Media release
Beltangady, Dec 8: Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra (CKSK) organized vicennial celebration of Vimukti Self Help Group (SHG) Trust on Saturday, December 7. The programme commenced with the rally by the Vimukti SHG members of the organization from Shri Rathnavarma Kreedangana, SDM College, Ujire at 9.30 am. Elcy Kurian, Kalenja, the first president of Vimukti SHG Trust inaugurated the rally. The band sets of the students of St Mary’s English Medium School Laila, Anugraha English Medium School, Ujire, and the traditional band set of Tulunadu added beauty to the rally. Vimukti SHG women marched with the Kalasa, traditional umbrellas, dressed up as Indian glorious historical figures.
The stage programme of the celebration began at 10.30 am at Shri Janardhana Swamy Temple Ground Ujire. The programme started with screening of a short documentary on the different project activities of CKSK, the mother organization. The children of Daya Special School performed a prayer dance. Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, director, CKSK Beltangady, welcomed Dr Vaidehi, Kannada poetess and writer, Indira, president, Vinoda, secretary of Vimukti SHG Trust, K Harish Kumar, MLC, Vasanth Bangera, former MLA, Mudigere Vimukti SHG president Yasodha, Chikkodi Vimukti SHG president, Hemadoddamani on the dais. Later Fr Vinod through his introductory speech briefly spoke about the initial beginnings of the organization.
Vinoda read 20 year’s report of the Vimukti SGH Trust. She explained the different welfare activities that were organized under the SHG Trust and the benefits that were availed by the beneficiaries through the different projects of the organization.
Dr Vaidehi inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. In her inaugural speech, she spoke about the present condition of women in homes, society, particularly the barriers faced by them. While highly praising Vimukti SHG women for their discipline and hard work in self-employment, she also highlighted the various cruel incidents against women that took place in recent times. She called upon the women present to overcome superstitious practices that hinder and curtail their dignity and equality. She motivated the Vimukti SHG women towards achieving greater result in social, economic and political equality with sheer efforts.
Later in the programme, former presidents of Vimukti SHG Trust were honoured by the organization for their service and leadership towards the groups and the Trust. Elcy Kurian, Sheela M K who were successful entrepreneurs, Jyothi, Elia and Shobha, Sumathi Bhat and Vimala. Geethanjali were honoured. Later the magazine ‘Vimukti Darpana’, a souvenir, was released by Dr Vaidehi..
Sheela M K and Geetha, members of Janardhana Swamy and Saubagya SHGs shared their testimony and experience of the last 20 years as members of SHG.
Harish Kumar, MLC Beltangady, in his speech appreciated the yeomen services of CKSK towards the vulnerable sections of the society and called upon the members to be very active members in the organization. Vasanth Bangera, former MLA of Beltangady addressed the audience and said that Vimukti has given plenty of opportunities for the rural women to be empowered in different fields. He recalled his past developmental engagement with Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra and its great support rendered towards the most vulnerable sections of the society. At the middle of the programme, interest free loan, a new scheme in honour of the founder late Fr Theophil Pereira was inaugurated by the present secretary Fr Fredrick Brags.
Yashodha, president of Vimukti Banakal and Hema Doddamni the president of Vimukti SHG, Chikkodi wished well for the future programmes.
Indira, president of Vimukti SHG Ujire shared her experience of 20 years, especially its beginning in the areas of social development of the society. She also thanked Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, director, Fr Rohan Lobo, assistant director and staff for their selfless service towards the poor children and women.
Finally Fr Alwyn Dias, president of CKSK and provincial of Holy Trinity Province congratulated all the staff and Vimukti SHG members for their continued efforts in attaining better results in all the social developmental activities. Towards the end of the stage programme Fr Vinod Mascarenhas honoured all the guests with mementos.
Zubaida, member of Ujire cluster gave vote of thanks to the guests, SHG members and all the supporters who extended their valuable support towards the programme.
Later cultural programmes were organized where various cluster groups staged traditional, modern folk songs, dances, skits etc. Premalatha, Sharada and Ranjini jointly compered the programme.