Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SB)

Kasargod, Sep 5: In memory of the 25th death anniversary of St Mother Teresa, the Snehalaya Charitable Trust (R) laid the foundation stone for the Snehalaya De-addiction Center on Monday, September 5 at Snehalaya auditorium in Manjeshwar.

Fr Faustine L Lobo blessed the foundation stone and led a prayer ceremony . MLA of Manjeshwar A K M Ashraf presided over the function. Vicar forane, Kasargod deanery, Fr Stany Pereira, former MLA J R Lobo, PRO of Mangalore Diocese Ronald Castelino, managing director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd Walter Nandalike, president of gram panchayat Manjeshwar Gean Lavina Monteiro, former chairman of CDC government of Karnataka Joylus D'Souza, parish priest of Manjeshwar church Fr Edwin Pinto, chaplain of Snehalaya Fr Santhosh Menezes, others dignitaries were present during the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Fr Faustine said Joseph was doing a holistic job by providing shelter and food for destitute and people who are abandoned by their families. "Jesus Christ taught us to love the neighborhood with service and Good deeds. Joseph Crasta, one of the people who really carried on the mission which was taught by Jesus. The place Snehalaya has a divine power. Hundreds of destitute have found their families and relatives from this place.We can also call this a reunion center. Today Joseph Crasta is going to start a new de-addiction center which is very much needed. I wish him all blissful success in his mission," he said.

Lauding the service of Snehalaya, Walter Nandalike said, "We are living like we have a life for another five hundred years. We are not at all thinking we are not permanent in this world. Our greedy mentality provoking us to save money till the day of our death. But after the death no one remembers us. We are far behind in understanding this reality.But people like Joseph Crasta dedicated themselves to society and the needy. Their name will remain permanently in this world. Mother Teresa is the best example for this. With her charity and good deeds she still lives in our hearts."

Wishing the event A K M Ashraf said, "I am very much fortunate to participate in all events of Snehalaya from its starting days. Joseph Crasta and his family are fully dedicated to social service. During Covid, the family and volunteers of Snehalaya did a tremendous job by reaching out to the needy. Now they are going to build a rehabilitation center which is very much needed. As per my knowledge the rehabilitation center not only treats addicts but takes initiatives to create awareness on the ill effects of drug consumption."

Joseph Crasta said, “The institute aims to provide a month-long treatment to 60 addicts with regular health check-ups, counselling, and consultations. If patients require more attention and treatment, the service will be rendered at Snehalaya Rehabilitation Center. The recovered de-addicts will be reunited with their families where they can live joyfully thereafter.”

He also said that the Snehalaya Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Center and Snehalaya Old Age Home are the units of Snehalaya Charitable Trust. Snehalaya is a home of love and care providing service to the abandoned and destitute from the streets irrespective of locality, religion, caste, and creed."

"Snehalaya home for the abandoned and aged was started in the year 2009. Since 2015, free midday meals have been provided to 700 caretakers of the patients at district Wenlock Hospital," he added.

On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Jayasheela and Rohini, retired teachers were honoured for their contributions to the society. Rafiq Master compered the ceremony. Br Joseph Crasta briefly introduced Snehalaya and welcomed the gathering. Olivia Crasta, trustee-cum-secretary offered the vote of thanks.