Media Release
Shimoga, Aug 12: As the early morning mist settled along the banks near the Upper Tunga River Project, hands dug deep into the rich soil to plant saplings a symbolic beginning to a landmark milestone. The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) commemorated its 37th Foundation Day under the evocative theme "Seva Gandha: Fragrance of Fruitful Service," weaving together environmental stewardship, community wellness, spiritual gratitude, and human empowerment.
Since its establishment in 1989 as the official social development arm of the Catholic Diocese of Shimoga, SMSSS has expanded its footprint across more than 700 villages in Shivamogga, Chitradurga, and Davanagere districts, offering hope to marginalized, sick, and vulnerable families.
Rooted in Earth & Health: Environmental and Medical Outreach
To celebrate nearly four decades of grassroots transformation, SMSSS launched the "Green Shimoga" drive, committing to plant 3,000 saplings across the region. This initiative expands an impressive ecological legacy that has already seen over 1,700,000 trees planted across three central Karnataka districts.
Parallel to the plantation drive, SMSSS hosted a Special Free Health Camp in collaboration with Nanjappa Hospital, Shivamogga. Designed to care for the caregivers and the local community, the medical camp provided comprehensive health screenings, diagnostic check-ups, and expert consultations for the SMSSS staff, field workers, and neighboring residents.
Spiritual Thanksgiving: Active Love as an Engine of Change
Following the morning initiatives, the gathering assembled at the campus chapel for a solemn thanksgiving Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Franklin D'Souza, youth director of the Diocese of Shimoga.
In an inspiring homily, Fr Franklin reflected on the moral imperative of social development rooted in faith and empathy:
"When there is genuine love—love for God, love for the poor, and love shared generously among one another—extraordinary transformation happens. It is this selfless, active love that opens new avenues of hope and dignity for the poorest among us."
Honoring the Past & Full-Circle Milestones
The formal stage event commenced under the guidance of Sahana, master of ceremonies, with Anita extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and attendees.
Delivering the keynote address, Fr Pius D'Souza, director of SMSSS, traced the organization’s 37-year journey from modest beginnings to a regional lifeline for self-help groups, rural youth, cancer patients, and marginalized families. He paid tribute to former Bishops, directors, board members, and field staff whose quiet dedication built the institution.
"For nearly four decades, the quiet dedication of our workforce has ensured that those facing poverty, illness, or social exclusion can find a path to dignity and self-reliance," Fr. Pius remarked.
Key Felicitations & Moments of Joy
The afternoon feature highlighted deeply personal success stories within the extended SMSSS family:
• Silver Jubilee Honors: Long-standing SMSSS team member Banupriya and her husband, Parameshwara, were invited to the stage and warmly felicitated in honor of their 25th Wedding Anniversary.
• Fruits of sponsorship: In a joyful moment, Fr Nishant D'Costa and Fr Glanson D'Souza were honored on stage. Both priests had grown up as beneficiaries of the Integrated Child Development Project (ICDP) sponsorship program during their seminary years standing today as the first ordained priests emerging directly from SMSSS's child development initiatives.
Joyful Giving and the Path Ahead
In his presidential address, Fr Franklin D'Souza underscored the ethos of "Joyful Giving," reminding the audience that the fragrance of SMSSS’s work endures because it is carried out through cheerful, committed service rather than mere obligation.
The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Rahmi. The 37th Foundation Day celebrations drew to a close with a shared fellowship meal for all guests, dignitaries, and staff.