Chaitanya, Shimoga, December 20, 2023: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society ®, Shimoga shared the joy of Christmas in a unique way by celebrating Christmas with the differently abled people on 20 December 2023 at Chaitanya. At 10.15 AM Mr Chandrappa N., District Disabled Welfare Officer, Shimoga explained in detail about the various Government schemes, both of the Central Government and State Government available for the differently abled people. The celebration began at 11.00 AM with the prayer song. Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga and the President of SMSSS presided over the celebration. Shri Gurubasava Magaswamigalu, Viraktha Math, Pandomatti, Channagiri and Mr Abdul Latheef SaAdi, Shimoga, National Secretary, SSF India were the special invitees. Mr Kalagodu Ratnakar, former Zilla Panchayat President and Sr Judy Saldanha, Director, Commission for the Pastoral Care for the Differently Abled, Diocese of Shimoga were the Guests of honour.
After the lighting of the lamp, Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of Chaitanya and the Secretary of SMSSS, in his keynote address explained the motive behind this celebration and stated that SMSSS is with people like you. Every year SMSSS is celebrating Christmas with different groups of people in the society, such as ASHA workers, Service Providers, Carpenters, Media Personnel, Police Personnel, Civil Workers, etc. The Director also informed the participants that the organisation will accompany them in their life journey and will work as a network between them and the government departments so that they are able to avail all the benefits from the Government.
Shri Gurubasava Magaswamigalu addressed the gathering. He lauded the services of the Christian community to the society stating that the Christian community is known for serving the lost, the least, the last in the society. Taking care of the lepers, the destitutes is not an easy task. Today’s unique event is an expression of selfless service to the society. SMSSS by organising an event like this is spreading the message that the organisation is accompanying people with special abilities.
Mr Kalagodu Ratnakar also appreciated the work of SMSSS at assured his support in the future to activities of supporting the weaker sections of the society. Mr Abdul Latheef SaAdi opined that SMSSS by organising Christmas with the Differently Abled People has given a unique message to the society. In his address he noted that the differently abled people are making a difference in the society through their achievements. In the present context the normal people most of the times lead a selfish life while the differently abled people support each other so that everyone walks together. Through an example he highlighted how differently abled people help each other. He also informed the gathering about the future initiative from their community in which they want to support the differently abled people in all the ways possible by establishing a separate organisation for them.
Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ in his presidential address explained to the participants the true meaning of Christmas. Through two stories he conveyed the message that Christmas is giving or sharing. Chaitanya is the replica of Christmas. Today’s celebration is an indication that the organisation has greater concern for people like you in the society.
Mrs Gracy compered the program. Ms Sushmitha welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. Mr Jagadeesha K. H. proposed the vote of thanks. 115 differently abled people and 59 who accompanied the differently abled people and 58 staff of the organisation experienced the joy of Christmas. All the differently abled women received a blanket, a saree and ½ kg Christmas cake, while differently abled men received a blanket and ½ kg Christmas cake. The Director announced that a special gift of Rs 2,000/- will be transferred to the personal accounts of the differently abled people at the beginning of January 2024. The differently abled children were given a blanket, a bath towel and ½ kg Christmas cake. The differently abled children will receive a special gift of Rs 5,000/- at the beginning of January 2024.
Christmas carols and lucky games added more joy and fun to the program. The participants expressed their gratitude for identifying them and honouring them with special gifts. The program ended at 1.30 PM with sumptuous dinner. The staff from the organisation will personally visit the families of the differently abled people and the children who could not attend the celebration due to acceptable reason. This way the organisation is supporting 125 differently abled children upto the age group of 15 and 200 differently abled people above the age group of 15.
