Fr. Joe Chief Guest at the Vasai Kala Kreda Mahatosav 2012, Vasai India- Cartoon Drawing Competition

 

 

 Vasai Kala-Krida Mahotsav is  sports and cultural meet of Vasai. People also term it as a mini olympics! The mohotsav has been a great success for the last 17 years, with participation comming from regional schools, colleges and grampanchayats. Groups and Individuals can also participate in any events of there choice. Convened by the Shri Hitendra Thakur, Shri Mukesh Sawe (Ex. President Virar Nagar Parishad) plays a major role in making this event a great success along with Young Stars Trust, Virar.

Vasai Kala-Krida Mohotsav is also about indiscrimination. The mohotsav is conducted without regards to religious, cast, creed and political affiliations. This platform has produced many a great sportsman like Anand Menezis who represented India in the Olympics of 2000. Other games like Karate and Kho-Kho have created state level players.

Every year this event is conducted at the year end precisely from the 26th of Dec. to the new years night at the Chimajiappa Playground and the New English School, Vasai.

This year a new event was added to the competion namely cartoon drawing. Fr. Joe Pereira Managing Trustee of Kripa Foundation was the Chief Guest to inaugurate this landmark event. Also present for the programme was Yvonne lawlor.Friend of Kripa from Ireland and Bosco D'Souza National Program Director of Kripa.

Before the inuguration Fr. Joe was felicitated on stage by the office bearers of the Mahotsav committe for his humanitarian service towards helping society cleanse itself from addiction and HIV/AIDS.

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A Tribute to Fr. John Main OSB - A report by Fr Laurence Freeman OSB

Fr. John Main OSB



 

 

Raimon Panikkar once said of John Main, who died thirty years ago today, on 30th December 1982:
John Main harmonized what he learned from the East and from the West. From every discovery there is a new creation. Main was not complicated - he was a symbol for us all. In this he was an authentic genius.
During my Christmas and New Year retreat on Bere Island I am spending part of each day editing a series of short talks on meditation by Fr John that have not yet been published in book form. In preparing for the re-issue of his collected talks in CD and online next month, we were delighted to find these talks. They will be available later this year in a new book to be called “In the Beginning”.
The extraordinary thing, I have felt, is that these talks given to new meditators carry the same force and depth as his most advanced teaching. This must be a sign of the profound simplicity that Raimon Panikkar speaks of.
The impact of this simple profundity on many individual life-journeys can never be measured. Few Christian denominations, also, have not felt the influence of his re-affirmation of the contemplative dimension of the gospel and Christian life. On this day when we remember the ongoing and still expanding gift of his life, let us allow this sense of gratitude and reverence to guide us into the silence of our times of meditation. May the genius of simplicity touch every day in the coming year.
Laurence Freeman
December 30th 2012 .




View the video clip of Fr. Joe Pereira National Co-ordinator of WCCM India on the home page of WCCM
Meditatio Seminar Meditation and Addiction: The Way Through
http://www.wccm.org/home

Kripa Staff is " GOD's GIFT" - says Fr. Joe

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Kripa staffs are “God’s Gift” says Fr. Joe at plenary session of 4-day workshop

 

All staff working at Kripa Foundation’s facilities across India and select locations abroad are “God’s Gift,” to the organization and have made several personal sacrifices to ensure that the NGO ranks at India’s topmost in the field of de-addiction and rehabilitation, Father Joseph H. Pereira, Founder Trustee, said in Mumbai on December 20, 2012.

 Addressing the plenary session of the 'Kripa Model of Recovery: Training Program for Standardization' workshop at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Bandra (West), Mumbai, Fr. Joe said, scores of staff at Kripa had departed from the organization, tempted by higher wages or other pecuniary reasons but those who have remained with Kripa are a gift from God and their relentless dedication to the Kripa cause has played a pivotal role over the last 31 years in ensuring the NGO’s success while securing it’s position as the foremost in the field. “There are no other organizations in our field anywhere in the world which are staffed by recovering addicts helping those suffering from substance abuse,” Fr. Joe, added.

 He noted that Kripa is now standing at crossroads where every individual facility can become a self supporting and financially autonomous unit, following a standardized operating procedure. “Thus, care and services offered at any center in India will be consistent, ensuring greater benefits for patients,” he added.

 Dr. MS Menon, Director-Medicine at Kripa, in his speech at the closing session said, modernization had made imminent standardized operating procedures. “Clients today are better informed than as earlier times in history of kripa”. Standardization of processes is not an isolated event. But it can be achieved simply by applying the prescribed processes daily in our operating techniques,” he added.

Fr. Joe, later gave away certificates to participants who had arrived from the Kripa network across India.

 Christabelle Edwards of Kripa Darjeeling delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the Kripa Family Nationwide to Fr. Joe and the team for the excellent programme and logistics arrangements for each of them. Indeed a memorial visit to Kripa Head office.

 

Submitted by

Ashwin Honawar

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Fr. Joe wishes you a HAPPY CHRISTMAS - Latest newsletter

 

LATEST NEWS LETTER _DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE

 

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                      TO DOWNLOAD PDF FORMAT OF NEWLETTER CLICK LINK:

                                   http://www.kripafoundation.org/pdf/KripaNewsletterLR.pdf

Newletter Team

Ashutosh Mandelia

Francis Fernandes

Mousin H

Ashwin Honawar

Newsdesk

 



Dr Menon speaks on HIV/AIDS & Dr. D.P. Singh on Research at the All India Kripa Meet

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Kripa can play a vital role in curbing HIV/ AIDS contagion in India, says medical expert

 

India, despite all its advances in medical, space. IT and nuclear technologies has the dubious distinction of hosting about 65 percent of Asia and South East Asia’s HIV and AIDS patients, Dr. MS Menon, Director of Medicine, Kripa Foundation, told senior officials of the NGO gathered here for the Kripa Model of Recovery: Training Program for Standardization’ program on December 19, 2012.

 

In his presentation covering HIV/ AIDS and related diseases that occur due to reduced immunity, Dr Menon said, afflicted victims are severely prone to contracting TB and various types of Hepatitis and other deadly infections. He called upon all Kripa centers to follow a proper protocol while accepting patients to ensure their specific medical needs are properly met. He pointed out that substance addicts rank as one of the highest risk groups for contracting HIV and AIDS due to their reckless sex habits.

 

 

Dr. Menon also spoke about the various hazards faced by AIDS and HIV positive patients and the role of Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) in reducing the virus count in an infected person. He discussed with participants, various medical scenarios such as drug resistance when administered anti-tuberculosis or ant- Hepatitis medication.
 

Meanwhile, Fr. Joseph H. Pereira, leading a group discussion along with Kripa’s senior officials gathered in Mumbai for the event discussed the importance and significance of proper research into addiction and HIV/ AIDS through proper documentation. He revealed that over the years, Kripa had accumulated a treasure trove of information from various parts of India about addiction patterns, demographics of addicts and other related issues. It was time such data was utilized for researches that can help prevent addiction and HIV/ AIDS, he noted. These discussions were held with Dr. D P Singh from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, who was a guest speaker at the conference.

 

Submitted by

Ashwin Honawar

 

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Fr. Joe preaches at the nuptials of Karon daughter of Cynthia and late Willie D'Souza of Writer Corporation

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Fr. Joe organises a video conference with Dr. Ashok Bedi- Carl S. Jung Centre, US. - for All India staff meet in Kripa.

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Carl Jung Institute and Kripa to enhance mutual cooperation for patients’ benefit

Addictions generally are triggered off since childhood and due to some parental trauma and dysfunctional relationships, said Dr Ashok Bedi, a Jungian psychoanalyst at the CG Jung Institute of Chicago, US, yesterday. Hence, counselors at Kripa Foundation are shouldering a great responsibility in cementing such strained relations while rehabilitating substance addicts into the mainstream of the society, he added.

 Dr. Bedi was addressing the Kripa Model of Recovery: Training Program for Standardization’ via teleconferencing yesterday morning with visiting centre heads, project managers, counselors and other senior staff at Kripa Foundation, led by Father Joseph H. Pereira, Founder Trustee. Through a PowerPoint presentation entitled ‘Sacred Vessel’, held online, Dr. Bedi highlighted how counselors at Kripa have to hone their skills to battle the menace of addiction and risks posed to substance abusers by deadly disease such as HIV/ AIDS. Dr. Bedi pointed out that a patient’s relationship with his counselor is an “X-Ray” of his behavior with his family. Dr. Bedi also spoke about the importance of leading a spiritual life, quoting examples from the Holy Bible.

 Kripa has a tie-up with the Carl S. Jung Institute in US, through  Mumbai Jung Centre,India for cooperation in advanced psychoanalysis aimed at improving recovery of substance addicts. Dr. Snehal Mehta, Medical  Director-Psychiatry, Kripa also participated in the videoconference.

Fr. Joe, skipper of Team briefed Dr. Bedi about the various major developments at the NGO, including its major expansion plans and collaborations with local and foreign organizations in the field of psychiatry, medicine, de-addiction and rehabilitation. Fr. Joe also highlighted the importance of meditation and Yoga in the Kripa Model of rehabilitation, stating that it covers the psycho-physical, psycho-somatic and psycho-spiritual aspects of a human.

 

Submitted by

Ashwin Honawar

 

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Fr. Joe teaches practice of meditation to All India Kripa Staff in Mumbai- Day2

 

 

 

 

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Wellbeing and fitness can be achieved at home too, says Fr. Joe

Yoga is being widely recognized worldwide as a panacea for major disease including cardiac ailments and cancer, while meditation with synchronized breathing and single word prayer helps curb addictive behavior to promote mental well being by transfer of active thought process to passive restfulness, Fr. Joseph H. Pereira, Founder Trustee, Kripa Foundation, said in Mumbai on December 18, 2012.

Leading meditation at the start of the second day of the annual ‘Kripa Model of Recovery: Training Program for Standardization’ workshop at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Bandra (West), Mumbai, Fr. Joe demonstrated how meditators can transfer their intelligence, including cravings for alcohol, food or carnal pleasures downwards through their brain and allow restfulness and tranquility to replace these. Speaking on Yoga as medical therapy, Fr. Joe cited the example of his father who, in early 1970s, was diagnosed with a severe cardiac ailment and asked to undergo expensive surgery abroad, that could possibly extend his life by a maximum of seven years. Fr. Joe, upon advise from his Yoga guru BKS Iyengar, worked out a Yoga regimen and forced his father to undergo it. Major cardiac consultants of the day were shocked to find that Fr. Joe’s dad had recovered completely from what was a life threatening cardiac ailment and went to live for some 18 years more, without any major health complications.

The second day of the conference included visual presentations and group discussions on a variety of topics including proper documentation of addicts, addiction and relationships, post discharge follow-up, the role of counselors, medical history and others. Presentations were given by Bosco D’Souza, National Program Director, Dr. Snehal Mehta, Director-Psychiatry, Krishna Iyer, Development Manager and Mozen Heredia, Head of Documentation.  Kripa’s. Centre heads, project managers and senior officials from Kripa Foundation’s network across India are attending the four-day event.

 Submitted by

Ashwin Honawar

 

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Fr. Joe conducts an All India Kripa Staff Meet

 

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Kripa Foundation, reputed as India’s largest NGO that rehabilitates substance addicts and HIV/ AIDS victims is set for a  “quantum leap” that will see the brand’s global emergence, Fr. Joseph H. Pereira, its Founder Trustee, said in Mumbai on December 17, 2012. He complimented long-serving Kripa staff for their utmost dedication and sincerity, saying, these pioneers continue working despite facing severe constraints, terming it as a “grace of God.”

Fr. Joe made these remarks in his keynote address while opening the annual ‘Kripa Model of Recovery: Training Program for Standardization’ workshop at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Bandra (West), Mumbai. The four-day event was being attended by Kripa’s centre managers, program managers, counselors and other senior officials from all its centres across India. Fr. Joe said, Kripa is adopting the latest ‘holographic’ concept used by major corporations worldwide. He lauded the contributions made by Dr. Snehal Mehta, Director-Psychiatry, Dr. MS Menon, Director-Medicine, at Kripa, while tracing the NGO’s growth from a humble start in 1981 to its current status as India’s largest organization of its kind.

Addressing the first session, Fr. Joe revealed how Alcoholics Anonymous had entered Mumbai in late 1950s and his own efforts at starting an AA group at the Church of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, Bandra (West), despite initial resistance from various sections of the society. “By the grace of God, I succeeded and some of our members were from the dreaded street gangs of Bandra (West), who are reformed and are Friends of Kripa,” he added. Mother Theresa, he said, continues to remain an inspiration for him and for other Kripa staff. While appreciating current and past workers at Kripa for their selfless contribution to the NGO, Fr. Joe pointed out: “They have given their lives selflessly for the benefit of others. Nothing other than selfless dedication matters. We have seen those with egos fall by the wayside over the years,” he added.

 Attendees were pleasantly surprised by the arrival of Dr. Francis Pinto, Chairman, Xandev Foundation, London, a Trustee of Kripa. Dr. Pinto, in his speech, disclosed, the Board of Trustees have embarked on an ambitious project that would shortly see all Kripa centres and facilities equipped with the latest technology gadgets that would make sharing of experiences and information seamless.

Other speakers at the training program included Dr. Snehal Mehta, Dr.MS Menon, Bosco D’Souza and Krishna Iyer, who spoke on a variety of topics including pre-screening of patients, symptoms of addiction and in-house programs aimed at empowering families of addicts to cope with the victim.

Submitted by
Ashwin Honawar
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World AIDS Day - Awareness program Darjeeling

World AIDS Day

On 01^st December 2012, Kripa Darjeeling participated in the World AIDS Day programme organised by Shankar Foundation in collaboration with other NGOs at Chowrastha, Darjeeling. Many musical bands performed in tribute to those people who passed away due to the illness.

An awareness stall was set up displayed with posters related to addiction and HIV AIDS and volunteers at the stall distributed pamphlets to the General community. Information on HIV AIDS; its causes and preventive measures were given to those who wished to avail of it.

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Mozen H
Kripa Vasai

Fr. Joe conducts a WCCM programme on Contemplative Prayer at St.. Anne Church, Mazagoan, India.

 

 

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In a first for Mumbai, St. Anne Church, Mazgaon, to introduce Contemplative Prayer.

St Anne Church in Mazgaon, Mumbai will become the first church in the city to contemplative prayer, parish priest Fr. Vincent Vaz, SJ, said here on Saturday. His announcement came during one of the programmes being held in the church, to the build up for the grand opening of the renovated church on the 30^th Of December 2012. At todays programme, Fr. Joseph H. Pereira, National Coordinator, World Community of Christian Meditators (WCCM) trained parishioners and clergymen on the teaching of Christian meditation.

Contemplative prayer and meditation, is a unique field that helps develop sound mind and healthy physiques while bringing one closer to God, said Fr. Joe, who is also the Founder Trustee, Kripa Foundation, renowned as India’s largest NGO that rehabilitates alcohol and drug addicts while helping curb HIV/ AIDS.

The Saturday event opened with Fatima D’Souza introducing Fr. Joe to the congregation. Fr. Joe highlighted the significance of contemplative prayer through a PowerPoint presentation, including the teachings of Fr. John Maine, OSB and Fr. Laurence Freeman, WCCM’s history, breathing techniques, benefits of Christian meditation, and gave attendees a demo on chanting the word ‘Ma-ra-na-tha’. In his homily, Fr. Joe focused on the readings from the Biblical chapters, Baruch, Philippians and Luke while explaining the exact translation and meaning of the phrase ‘Metanoia’- which is composed of Greek words ‘Meta (beyond) and ‘Noia’ (Mind).

The event concluded with Fr. Vincent thanking Fr. Joe for sharing his valuable experience and time and later announced the introduction of Contemplative Prayer of WCCM at St. Anne Church when it reopens. The programme ended with Fr. Joe conducting a meditation session after the mass, sending the congregation home more enlightened about Christian Meditation.

Submitted By
Ashwin Honawar


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Awareness Program by Kripa Bareilly

Awareness Programme for Village Children

Kripa Bareilly conducted an awareness programme on Drug Addiction for the Village children of Anguri, Bareilly on 09^th December 2012.

The children were explained about drugs and various addictions and its ill- effects and made aware of various types of drugs, especially used by school children, college students, street children and rag pickers. They were told to remain alert and not to give in to such activities when coerced by others. The children who attended the program promised not to indulge in such activities and also to spread the message to other children of the village who were not present.

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai.

Fr. Joe conducts a workshop on " Including the body in Contemplative Prayer " in Mumbai, India

 

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WCCM workshop on Contemplative prayer.

 Meditation helps a person return to spirituality and focus on our Creator, facilitating real healing of the mind, body and soul, Fr. Joseph H. Pereira, Founder, Kripa Foundation and National Coordinator for the World Community of Christian Meditators in India, said on December 8, 2012, while leading a workshop on “Including the body in Contemplative Prayer”, held at the hall of the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bandra (West), Mumbai, India.

Addressing an audience of meditators, Fr. Joe said, meditation offers an excellent mode of communication with God, since the person performing it cleanses their minds of all other thoughts and focuses solely our Lord Jesus. Meditation also helps reduce stress and trauma by lowering the high heart beat, which can be an indicator of diseases, he added.

He led the attendees through a series of Yogic forms of  exercises, which included  postures performed while sitting on elevated ground, bolsters, reclining on a mat and resting on chairs in proper positions that offer complete comfort to the body and relieves the mind of all other thoughts. Fr. Joe said, in the modern world, people had no time to meditate and hence were gradually losing their touch with God, globally, where hectic lifestyles prevail. Substance addiction, he noted, rests upon the belief of a Higher Power who is the only source from whom abusers can regain strength and courage to be rehabilitated into the routine world.

Fr. Joe explained the teachings of Fr. John Maine, OSB, and Fr. Laurence Freeman on Contemplative Prayer through a power point presentation. The meditators were guided through a 20 minute mediation program of contemplative prayer by using the combination of breathe and mantra. At the end of the session a study was done and majority of the mediators noticed there was a major drop in the pulse beats, before and after meditation helping them concentrate more on the word: "Ma- ra- na- tha”

It was indeed a fruitful workshop with most meditators going home soaked in gratitude, for this wonderful awakening  on Contemplative Prayer. Many looking forward to the next program to be held on 22^nd December 9, 2012, at the same venue from 9 am to 1pm.

 

For more details and registration for the next workshop contact

Mervyn Rocha / Brett Rodricks

022 26405411/ 26433027.

 

Submitted by

Ashwin Honawar

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World AIDS Day in Goa

World AIDS Day

Kripa Goa commemorated World AIDS Day on 06^th and 07^th December 2012 for Employees of Goa Shipyard at their premises in Vasco and School drop-outs students at Don Bosco Vocational Institute, Quepem respectively.

There was a street play on the causes, prevention, treatment and the pandemic situation prevailing and the importance of awareness programmes, for the employees of the Shipyard.

An awareness programme on HIV AIDS and Substance abuse on Addiction and HIV was conducted for the students. They were made aware on various topics so as not to be enslaved at this adolescent juncture. There were 25 students besides the staff of the Institute

 

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai

Awareness programme by Kripa Vasai

On 2^nd December 2012, an awareness program was organized in association with Mary Immaculate School, in their school premises.

The target audience for the program was students and teachers. The program was aimed at creating awareness about HIV AIDS. The resource team conducted sessions on Sexuality, Life Skills, Modes of transmission of HIV and Preventive measures. The program concluded with a question answer session.

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Kripa Vasai
Mozen H

World AIDS Day Programme in Imphal

World AIDS Day

World AIDS day was observed at Kripa Foundation, Imphal on 1^st December 2012 on the theme “Getting to Zero” with inpatients and staffs.

The main objective was to participate and express their feelings and thoughts of observing the World AIDS Day. The program was started with a key note address by the Project Director and followed by a discussion on topics like - Zero discrimination, Zero dead related on AIDS, Zero new infection and others positive living and ART adherence and prevention of other related co-infection like T.B. and Hepatitis C.

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Mozen H
Kripa Vasai

Awreness Programme in Vasai

World AIDS Day Awareness Programme

Kripa Vasai and VRACS conducted an awareness programme on 04^th December 2012 to mark the commemoration of World AIDS Day at St. Peter School, Virar for the students of Standard IXth and Xth.

The resource team gave sessions on Sexuality, Life Skill enhancement and HIV AIDS. They were also made aware about addiction and vulnerability of student’s age group to addiction through sharing of experiences by In-house clients and staff of the centre. The concept of addiction as a disease and possible measures to avoid addiction was also discussed.

 

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai

Income Generation Project - At Kripa Vasai

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Income Generation Project

In support of the Christmas Party organised by Kripa Vasai for, Children Living with HIV AIDS (CLHAs), Street Children and Orphans, an Income Generation Stall was held at the centre on 02^nd December 2012.

There was a display of Christmas decorations, Season Greeting Cards and eatables made by the In-house clients and staff of the centre. The stall was well patronized by church-goers, family of in-house clients and members of the general community

 

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai

World AIDS Day Dharavi, Mumbai

Kripa Dharavi commemorated International World AIDS Day on 01^st December 2012 by organizing a mobile awareness programme.

The programme was flagged off amidst a gathering of police personnel, social workers, members of other NGOs, local leaders, beneficiaries and staff of the project.

There were speeches, distribution of leaflets and red ribbons, display of banners and posters. The team visited various parts of Dharavi, Sion and Mahim and shouted out slogans and gave information to those who wished to avail of it. Various target audiences were reached out to like; vehicle drivers, conductors among others. The highlight of the programme was the involvement of the Children of the Dharavi Project

 

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Mozen H

Kripa Vasai

 

World AIDS Day - Assam

On the occaission of World AIDS Day 2012 Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) organized a rally  from the office complex of Assam State AIDS Control Society, Khanapara to International Convention Centre, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari, Guwahati. 25 members consiting-Inhouse Clients, Ex-clients and Staff from Kripa Assam particpated in the rally. The rally ended with a  public meeting  at International Convention Centre, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari. Guwahati.


Submitted by
Ms. Jagata Bora & Deeepak Sahney
Kripa Assam

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World AIDS DAY Programme at VASAI

 

On occasion of the World AIDS Day on December 1, Vasai- Virar Municipal Council and Elected Leaders Forum against AIDS (ELFA) in association with KRIPA Foundation Vasai organized Awareness programme at Vasai Sports Complex..

Several schools in the vicinity participated in the programme. School students from all areas gathered at complex after a rally from their schools to complex with posters highlighting various aspects of HIV / AIDS.

About 800 students gathered for the function. Snacks, biscuits and mineral water bottles were arranged for the participating students and staff.

Mrs. Jean Pereira, Center Manager of Kripa foundation, Vasai and Mrs. Coutinho, Chairperson of Cardinal Gracious Memorial Hospital, Vasai chaired the function. The other dignitaries honoured the function included The Assistant Commissioner of VVMC, Dr. Hemant Patil, Principals of participating schools and members of advisory board of Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS).

The speakers in their respective speeches elaborated the importance of HIV / AIDS awareness and on the theme of 5 Zeros of HIV/AIDS i.e.

Zero Fear, Zero new infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero Ignorance and Zero Death

A street play on the subject was performed by the group of local artists. The function was well received and appreciated by the audience.

The program concluded with appreciation of VRACS’s efforts and a vote of thanks by Dr. Hemant Patil

 

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Mozen H

Mayor of Vasai- Virar invites Fr. Joe and The Advisory Board Members of Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS) on World AIDS Day- DEC 1

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The World AIDS Day is held annually on December 1, and provides an opportunity for people worldwide join forces in their battle against HIV/ AIDS. The day also marks support for people living with HIV while commemorating victims of this scourge. “The World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988..

In a unique guesture the Mayor of Vasai- Virar Municipal Council Shri Raju Patil invited Fr. Joe H Pereira Trustee, Kripa Foundation and Advisory Board Members of the Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS) to a reception of high tea hosted specially to commemorate VRACS’ work in the region of Vasai-Virar.

Host to the function was Mrs. Patil the wife of  Mayor Patil and Mr. Ajiv Patil brother of the mayor. Mr. Ajiv Patil is  a sitting Municipal Councilor in Virar.

 Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Joe mentioned that eradicating HIV and AIDS is yet to be achieved scientifically. However, these infections can be prevented by leading a mentally, physically and spiritually healthy life, which encourages people to shun drugs and casual sexual contact. VRACS, a division of Kripa is exerting extra efforts in the Vasai-Virar region to create a general awareness of HIV/ AIDS among all sections of the society. In addition, Kripa’s  centers across India have dedicated HIV/AIDS help-lines that can be accessed by the general public 24/7. He further added that most HIV patients carry a social stigma and are discriminated against by the society, which is a sad reality in India and abroad, However with the support of the Mayor and Elected Leaders Forum against AIDS (ELFA) and outreach done by VRACS it is far less in these areas of Vasai- Virar”. He assured all support by Kripa and VRACS to Mayor Patil and the people in his municipal region, to combat the dreaded disease.

 Mayor Patil lauded the achievements of VRACS in his municipal precinct and urged Fr. Joe and his delegation to continue their efforts to ensure that the region nears to the zero mark of HIV/AIDS. Pledging full support for his work towards mankind.

 

Submitted

Ashwin Honawar

 

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Bhoomi Pooja by Shri Raju Patil-Mayor of Vasai -Virar and Fr. Joe of kripa Pharma, Vasai

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Kripa achieves yet another landmark: Kripa Vasai Convention Centre

The date, November 25, 2012, will remain a major landmark in Kripa Foundation’s 31 year history: On this Sunday, the blessing of the foundation’s latest project’s of Kripa Vasai Convention Centre (KVCC), was held at a multi-religious ceremony held at the construction site.

The Mayor of Vasai-Virar Municipality, Shri. Raju Patil, the first person to hold this post, participated in the traditional Hindu ritual of breaking a coconut and invoking prayers for a successful execution of the 1^st Phase of Construction called “Kripa Pharma” of the KVCC project. Fr. Joseph H Pereira, Founder Trustee, Kripa, blessed the construction site by sprinkling Holy Water amongst chanting of Prayers.

Attendees, who included prominent personalities and medical professionals from the Vasai-Virar region, thanked Fr. Joe and Kripa for establishing VRACS, which they extolled as a unique endeavor aimed at spreading awareness, support and care  to prevent HIV/ AIDS contagion in the area. Fr. Joe noted that HIV/AIDS and substance addiction were a scourge of the modern society, especially in major metropolitan areas and concerted action between citizens and Kripa and this convention centre could play a vital role in educating people against these menaces.

The Mayor along with Fr. Joe attended a advisory board meeting of  Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS), along with Dr. Hemant Patil, Mr. Kumar Dhuri, Mr. Akhil. Amrohi, Mrs. Evette Coutinho,  and the staff of  Kripa Vasai & VRACS.

Fr. Joe and the Mayor who is also a member of Elected Leaders Forum against AIDS (ELFA), discussed various means of mutual cooperation for this great work that Fr. Joe is doing and assured Fr. Joe and the Board of all required assistance and cooperation from the Mayoral office and the various municipal departments in the region of Vasai Taluka.

 By
Ashwin Honawar

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Thank You Fr. Joe and Kripa Family says:- Deirdre Lobo, Soprano Concert Artist Voice Teacher/ Consultant San Francisco

 

Dear Fr. Joe, Brett, Jude and all the Kripa Staff,

 

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you and all you have done to make this workshop a success. You put in so many long hours of your time, and I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for all of that. You never once complained. There was always a YES in your voices. You are truly fabulous human beings, and I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Brett - A BIG BIG Thank You to you for taking everything in your stride and doing such a SUPERB job! Brett - Please save a copy of the Times Supplement article that was written on the workshop. Can you please scan and send me a copy. Also if there were any photographs that Kripa took at the workshop, could you please forward those to me?

 

Jude - and the other boy (cannot remember his name) - You know who I am talking about - The two of you did a TREMENDOUS job with sound, and AV and Set Up and Clean Up

 

Fr. Joe - What can I say? The day I walked into your office that morning in July 2012, I knew I was on the right path. You have really been my support in this work and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it. Will let you know my concert date in Goa in Feb as soon as it is confirmed to me. Hope to see you there.

 

The most successful part of the workshop was that it fed my soul. When I was able to work with those poor kids - I felt I had done my service to my community. I hope I will be able to continue this work. I have actually talked to an industrialist in Pune who is willing to provide laptops with a Tata Photon USB for these kids to pursue Skype lessons with me in a group. I did ask the kids at the workshop along with their music teacher, and they are eager. Have to send in a proposal to the Industrialist. But I am certain they will help. Will keep you updated.

 

I hope I am able to work side by side with the Kripa Foundation on future workshops. Also, I would like to mention here, that if when I am in India and Kripa is doing a fundraiser, you can count on me to perform on that fundraiser. Just let me know in advance. I too will let you know my dates in advance.

 

A BIG THANK YOU to you all, and God Bless,

Warmest regards and best wishes,

 

Deirdre

 

--

Deirdre Lobo, Soprano

Concert Artist

Voice Teacher / Consultant

www.deirdrelobodcunha.com