Spandana Trust celebrates its annual day with SHG women

Mangaluru: Spandana Trust Infant Mary’s convent Jeppu along with 230 self-help group women celebrated its annual day and Christmas celebration jointly here on Saturday, December 8.

The programme was presided over by the Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, Most Rev .Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha. He was given due welcome with the band and traditional aarathi by the self-help group women.

In his presidential address, he said “Spandana trust is celebrating its annual day in view of Christmas and gives sweets not only in the time of Christmas but all through the year. The sweets given by way of help assistance and building up the community, irrespective of religion, caste, and colour.”

He praised the beautiful work done for the people in and around Mangaluru for so many years.

“These sweets for Christmas and other time would not be there if Christ was not born. So whatever is done in the name of Christ Jesus, it is because of the Birth of Christ Jesus. If Christ was not born there would not have been any Christian institution today. Therefore when we celebrate Christmas let us remember that Birth of Jesus was a humble beginning of service to the humanity, it is continued today by the Christians through various services to the humanity”, he added.

The chief guest Sr. Marcelline Braggs, in her speech, said,  “Woman is a great strength and a selfless creature.”

She appreciated the work done by the Trust is doing yeomen service to the society and especially for the women who are marginalized and neglected.

Chitharanjan Bolar, the guest of honour spoke on the occasion and said, “The Trust is working very hard in order to get the human rights for the people who are below the poverty line. They have cultivated the habit of savings among them. The Trust is not only working for the welfare of the women but also works for the children, youth, sick and aged tries to obtain government facilities.

There was felicitation for top scores in SSLC and college and prize distribution for the winners in the competitions held for SHG women.

There was a cultural and entertainment programme by the SHG women and the children.

The Administrator Sr. Helen Fernandes welcomed the gathering.

Theertha K.S social worker read out the report of the activities of the year 2018.

The coordinator of the programme Victor vas proposed vote of thanks.

Pramila Mendonca and Hilda Fernandes compared the programme.

About 3500 people gathered at the occasion.