Stephan Kayyar
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Nov 6: Puttur MLA, Shakuntala Shetty, inaugurated the new building of 'Snehalaya', a rehabilitation centre for mentally challenged persons, at Pavoor Bachalike at Manjeshwar in the district, on Thursday November 5.

Bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, delivered benedictory address on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shakuntala stressed that inculcating humanitarian qualities is the foremost duty of every human being. "Instead of concentrating solely on amassing riches, we should shed selfishness and serve the weak and the downtrodden," she said. She hailed selfless services being rendered by Joseph Crasta, who has been following these lofty ideals.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza, who presided over the function, observed that what a man gives to the society is of foremost importance. Pointing out that a large number of people in the society are struggling due to multifarious problems because there is no one to extend assistance to them. He urged people to become leading lights in the lives of suffering people.

Vikar var of Kasargod zone and priest of Bela Mother of Sorrows Church, Fr Vincent D'Souza, Pakshikere church priest, Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Pavoor church priest, Fr Aloysius, Talapady church priest, Fr Nelson Olivera, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president, Roy Castelino, Mangalore mayor, Jacinta Alfred, president of Brahmashree Narayanaguru Vedike, Krishna Shivakripdialyaisa, Abdul Rauf Puthige of Talent Research Foundation, U K Group president, U K Yousuf, Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike president, Yogeesh Shetty, founder and managing trustee of 'Snehalaya', Joseph Crasta, and several other dignitaries were present.

On this occasion, Rahamatulla from Mangaluru, Abdul Rauf Puthige and Major Stany Mathew, who have been extending wholehearted support and help to 'Snehalaya' in various ways, were felicitated. Mangalore Bishop was honoured on behalf of 'Snehalaya' by Fr Vincent D'Souza.

Managing trustee of 'Snehalaya', Joseph Crasta, who delivered welcome address, noted that 'Snehalaya' has been providing care, treatment, and shelter since the last six years to mentally challenged persons, destitute, orphans, as well as those who are neglected by the society. "Over a hundred people, including two from Nepal, have got a fresh lease of life after getting cared for here. At present, this centre houses 75 persons. In addition, our centre has been providing free lunch to about 200 people everyday at Kasargod government hospital. Moreover, since the last four months, we also have been supplying free lunch to about 700 patients at Wenlock Hospital Mangaluru," he explained.

He also said that the centre plans to set up home for the aged, rehabilitation centre for mentally challenged women etc. Moreover, there are plans to provide treatment for cancer patients and dialysis for people suffering from kidney disorders, he added.

Fr George Crasta proposed vote of thanks. Muhammed Rafiq and A B Kuttiyan presented the programme.