Richie John Pais
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 25: The United Friends Bejai is a group of friends with a difference. Like most young friends' groups of yesteryears, they also started their group with the intention of promoting sports. Later, they felt they needed to do more, and the passion they shared for charity spurred them to undertake several social works. Now after a quarter century, United Friends has become a giant service-oriented organization. The most special thing about this group is that its members have never sought any publicity.
History and achievements
In the year 1990 a few like-minded youngsters in Bejai decided to form a group to devote their spare time for good work. They named the group as 'United Friends Bejai'. Initially they confined their activities to sports events only. They later embraced charity as their main motto, and have not looked back since. They have held other activities also including sports and cultural events, all of which have witnessed resounding response.
The group has always given more importance to providing educational and medical assistance to the needy. Over the years, the group has helped hundreds of underprivileged people. United Friends has held a number of different events so far including Patrao Nite and 'Hasyancho Pavs' a highly succesful Konkani comedy show.
Membership and social concern
Doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, businessmen, government employees, bankers, computer wizards and even students are members of this group, and they do not belong to any particular community. Even the beneficiaries do not belong to any particular religion. They are bound by the common fabric of humanity.
Bejai Friends never gone for any membership drive. Only persons who have social concern can join them.
Jubilee year and future plans
United Friends is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. The group has decided not to spend any money on unnecessary celebrations which will defeat its motto. They want to continue with the same work of charity they did for years, but with more zeal.
A religious drama in Konkani titled 'Somiya thum kai vethay' will be staged on March 22. There are also a few charity shows and health camps lined up during the jubilee year. Indeed, there could not be a better way for United Friends to celebrate silver jubilee than by reiterating its committment to social causes during the milestone year.
For more on United Friends Bejai, log on to: http://www.theunitedfriends.com/