Fr Stany Tauro inaugurates week long NSS Camp at Shirva
Udupi: Under the Theme “NOT ME BUT YOU“ National Service Scheme (NSS) of St Mary’s College, Shirva was inaugurated by Fr StanyTauro (Correspondent, St Mary’s Educational Institutions, Shirva) by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais recently at the Jeevan Asha Home for the Aged situated close to St Mary’s College, Shirva.
The event began with a prayer song by NSS students followed by a warm welcome by Hanumanth ((NSS Volunteer) to the guests of honour present on the occasion namely Fr StanyTauro, Prof. Rajan (Principal, St Mary’s College), Thomas Barboza (President, Jeevan Asha), Richard Barboza (Managing Trustee), Ajit D’Mello (NSS Officer), Namratha (Training Program Officer) and Ajit Suvarna (NSS Joint Secretary).
In his Presidential address, Fr Tauro said that he had asked Ajit D’Mello why the camp is being held at a nearby place rather than a different village or place away from Shirva for which he said that it was decided to hold camp at Jeevan Asha Home for the aged for two reasons, 1) to get the surrounding areas cleaned and 2) to spend some time with the old people at the home. Fr Tauro further said “It was a wise decision as it is important to spend some quality time with the inmates as they have no family members. They are here due to circumstances which cannot be explained. There are about 35 inmates here and they live like one big family. Other inmates are their brothers and sisters. I am sure they will be missing their children and grandchildren very much. It is your duty to fill their place for the time being and spend as much time as possible with them. My dear students be their children or grandchildren for the time being. I am sure they will not let you go easily at the end of the camp here. You will definitely create a strong family bond with them and also you will learn when you go back how to give respect to your parents as well as old people in your respective houses when you return home.
There is nothing more painful than leaving one’s children and staying in an old age home. I’m sure today tears will flow from their eyes when they see you all here remembering their little ones. You are their hope now and please spend as much time as possible with them and be a part of their family. There is no bigger blessing than that.”
He thanked Thomas Barboza and Richard Barboza for allowing the NSS camp in their premises so that not only the student engage in social service but also spend their valuable and meaningful time with the inmates here.
Speaking on the occasion Rajan said that usually the NSS camps are held in far away places. Previously camps were held in Manasa Pamboor Village and then in Udupi Baliga Old Age Home. But this year the camp has been organised here on purpose to spend a little time with the old people here so that the students will share their pain and also gain a lot of experience from the life of the inmates while interacting with them. He further said “It will definitely bring a change in your life after spending a week here and you will know how to take care of your grandparents when you return. The training provided here will also make you good leaders in the future.
NSS student Vikesh delivered the vote of thanks. The program was conducted efficiently by Swathi. The week long NSS camp shall is co-ordinated by Namratha (Training Program Officer), assisted by Sushma (Co-ordinator), Sandeep (Asst, Co-ordinator), Joint Secretary Jeena Saldhana, Joint Secretary Ajit Suwarna under the supervision of Ajit D’Mello (Officer NSS).