By Louis Rodrigues –
Belagavi: Truly bringing the message of Jesus Christ to be at the service of the humble, meek and the weak in the society in practice, Anmol Thangudhama, a home for the street and destitute children on Sunday, had organised ‘Anmol Dhamaka’, a day-long fest for the under privileged, marginalized, specially abled and street children. About 900 children coming from 13 centers and schools for the special children comprising of the blind, specially abled and street children attended the fest that was held for the third consecutive year.
Inspired by the message of Jesus Christ, Sr Anita Gracious who runs ‘Anmol Thangudhama’ in the premises of the prison school, Vadgaon in Belagavi city, since last seven years had organised the fest, aimed at bringing smiles in the lives of the marginalized children. The fest was held at the community center of the Hindalco Industries here.
In her welcome address Sr Anjeline of Auxilium Convent, Nandgad, briefed about the activities of Salesian sisters in the Diocese of Belgaum. Sr Anita briefed about the outreach program of ‘ Anmol Thangudhama’ for the street children and urged people to come forward and join hands for the welfare of these underprivileged and marginalized children.
Belgaum Mayor Basappa Chikkaldinni, Hindalco unit head Krishnaraju Kumarvel, vice provincial of Salesian Sisters from Mumbai Sr Magdeline Sequeira and other dignitaries were present for the inaugural function and the activities that followed. Mayor Chikkaldinni lauded the role of Sr Anita in bringing smile in the lives of the underprivileged children and extended his support for the cause. Praveen Gonsalves also spoke.
Sr Lourdes of Child Welfare Center and a child activist , spoke about ‘Child Protection’ and ‘Child Rights’ and urged children to observe extra care while they venture out as citizens. Experts on children specialty motivated them with games,activities. Manjunath Dandamni, screened a film on child rights produced and directed by him. Every student was offered a parting gift.
NGOs like Make Smile Foundation, Friends Foundation, Ray of Hope, Favorite Group and others sponsored the prizes, food and breakfast for the children.
Students of Gogte Institute of Technology and KLES College of Engineering volunteered their services for the fest. Sr Anita was felicitated at the hands of the dignitaries for her selfless and humanitarian services.
Sr Anita Gracious of Anmol Thangudhama being felicitated by the dignitaries on the occasion of Anmol Dhamaka.
