When most senior citizens spend their leisure time at home, Mangaluru’s John Valerian Tauro, in his mid-70s, is helping people around him. Over the years, he has volunteered for many social causes and has worked as a journalist. He is the founder of KORWA (Konkan Overseas Returned Welfare Association), an organisation that helps poor and needy children with their education through donations.
John’s work is appreciated by the residents of the city. Speaking to News Karnataka he said that, “I flew to Kuwait after completing an air conditioning diploma course in Mumbai. Later, I worked for the Gulf country’s civil aviation department for 40 years. In 2008, I returned to India.”
He went on to say that he enjoys travelling and so far, he has explored the European and African continents. He also has a hobby of collecting antiques. “I built a small museum at home so that my friends, colleagues, and others can come to see it. I was unable to maintain them due to Covid, so I decided to donate them to St. Antony’s Ashram in Jeppu, where they are being safely managed,” John added.
John is a Lions Club member who is quite active in the social work done by the team. He explained that he was added to the club when one of his friends decided to form the Mangaluru Blood Donors’ Association. John recently volunteered to gather around 80 units of blood and has helped in transporting them to the government school in Pandeshwar. “Every 3 to 4 months, camps are held, and the collected blood is given to the Indian Red Cross Society, where it is safely preserved. Blood is the most valuable thing in human life. I am unable to donate blood now, but I can locate blood for someone who is in need,” he stressed.
He went on to say that young individuals can create blood in their bodies after donating. “People used to give blood for money but now individuals are more willing to donate blood as they realise the real value of it. Many lives can be saved by donating blood. That is the kindest gift God can reward you with,” said John.
He received special recognition from the Indian Red Cross Society as a mark of respect. Even at this age, he is very enthusiastic about assisting the needy. He is truly an inspiration to the youth as well as many out there.
