Mangaluru: Thabassum of Konaje, who has been running an orphanage at Bejai for HIV infected kids, has been selected for the ‘Press Club Annual Award 2020’.
Prof Balakrishna Gatti, Dr Vasanth Kumar Perla and Dr Nagaveni were part of the jury. Thabassum was selected for her selfless service for HIV infected kids.
The award will be presented during the ‘Press Club Day’ programme scheduled at Radhakrishna Mandir in Urwa on February 29.
Thabassum, daughter of Abdul Samad and Khirunnisa, a resident of Konaje started the orphanage ‘Snehadeep’, especially for HIV infected girls, in the year 2011. It is located in Bejai and has been functioning for the past nine years. Though she has been taking care of HIV infected girls in this orphanage, over 19 children already succumbed over the years. After their death, Thabassum takes the responsibility of conducting the final rites for the departed souls as per their religion.
At present, 26 HIV infected girls have been given shelter at Snehadeep. Thabassum has a small shop and earns a small income from the same. Using that income, she runs this orphanage. She also takes help from donors to run the orphanage. At present this orphanage is housed in a rented building.
