CAUSE raises Rs 6 lacs towards Needy ‘Cause’
Mangaluru: “You may never know what results come of your action, But if you do nothing there will be no result. The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems” had said Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Teresa once said, “We cannot do great things on this Earth,Only small things with great love.”- and that’s exactly the members of CAUSE- Citizen Alliance to Uphold Service and Exchange (CAUSE) comprising of energetic and dedicated students of St Aloysius PU College -Mangaluru did in organizing a mega event “CAUSE 2016” to raise funds to support their their three NGO’s namely Infant Mary’s Convent (taking care of the poor elderly and children), Bhagini Samaj(orphanage for Children) and Khairiya Shelter, exclusively for needy girls. Being an ex-Aloysian myself, I feel proud of these yoiung Aloysians who did a great job in raising nearly Rs 6 lakhs through stall sales and sponsorships.
On account of this event, a mega euphoric cultural event was organized at Forum Fiza Mall from 4:30 pm onwards on 15th August 2015. Prior to this they also had promotional events on 7th,13 and 14 August at City centre mall, where the students raised funds by selling homemade soaps, saplings , wall hangings , handmade bookmarks , chocolates etc. which will be donated to the three orphanages. The guests for the mega event at Forum Fiza Mall included MLA Mangalore south JR Lobo , MLA Mangalore North Moideen Bawa , Congress Youth Leader Mithun Rai , and celebrity attractions included old students of Aloysius PU Ashvithi Shetty and Advithi Shetty , Sandalwood stars Arjun Kapikad and Avinash Shetty; and many other VIPs.
St Aloysius PUC Principal Fr Melwyn Mendonca welcoming the gathering said, ” Our Country is free from the colonizers but not free from hunger and poverty. CAUSE team of St Aloysius College through this charity event will help in alleviating and freeing some children and elderly from hunger and poverty. The money raised will be donated to such NGOs who are involved in taking care of the less privileged. I am proud of CAUSE team for their altruistic attitude. These young students of St Aloysius PUC have shown what it means to be a human being in modern world. It is to reach out to others even when you are busy with your books. Job well done, students”. Other dignitaries also spoke and complimented the efforts, dedication and commitment put in by the youth in caring for the needy.
Sharon Serrao, Arzoo Ahmed, and Mohammed Ashiq hosted the event. Team Rdx – a group of bike stuntmen enthralled the crowd with their breadth taking stunts. The band ‘Avalanche Breakdown’ comprising of Lead Vocalist: Renston Fernandes, Keyboards: Jackson Noronha, Lead Guitars: Clyde Lobo and Dylon D’souza, Bass Guitar: Floid Pereira, and Drums: Ashwin Xavier Sequeira mesmerized the crowd with their rocking numbers, which even called encores. There was also a spot painting by a solo artist, which impressed many. Twin sisters, Ashvithi Shetty and Advithi Shetty, also the ex-Aloysians were felicitated for their contribution in film world and modelling and reaching greater heights in their lives.
As Mother Theresa once said, ” It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving”, the public had been very generous in contributing to this great cause. Sometimes a small initiative can make big changes in the society, and it really did work wit this CAUSE event. The contribution made by generous donors will go towards helping children and the aged live better lives, thereby bringing the change in the society and also make a difference in the community. The contribution made by the public from the past two years has brought smiles in thousands of faces, a light in many lives, and even this year, with the sheer success of “CAUSE 2016” the contribution made by public will go towards orphans, old aged, needy children and the economically poor to live better lives and educational purposes of the deserving.
It is indeed a good thing to note that quite a few people had come forward to help these young organizers striving for a good cause of the needy and less fortunate by Making a real difference on the 70th Independence Day, and also joining the “Cause” thereby putting a smile on someone’s face with their support. According to Mathew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, ….”, we should know that giving is something done voluntarily. Giving should not be done under compulsion, coercion, duress, or conviction. When you do give, you are to give what you have chosen in your heart. Those who take pity on those less fortunate than us are true neighbors and care givers. And these young members of CAUSE with the kind contribution and support from donors, friends and well-wishers have been very loving and caring towards the needy for the last couple of years, and they area doing one heckuva job.
In conclusion, all I have to say is that the service we render to others is really the rent we pay for our room on this earth. It is obvious that man is himself a traveler; that the purpose of this world is not “to have and to hold” but “to give and serve.” Service to the poor is like doing God’s work, and we should all appreciate and commend the energetic youth of St Aloysius PU College CAUSE for their tremendous service and love towards the less privileged. The joy of being able to bless and give someone you love and care, and to make them smile, is priceless. The satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others cannot be overstated. Knowing that you have helped make someone else’s life a little brighter and better is a special feeling, and one that will last with you for a long time.
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy. So if you are looking for a way to enhance your act of sharing and giving experience, try giving back now. Let’s give to the less fortunate, ashrams, non-profit organizations, needy families and children, and others a feeling of hope, and make a difference in their lives. And one place you can donate some of your wealth is towards the future event organized by members of CAUSE. Finally, as a Ex-Aloysian to the present PUC Aloysians of CAUSE I say, Keep up the good work that you all are entrusted with the motto of helping others, and may God bless you all.