International Women’s Day

Date : 22 nd March, 2007, Venue : Mukteshwar Ashram, Guests : Fr. Franklin, Asst. Youth Director, Dr. Padma Radhakrishna, Trustee, Mr. Suresh Mangaonkar, Program Officer (JSS), Mr. Ashoke Shinde, Trainer (JSS) and Fr. George Vattamattam, Director of Karunya Trust.

Area & : 100 women from Phulenagar, Garibnagar and Indranagar No. of Participants and the HIV positive patients of S ward and others.

Objectives of the program : a) Awareness on the health aspects, (b) Interaction with the participants on the different aspects of IGP (c)Distributing of certificates of 2 nd batch IGP training programme.

As we know that, today the world has changed a lot even the women who are illiterate their life is no more limited with the household work. They have now come out from there four walls and supports in the community based awareness activities and also in their house. Its experienced that women always contributes in the developmental works of the society but still they are under looked by the society. Hence Karunya Trust takes this opportunity to celebrate the “International Women’s Day” at Powai with all the Self Help Groups (SHG) members and PLHAs from all over the “S”ward. The main intention was to bring all the women groups in one platform and to visualize the present situation or condition of today’s woman. On this occasion our resource persons stressed more on the input session on total empowerment in their life. Therefore to bring a positive behavioral change in their thinking. The session was divide into two, first session were the women group had a short games and competition and the second, was input session by the resource person. There were some small games they are “gadha ka poch lagana”, “guessing the answer”, “lightning candles by one matchsticks ”. all the SHG members enjoyed each of the games and participated very actively. And at last the winners were honored with small token of love.

Fr. Franklin, Asst. Youth Director inaugurated the programme by lightning the lamp. Other dignitaries like Dr. Padma Radhakrishna, Trustee, Mr. Suresh Mangaonkar, Program Officer (JSS), Mr. Ashoke Shinde, Trainer (JSS) and Fr. George Vattamattam, Director of Karunya Trust was present on this occasion. Dr. Padma Radhakrishna spoke to the women groups on the positive living and how to build the confidence with in us and face all types of hurdles that keeps occurring in our life one by one. In fact she did not focus on any types diseases but she highlighted that there is no sickness other then our mind sickness. After that there was a open house session were SHG members put forwarded many issues and Dr. Padma facilitated them on the spot. Fr. Franklin highlighted on the advantages and disadvantages of Education. He also emphasized on girl child’s education instead of early marriage. After the two input session there was a certificate distribution to all the participants who attended the 2 nd batch Income Generating Training Programme. Mr. Suresh Mangaonkar, Program Officer (JSS), Mr. Ashoke Shinde, Trainer (JSS) facilitated the large group on the pros and cons of marketing and production.

The session was very informative were all the women put forwarded various questions and doubts. Hence Mr. Suresh and Mr. Ashoke assured for all kinds of supports from their part. At last the programme was followed with the refreshments to all the participants.

Health Camp

Karunya Trust organized a general health camp with free medicine distribution at Phulenagar slum pocket, Powai on 30 th March 2007. Msgr. Jacob Porathur presided over the programme and inaugurated the health camp by lighting the lamp, Fr. George Vattamattam; Director of Karunya Trust, Doctors of D.Y. Patel and the local representative of the Mandal and few members of SHGs joined the same . The main objective of this camp was to find out the health status of the people of the Phulenagar, especially women and children who are the most vulnerable. Eight Doctors from D.Y. Patil Medical College and a nurse sister, Sr. Cecelia from Sakinaka gave the services to the beneficiaries of the Phulenagar very enthusiastically. Medicine was distributed to all the patients who came for the camp. The health camp started at sharp 11am and ended at 5pm. Altogether 294 beneficiaries from Phulenagar slum were fully benefited from the camp. Active participation from the people of Phulenagar during the medical camp was very much felt. SHGs members along with the mandal member’s collective work as a volunteer for this camp have really made it successful. The local volunteer group along with the staff took lot of initiatives to arrange all the necessary requirements for the health camp.

The major findings of the health camp that was shared by the team of Doctors are as following :

90% of Women and children are anemic

90% were having fever , cold and cough

60% children and men had worms in the stomach

34% other sickness like scabies, eye infection and vitamin deficiency

20% of the patients were referred to the Rajwada health clinic, health post and SION Govt. hospitals for further treatment.

Haldi kumkum Celebration at Powai

Date : 21 st January,07, Time : 4 pm, Venue : Mukteshwar Ashram

The cultural feast Haldi KumKum had been celebrated with the SHG members of Phule nagar and other slum pockets of “S” Ward. Mrs. Sangeetha, Community Organiser of “S” Ward had inaugurated the programme at Muktheswar Ashram of Powai. Ms. Snageeta stressed more on formation of SHGs and different scope of benefiting govt. policies / schemes for economic sustainability of the women. She also highlighted to get involve in the developmental activities that are being endorsed for the SHGs with different types of schemes. The event was marked by sessions on various topics especially on HIV/AIDS by the staff. Gifts were distributed for all the participants and more than 180 women including PLHAs of the support group had been participated from all the slum pockets and other areas too

Inauguration of School stage at Bisol

On 15 th November the day after the Children’s Day, Bishop Mar. Thomas Elavanal, Bishop of Kalyan inaugurated the school Stage at Bisol that was constructed by Karunya Trust . Mr. H.D. Dorke, BDO of Kalyan, Mr. L. K. Khurkhute, Agriculture officer of Kalyan, Mr. U.K. Dongre Education officer of Kalyan, Surpanch of Bisol, Fr. George Vattamattam, Director of Karunya Trust and Sr. Betty George, Project Coordinator of Rehab. project participated.

The program commenced by a short prayer followed by the lighting of the lamp. Mr. Ram Das gave the welcome speech.On this occasion the Bishop had thanked the people for their entire support, acceptance and cooperation given to Karunya Trust to work in the village for a good cause. He also assured further support of Karunya Trust for more expansion of work. He asked the villagers to join hands with us for the up liftment of the community and the next generation. He also gave best wishes to the children for the function. The school children from Savare, Dapivili and Bisol GP organized a beautiful cultural program on this occasion. Sanjeevani, the field staff of Karunya Trust gave vote of thanks to all the dignitaries and the participants for making the program a successful one.

Inaugural Function of Income Generation Training Program

Karunya Trust in collaboration with Jan Shikshan Sansthan and LIFE Trust organized an income generating training program for the HIV positive women of “S” ward in St. Joseph’s Church, IIT market, Powai. Ms. Valsa Nair Singh, the District Collector of Mumbai city District, inaugurated the program. Rt. Rev. Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal (Bishop of Kalyan Diocese) presided over the program. Ms. Poonam Lalvani ( Managing Trustee of LIFE Trust ), Ms. Sunitha Lewis (Partner Support Officer; Catholic Relief Service), Fr. George Vattamattam (Director of Karunya Trust ) Mr. Suresh Mangoankar (Program Officer of Jan Shikshan Sansthan), Dr. Aprain and Fr. Francis Eluvathingal (Karunya Trust Trutees), Sr. Betty George were the dignitaries present for the function. The program started with a small prayer service conducted by the staff of Karunya Trust followed by the lightening of lamp. Mr. Joshi, Managing Director of LIFE trust delivered the welcome speech.Rt. Rev. Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal (Bishop of Kalyan Diocese) gave the presidential address. In his address he highlighted the different programs carried out by Karunya Trust. He also mentioned that the importance of NGOs working in close coordination with Govt. to reach out to the needy.

Ms. Valsa Nair Singh, the District Collector of Mumbai city District, highlighted the need of organizing such programs and assured all her support for such programs. Ms. Poonam Lalwani and Mr. Suresh Mangoankar highlighted the importance of organizing such vocational training program for the marginalized and needy. In addition they shared that the need of helping positive people to stand in their own feet and increase their confidence level. Mr. Suresh assured to provide all possible support to the participants. Ms. Kiran Shalini Xaxa gave vote thanks to all the dignitaries and the participants to make the program successful.

63rd Annual General Body Meeting of Catholic Health Association of India

Catholic Health Association of India organized 63 rd AGBM (Annual General Body Meeting) on 29 th and 30 th of September at Tabor Bhavan, Kalyan East. The theme of the AGBM was Millennium Development Goal on HIV vision - “Rolling back HIV/AIDS pandemic through healthy mothers and healthy children.”

Hon. Minister, Shri Suresh Shetty, Minister for Medical Education of Maharashtra State inaugurated the program and Bp. Mar Thomas Elavanal, Bishop of Kalyan presided over it. Above 400 delegates and other well-known dignitaries contributed in this program from all over the country. Welcome address was given by Sr. Dr. Vijaya Sharma, President of CHAI and Fr. Dr. Sebastian Ousepparampil, Director of CHAI highlighted on the 63 rd Annual General Body Meeting of CHAI.

Most Rev. Thomas Elavanal, Bishop of Kalyan, Ecclesiastical Advisor of CHAW, CBCI Health Commission of Western Region released the Herbal Calendar for 2007. Ms. Shivakamy Iyer, State Representative, CRS, Mumbai distributed prizes to the winner for the National Essay Competition 2006.

 

Keynote address was delivered by Dr Nobel Thalari, Senior communication Advisor to UNAIDS, India. Some of the dignitaries from the country focused on various inputs on the work carried out for HIV/AIDS in India. Dr. Michael Friedman, Associate Director, CDC-GAP shared about US Government’s Involvement in HIV/AIDS work in India and Efforts for ensuring Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV. Presentation on CHAI’s work on rolling back HIV/AIDS pandemic through healthy mothers and healthy children – PHC Enhancement Programme by Dr. Anita Victor, Technical Officer, PHC Enhancement programme, CHAI. Information on the process involved in providing maternity/PPTCT services for a HIV positive pregnant woman by Dr. Michael Friedman, Associate Director, CDC-GAP. And at last Presentation on the various aspects related to PPTCT (Prevention on Parent to Child Transmission) work in India by Ms Padma Deosthali, CEHAT, Mumbai.

And at last Rev. Fr. George Vattamattam, President of CHAW (Catholic Health Association of Western region) gave vote of thanks to all the participants and dignitaries.

 

___________________________________________________________________

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS BY KARUNYA TRUST

On the historic occasion of the 60th Independence Day of India, Karunya Trust had its celebration in the various GroupGrampanchayats of Kalyan and Bedalapur Talukas.The Independence day celebration was marked by

various programmes in the respective villages.

Savarae Group Grampanchayat:

Karunya Trust in collaboration with the leaders of Savarae Panchayat and the local school management had celebrated Independence Day at Savarae School.

Mr.Babu Dabre , the surpanch of savarae GP had hoisted the flag at 7.30 am, followed by a message from the Gram Sevak. The children of the Primary school, members of SHG had actively participated in it. The Trust had distributed notebooks, pens, chocolates and biscuits to all the children in the school.

Bisol Group Gram Panchayat:

We had celebrated the Independence Day at Bisol, Anegaon, Nalambi with the Community. The Flag hoisting at Bisol was done by the Surpanch Mr. Kailas Jhadav ,followed by various cultural programmes organized to mark the celebration by the children. The Independence Day message was given by the Headmaster Mr. Ashok M. Fr. George the Director of Karunya Trust had distributed School uniforms, shoes, notebooks, and sweets to all the children. The members of the Farmers Club, Self-help groups, youth groups, and the entire community participated in it. The Headmasters of the respective schools thanked the Trust and appreciated the excellent works done in their villages so far. The Gramasabha assured their full support in the works ahead in the villages.

Attali : The Corporator Mr Dashrat Thare had hoisted the flag at Attali Village which comes under KDMC in the presence of local school children, parents, members of various associations like self-help groups ,youth groups etc. Karunya Trust had distributed prizes to the winners of essay and drawing competitions held prior to the celebrations.

Scholarship Distribution:

On the occasion of the Independence Day celebrations at Bisol GP Karunya Trust had honored the students who had secured the highest marks in the SSC & HSC examinations held in the year2005-06. The Director Fr.George Vattamattam gave the following students cash award from Anegaon, Bisol, and Nalambi.

• Satish Vasant Choruge
• Sunina Shivaji Karle
• Ganesh Gajanan Suroshi
• Sujatha Chintaman Mope
• Asha Bohir
• Ravindra Ganu Hirave
• Ankush Bhagavan Bohir
• Sukanya AnkushJhadav
• Adhar Ramesh Garat

Visit to the Flood Affected Areas:

During the last heavy rain on 5 th to 8 th August lots of paddy fields were destroyed which was repaired under Cash For Work (CFW) in the Flood Rehabilitation Project .The Director Fr.George had visited the flood affected areas and had meeting with the farmers of Anae, and Bisol to plan out for the next step.

I sincerely thank the staff and the village leaders for their cooperation and support in carrying out the vision and mission of Karunya Trust.

 

Karunya Trust has launched its own website

Karunya Trust has launched its own website which was an unfulfilled dream for many years.  When Bishop Thomas Elavanal, the Chairman of the Trust, pressed the key button of the computer at 12 noon on 26th July 2006 the dream became true for the benefactors and beneficiaries of the Trust.

Karunya Trust will share its innovative activities and its messages & opinion through this website. Karunya offers this site as a valuable gift to the world as one more effective gesture to change the world into a better place where the peace and harmony exist. The site was hosted and managed by Blessing Wellness and Education Foundation. We specially thank Blessing Foundation for collaborating with Karunya Trust. Bishop Thomas Elavanal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Blessing Foundation for the creation of Karunya Trust Website and minimizing the gap between the Trust and the society.

This website is launched on the occasion of the first anniversary of Maharastra Flood. Karunya Trust observed 26th July as Prayer Day to remember the victims of flood at Dharavi Slum at 12 noon.

Ms Varsha Gaikwad MLA, Bishop Thomas Elavanal, Ms. Shivakamy from CRS, Mr. Naresh, Municipal Counselor and many other dignataries took part in the event.

Observance of “World AIDS Day”

Place : Leo Hill Road, Powai (near St. Joseph’s Church, Powai), Date & Time : 21 st December,06 at 4 pm, Guests : Fr. Francis Eluvathangal, Trustee, Mr. Pramod, Counsellor of PPTCT centre of S ward, Mr. Phulpagare, Director of Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), Mr. Suresh Mangaonkar, Program Officer, Mr. Sujeet, program coordinator of LIFE Trust, Ms. Jaya Venketgiri, Secretary of Mr. Chandan Sharma, Nagar Palika, Pinaak group of arts Mr. Kaustav and his team (MDACS) and Fr. George Vattamattam.

Area & No. of Participants : 150 women from Phulenagar, Garibnagar and Indranagar and the HIV positive patients of S ward and others.

Objective of the program: a) Awareness program on HIV and AIDS by Street play (b) Distributing of certificates of 1 st batch IGP training Program.

As part of the project activities an awareness program was accomplished on World AIDS Day on 21 st December. The program commences at 4pm at Leo Hill Road, Powai (near St. Joseph’s Church, Powai). The program was divided into two components i.e., universal awareness by street playgroup of MDACS and distribution of certificates to the positive people and SHG women for IGP training program.

At the beginning of the program a street play by MDACS, the PINAAK group of arts performed the street play in front of the large group. The theme of the street play was “yeh zindagi khubshoorat hai”. In this play the group focused on the transmission, prevention, support and care towards various aspects of HIV and AIDS. Altogether there were five members in the team. The street play was very informative and motivating one. The rhythm and the beat of the street play forced the people to gather in large number. The message given by the street playgroup at the end of the play was – the correct information on HIV is the only prevention to keep away from AIDS. Once the virus infects you, your life can be prolonged healthy living practice.

The program began with a welcome address and felicitation to the distinguished guest by the staff. The function was presided by Fr. Francis Eluvathangal. In his speech he highlighted about the activities carried out by Karunya Trust in various field of Education, health, Relief work and care and support towards the affected and infected HIV and AIDS patients. He also added in his speech about the positive people who are most of the time overlooked and cut off by the families and society. Mr. Pramod, the Counselor of PPTCT centre of S ward, said on the various aspects on the prevention of child through mother during pre and post pregnancy. He specially appreciated Karunya Trust for such an initiative. A small cultural program by the children of followed.

After the short cultural program the Director of JSS, Mr. Phulpagare spoke on the interest and enthusiastic approach by the women for this Income Generation program. He thanked and appreciated to all the participants for the making training program a successful one. He assured for the same support and cooperation towards Karunya Trust for future intervention. Thus was followed by distributing certificates to each of the participants.

Ms. Suvarna gave vote thanks to all the guests and the participants to make the program successful.

Prayer Day

26 th July 2005 was devastating day of Mumbaikers . Many left home for their livelihood but returned as dead bodies. Mumbai became for a day as Arabian Sea. Mumbaikers have hundred stories to say when they think about Mumbai flood. 26 th July, 2006 being Anniversary of Mumbai Flood, Karunya Trust organized a prayer service in remembrance of the victims of Mumbai Flood. The prayer service was organized at Dharavi Slum at 12 noon. The office staff of Karunya Trust Ms Eleen Chettri and Ms Kiran Shalini conducted the prayer service. Ms Varsha Gaikwad MLA, Bishop Thomas Elavanal, Ms. Shivakamy S.R, CRS, Mr. Naresh, Municipal Counselor many other dignataries took part in the event.

 

Special homage was paid towards Dr. Virdthi, for his contribution towards Karunya Trust and Community. Bishop Thomas Elavanal, Ms. Shivakamy S.R, CRS, Ms Varsha Gaikwad, MLA and Messenger Fr. Jacob Porathur and wife of Late Dr Virdthj shared their condolence to the victims of the Maharashtra Flood.

Medical camp