Nelson Mudaliar sdb
WALVANDA, JULY 11, 2011: To mark the genesis of their apostolic mission of teaching ‘ in the ashram schools of the Jawahar-Mokhada regions, a band of ten brothers from Divyadaan attended an ‘Orientation Program’ at Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha of Walvanda on July 10, 2011. The objective of this elementary orientation was to acquaint the brothers with a brief background of the situation in those districts.
The confreres of the house, Fr. Anaclete D’mello and Br. Alex Gonsalves welcomed the brothers for this conference and served warm refreshments. Mr. Melvyn Pangya presided over the assembly. The sessions delivered by the speaker were aimed at presenting a panoramic highlight of the progress and existing problems of the village tribals in the surrounding areas. The ‘Orientation Program’, besides being revealing and instructive, tunneled deeper into the daily life of each villager. A well prepared and informative Power Point presentation projected the entry of the staff of Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha and the numerous services they render in those remote locales till date. Through educative modes, awareness drives and establishing of self help groups, the Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha workforce empower the villagers to live dignified lives in accordance with their rights. Mr. Melvyn informed the brothers of the exigency to focus on career guidance that would help the youth in their future. He also distributed a few pamphlets regarding the same.
As a conclusion, the presider nailed the point that Change is possible and urged the brothers to become the Agents of change in their own simple ways. A total of five ashram schools were allotted to the brothers together with the contact numbers of the respective resource persons. A typical spicy and delicious meal added to the flavor of the occasion. The brothers thanked Fr. Anaclete D’mello, Br. Alex Gonsalves, Mr. Melvyn Pangya, Mr. Matthew as well as the other staff members for this enlightening Orientation Program and left Walvanda ready to venture into opportune endeavors, filled with a commitment to serve the poor.
