SMSSS News

Shimoga, November 26, 2018: SMSSS, the 'development arm' of the diocese of Shivamogga, came into existence on August 11, 1989. From its inception, SMSSS has been transforming the socio-economic condition of marginalized women, small and marginal Farmers, people living with HIV/AIDS, their children and parents, unemployed youth, unorganized labourers, etc. The society reaches out to the target groups through its six major development programmes, namely, Women Empowerment, Education and Development, Natural Resource Management, Good Governance, Health and Development and Capacity Building.

A public programme was organized to commemorate the 30 Joyful years of SMSSS. The organization thanks God for the completion of five fruitful years of Sthree Bandhu Multipurpose Souharda Sahakari Limited, a unique women's bank, started by SMSSS in December 2013. With a humble beginning of just 543 members, Sthree Bandhu today has 10,100 women as shareholders.    

Lighting up the lives of thousands of people around the world, Ronald Colaco has again become the cynosure of all the eyes. The Shivamogga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) conferred its prestigious 'Chaitanyashri' award on NRI philanthropist Ronald Colaco on November 26 at an august gathering of over 5,500 beneficiaries of the SMSSS.

This National Award was instituted by the SMSSS on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee in 2014. This prestigious award is conferred on individuals or institutions who commit themselves to social justice, communal harmony and promotion of human rights. Ronald Colaco joins the league of great personalities like Swamiji Nidumamidi Veerabhadra Channamalla Sri and Medha Patkar by receiving this honour.

Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the bishop of the Diocese of Shivamogga and the president of SMSSS presided over the programme. Ronald Colaco released the Souvenir 'Chaithanya'.

Ronald Colaco, a recipient of innumerable awards for his humanitarian initiatives, appreciated the tireless service of the church to humanity. He urged the participants to build a society which communicates God's love to the unloved. Citing his own example, he said that everyone should set aside a small portion of one's income for charity. He said that ‘In giving we receive and if we are generous, God will be more generous towards us.’

The bishop thanked all those who have worked for the growth of SMSSS and noted that the society has to travel miles before it can truly rest a while and say we have accomplished. Let the journey continue. All the dignitaries on the dais wished every success to SMSSS and Sthree Bandhu. The Director of SMSSS, Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto welcomed the gathering and the vice-president of SMSSS, Msgr Felix Joseph Noronha thanked all the participants and the organizers for the grand success of the programme.