Chaitanya, Shimoga, December 21, 2023: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society ®, Shimoga happily celebrated Christmas with the Transgenders on 21 December 2023 at Chaitanya. 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. Shriman Niranjana Jagadguru Dr Mallikarjuna Murugarajendra Mahaswamigalu, Shri Muruga Math, Anandapura, Shri Bekkina Kalmata, Shimoga, Shri Adam NaEemi, Manager, Markaz Saadha, Shimoga, Dr Dhananjaya Sarji, Managing Trustee, Sarji Group of Hospitals and Sarji Foundation, Shimoga, Mr M. Shrikanth, Congress Leader, Shimoga and Advocate, Mr K. P. Shripal and Mr Mohammad Saifulla, President, Raksha Samudaya Sangha, Shimoga were the Chief Guests.
After the lighting of the lamp, Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of Chaitanya and the Secretary of SMSSS, in his keynote address noted that Christmas is giving or sharing and for us every day is a Christmas because we are reaching out to each and every person in the society. By bringing the transgenders together, who are neglected or rejected by the society, SMSSS is affirming that we are with you. You are not outsiders but members of our society. The Director also informed that the organisation will accompany them in the future in whatever way possible. The director also noted the yeomen services of Dr Dhananjaya Sarji, Advocate Mr K. P. Shripal and Mr M. Shrikanth to the society and said, they are celebrating Christmas every day.
Advocate, Mr K. P. Shripal highlighted the works of SMSSS and opined that the contribution of SMSSS to the society is enormous. In recent years the organisation is involved in various community based interventions and the prominent one is establishing peace and harmony in the society. By bringing people of all faiths together under one roof, the organisation is spreading the message of brotherhood. Today’s event in itself is a message that no one in the society is excluded. The gathering wished Advocate Mr K. P. Shripal on his birthday today.
Shriman Niranjana Jagadguru Dr Mallikarjuna Murugarajendra Mahaswamigalu praised the organisation for organising this unique event of celebrating Christmas with a special group of people in the Society. He stated that the society is discriminating people based on gender division, caste and creed the society. The service of Christian community in the field of education, health and social work is praiseworthy and irreplaceable. I personally have participated in various programs organised by this organisation and all of them were unique programs bringing together different groups of people in the society, mainly the marginalised, the neglected ones, etc.
Shri Adam NaEemi in his address appreciated the initiative of SMSSS for sharing the joy of Christmas with this special category of people. Through quotes from the books of Seers he highlighted the importance of service. Mr M Shrikanth appreciated the wonderful work of SMSSS. He also assured his full support to the organisation. The Director informed the gathering that Mr M. Shrikanth has given his contribution for today’s program.
Dr Dhananjaya Sarji taking the example of St Teresa of Kolkata stated that SMSSS is silently rendering extraordinary services to the society. Through health camps, Cancer detection camps, health awareness programs in remote villages and city areas, the organisation is reaching out to all categories of people. Thousands are benefiting from the organisation in different ways. Several poor children are receiving financial support for their education. Dr Sarji noted that for Chaitanya every day is a Christmas because the organisation is generously giving and reaching out to different categories of people in the society through various development activities every day. The director informed the gathering that Dr Dhananjaya Sarji has provided 50 health cards to the differently abled children. Through these cards, the differently abled children and their family members can receive treatment in Sarji Hospitals, Shimoga for a discounted rate for 1 year.
Through a story Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ explained the true meaning of Christmas and noted that for Chaitanya every day is Christmas. Today’s celebration is an indication that the organisation has greater concern for people whom the society keeps away. The Bishop thanked the participants for their active participation and assured all possible support. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with all happiness, prosperity and joy.
Mrs Pramila Daisy compered the program. Mr Madhusudan welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. Mr Jagadeesha K. H. proposed the vote of thanks. 67 Transgenders shared the joy of Christmas. All the participants received a blanket, ½ kg Christmas cake and Rs 500/- cash. All the guests were honoured. Mr Mohammad Saifulla thanked the organisation for recognizing the Transgenders and celebrating Christmas with them in a more meaningful way.
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.
