the many orphanages and shelter homes. Saying so I reiterate it is also our duty (mine too) to contribute a minimum amount from our earnings to the under privileged. We all can make a difference, once we get into the groove, I am sure we can find peace in our life's too, knowing we are doing good to mankind at least in a small way and off course don’t forget the blessings from God.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • sid, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Very good work as long as conversion is not the motive . St.Aloysious does not involve in such activities as far as i know but we have enough examples where Conversion is the main Motive .

    DisAgree [7] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    I agree n endorse the view in its totality expressed by lt col krishna dev. He has spoken the truth n nothing but truth. I salute my christian bros n sis who are front runners in social n community works when the followers of other religion are fighting for supremacy of their faith. Humanity knows no color, creed or sex..Mother Theresa n now this lady found india as their home..God bless them n my christian brethren..keep going n keep doing n Allah shall reward you many folds.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Thu, Sep 11 2014



    Iveta’s love and nurturing nature towards the downtrodden and the contribution to help the poorest of the poor speaks volume of her inner qualities. She is admirable both for her external and inner beauty.
    Lt.Col.krishnaDev (Retd), Mumbai/Mangalore
    Sir,
    Your sincere comments on the missionaries work needs to be applauded. Through your selfless views and thoughts you have sent special message in the heart & mind of D.W. readers.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • M Joseph, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    I salute Fr Eric Mukamar for bringing hope to the poorest dalit children of Raichur. In spite of all odds, he has managed to build this project through the good will of so many benefactors such as Iveta, Lenka etc. Certainly Fr Eric deserves state honors in the field of social work.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    May God bless Ms.Iveta and her mission. A truly inspirational article by Florine.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, bedra

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    In a showbiz world where money calling her for every appearance but she chose the other way around helping poor what a kind heart she has!! A standoff salute for her.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ceraj, Bejai, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Please be away from all Bollywood acting offers I'm 100% sure you will be offered, but Continue with your Mission God Bless..

    DisAgree [8] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis M., Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Dear Lt.Col.krishnaDev(Retd), Mumbai/Mangalore

    Thank you very much for your regards and true appreciation for the charity work and social work done by Christians Missionaries. Then, why these selfless services of missionaries and like minded people have been branded and targeted by some factions as 'CONVERSION' please?

    DisAgree [14] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lt.Col.krishnaDev (Retd), Mumbai/Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Dear Brother Francis,
    Just Ignore the people who say conversions are done on the behest of development of poor or the backward classes.I say there is so religion better than Humanity.If you have humanity in you, you will definitely love everyone regardless of caste creed or religion and that is what i see in Christians.I will always stand a witness to all the good deeds done by them.Guys I tell you it is not that easy to embrace and lift a stinking leper from the streets. it needs a real compassionate love for the needy to do it.People who talk about conversions will never able to think of the good services you people do.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [131] Reply Report Abuse

  • prem, moodbidri

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    This is the era, where people are much bothered, what would be the iPhone 6 price? Will I be able to buy it now or next month? etc.... and they say 'aage bado, chutta nahin hai' to a starving beggar.

    hats off, Iveta, keep going...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anil Pinto, Abu Dhabi/Mumbai

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Thats one pretty lady, in every way.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Ms.Iveta Jankularova, your actions teach us much more than what we learn from books, these are truly noble acts which is a lesson to others like me. Keep up the great work, all the best.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    And our Indian beauty pagent winners are busy in buying bungalows and imported cars to to their hubbies.
    We salute you Miss Slovakia, and god bless you.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    My heart also beats for former Miss Slovakia.She is very beautiful. those who search for 'Inner Joy' do always.

    DisAgree [31] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Miss Slovakia looks great but my eyes change color depending on my mood...

    DisAgree [15] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    I salute Ms.Iveta

    No doubt... the word charity is in Christians blood.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [128] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Thank you for your comment but please spare giving charity a 'religious' colour.
    Of course Christians and Christian institutions were, are and will always be active in charitable deeds but so are the Hindus, the Muslims and others.
    Charity has no religion. Human beings 'give' out of the 'goodness of their heart' irrespective of how much they have.

    I know Christians who have been beneficiaries of Hindu charitable organizations.

    I believe in the 'Universal brotherhood of human kind' and I believe we all should do so to make this world a better place to live in for us and for future generations.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Poverty and affluent life are two extremes of human existence. We don't accept the fact that oppression, discrimination exists in our country but those who practically undergo such life take it as their fate and struggle to let one bad day pass and hope the coming day will be a little better. Life goes on with hopes and wishful thinking but changes seldom take place.

    Thank you Iveta for being a role model for all those who enjoy every luxury possible, hope we will take at-least 1% of your mission. Surely the world will be a better place tomorrow.

    Also, thank you the missionaries who help the destitute and try to bring a smile on their face, may it be there for a smallest while because that is all what is in your capacity, continuity of it lies with us, who live in comforts.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lt.Col.krishnaDev (Retd), Mumbai/Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    kudos to you Ms.Iveta Jankularova and the Jesuit Fathers.Definitely your are doing a great job.God will reward you in a thousand folds.I really appreciate the charity work done by Christians, where no one wants to go or stay.Just one simple line I would say is "Only Christians can do it"In my service in the Indian Army, I have seen them do it in the streets of Calcutta,dense jungles of the North East and the most fearsome forests of the North.Many a times my eyes have become wet on seeing them caring for the poorest of the poor.Guys I tell you "Lage raho" when the God is with you no one can go against you."Keep up the good work"

    DisAgree [8] Agree [174] Reply Report Abuse

  • Daniel, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Lt.Col.krishnaDev (Retd), Mumbai/Mangalore THANKS- reading your sincere comment heart filled with joy. Yes only and only true Followers of the Lord Jesus Christ selflessly can do as it is command given by the Lord himself. The Words-If you follow me take your cross and follow-love one another- pray for those who persecute you- help the needy- forgive- be Merciful- there is no greater sacrifice than offer ones life for friend.
    The world witnessed many such great followers and will see as long as the world exists as there is a promise.
    May God bless Miss Slovakia's and all who involved in such noble deeds. AMEN.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • George, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    "Lt.Col.krishnaDev (Retd), Mumbai/Mangalore". Your observations and experiences are the same with many of us. A few like you are expressing it and acknowledging in public. Proud of you sir.
    I am happy that so many good comments have come from the readers.
    If anyone can visit other remote parts of India and African Countries, one can see and feel the true missionary works done by the Christian community.
    It's time to think all the Negative minded people to sit and introspect, What is conversion and what is charity.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • ambrose D'Souza S.J., Vijaypura

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    Dear Respected Sir Lt.Col.krishnaDev (Retd), Mumbai/Mangalore,

    For the FIRST TIME I am reading some one acknowledging the humanitarian service rendered by the kindhearted Christian community.

    We share with others what we have received as the free gift from the DIVINE and want to see the world a happiest place in the Universe. If you can please do join us to make everybody happy and jovial person. Do whisper a small prayer for these kind people.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, mlore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    this is the real foundation of nation building by Jesuits..
    guys please don't cry foul about conversion here, anybody can join with charity work directly or indirectly with them.
    results are visible in pictures, with beautiful buildings and happy children..

    DisAgree [8] Agree [62] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    @Alwyn,

    They will not cry about conversion until their children are educated in these school and take advantage. Once they are done with that, they will start their own schools and colleges for business and then blame of conversion. So that they can fulfill their business motive.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [90] Reply Report Abuse

  • sumi, basrur

    Thu, Sep 11 2014

    what about former and present miss India ?? are they only enjoying Indian life... our beauties are good only at shows,, they claim my heart beats for poor etc and it only beats for money and filmdom.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [95] Reply Report Abuse


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