Annual Day of SMSSS, Decennial Celebration of Streebandhu & Conferring of "Chaitanyashri"
Annual Day of SMSSS, Decennial Celebration of Streebandhu & Conferring of "Chaitanyashri"
Shivamogga, November 22, 2023: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society celebrated its Annual Day - 2023 and Streebandhu Vividhoddesha Souharda Sahakari Sangha Niyamita its Decennial Celebration on 22 November 2023 through a public programme at Lagana Mandira premises, Gadikoppa, Shimoga. Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of the diocese of Shimoga and the President of The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society presided over the programme. Dr Shree Basava Marulasidda Swamiji of Basava Mandira Chikmagalur and Basava Kendra Shimoga with his esteemed presence graced the occasion. Mr Abdul Latheef SaAdi, Shimoga, National Secretary, SSF India, Mrs. Jayashree, Theatre Artiste, Director, Singer and Rajyasabha nominated Ex MP and Dr Akkai Padmashali, Transgender and Sexuality Minorities Rights Activist & Founder Ondede, Advisory Member, National Committee on Inclusion, Election Commission of India, Singer, and Motivational Speaker were the special guests. Rev. Msgr Felix Joseph Noronha, the Vicar General of the diocese of Shimoga and the Vice-president of SMSSS was the Special Invitee. Mrs Precilla Martis, the President of Streebandhu Vividhoddesha Souharda Sahakari Sangha Niyamita delivered the introductory speech. Rev. Fr Dr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of Chaitanya and the Secretary of SMSSS organised the programme meticulously.
The guests were accorded a grand welcome through Purna-Kalasa and Dollu Kunitha. Students from Loyola High School, Shivamogga, through a devotional Prayer Dance invoked God's blessings on the programme and upon everyone present for the programme. Rev. Msgr Felix Joseph Noronha welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. Mrs Precilla Martis, the President of Streebandhu Sahakari in the introductory speech highlighted the progress made by SMSSS and Streebandhu Cooperative, thanked all women for the strong support and urged them to continue the same. She also noted that apart from savings and loan facilities the Cooperative is honouring the children of the members who excel in SSLC and PUC examinations and is also providing death fund to the family when an active member of the Cooperative dies. The programme was inaugurated by all the dignitaries on the dais by lightening 10 lamps signifying the completion of 10 successful years of Streebandhu Vividhoddesha Souharda Sahakari Sangha Niyamita. November being the month of Karnataka Rajyotsava, respect was paid to the State by singing the State Anthem.
Through a story he highlighted the point that God expects everyone to respect their mothers. This gathering in itself a more significant inter-religious gathering as women of all religions are members of one Cooperative promoting secular values. Through the lines of the poem, he analysed how a woman is praised in the society. When such praises become a reality, then there will be a major change in the society. He rightly pointed out that everything that is being found in the WhatsApp or social media is not for forwarding to everyone. We need to establish a sense of brotherhood rather than create hatred and division. Yet times women become victims to social media. Everything that comes in the social media should not be believed.
During the programme the following 07 achievers who are directly associated with SMSSS were honoured for their achievements, Ms Arni H, Versatile talent, Ms Felicita Almeida, PhD in Mathematics, Mr Maruthi S, NSS Award for outstanding Voluntary Community Service, Ms Kavitha Jane Crasta, PhD in Commerce, Ms Rukaya Banu, PhD in Industrial Chemistry, Ms Supriya B. N., Gold Medal in M.Com., Mr Stany Lopes, Honorary Doctorate for special achievement in the field of Comprehensive Arts and Literature.
Dr Shree Basava Marulasidda Swamiji highlighted the achievements of both Mrs B. Jayashree and Dr Akkai Padmashali. The contribution of both these stalwarts to the society is great. In an era when the society does not give prominence to women, these two great personalities have made a big difference. Dr Akkai Padmashali is a role model for withstanding all struggles and rejections from one's own loved ones. Woman is a synonym for love, compassion. The entire society should respect her. She is the burning light in the family. She is the first one to rise in the morning and after doing all the works in the house, and in some cases even earn for the family, she is the last one to retire to bed. Inspite of doing all of this, the work of every woman goes unnoticed. SMSSS is doing a wonderful service of economic empowerment of thousands of women through Streebandhu Cooperative.
While appreciating the works of SMSSS and the success of Streebandhu Cooperative, he urged women to become a voice to the voiceless and be a change maker in the society. The president congratulated the Director and his entire team for organising such a wonderful programme.
All the dignitaries on the dais were felicitated. Mr Jagadeesha KH proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs Gloria Jyothi Furtado and Mrs Sylvia Maria Correa compered the programme. The celebration ended with lunch. Around 6500 women from different Self Help Groups participated in the programme. The President of SMSSS, Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the President of Streebandhu Cooperative, Mrs Precilla Martis, the Vice-President of Streebandhu Cooperative, Mrs Lilly Lopes and the Director of Chaitanya & the Secretary of SMSSS, Rev. Fr Dr Clifford Roshan Pinto were felicitated.