Asha Daan: The initiative began in
1976, when Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) under the dynamic leaderhip of Chairman Mr. T. Thomas supported Blessed Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity to set
up Asha Daan, a home in Mumbai for abandoned, challenged children, and the
destitute. Subsequently, Asha Daan has also become a home to the HIV-positive.
The
objective in supporting Asha Daan was and continues to be to share the
organsation's prosperity in supporting the Mother's mission of serving the
"poorest of the poor". Asha Daan has been set up on a 72,500-square
feet plot belonging to HUL, in the heart of Mumbai city. HUL bears the capital
and revenue expenses for maintenance, upkeep and security of the premises.
The
destitute and the HIV-positive are provided with food, shelter and medication
for the last few days of their lives. The needs of the abandoned challenged
children are also met through special classes of basic skills, physiotherapy
and, if possible, corrective surgery. At any point of time, it take care of
over 300 infants, destitute men and women and HIV-positive patients.
Every year over a decade on the 8th of January, Fr. Joe H Pereira, Founder Managing Trustee of Kripa Foundation celebrates Holy Eucharist with the residents and Missionaries of Charity Sisters amongst prominent guest and well wishers. This year too on the 8th of January 2013m Fr. Joe H. Pereira was invited to be with the MC family at Asha Daan.
Fr. Joe commenced the program with the traditional lighting of the lamp, payed respect to Blessed Mother Teresa and celebrated Holy Eucharist. Later in his address, he spoke about his close associate with the Missionaries of Charity Sisters and how Blessed Mother Teresa was his Inspiration and guide in his work of battling against addiction and HIV Care. Fr. Joe also mentioned how Blessed Mother Teresa helped him set up Kripa in Kolkata and inaugurated Kripa Vasai Centre in Maharashtra.
Prominent amongst the guests was Mr. T Thomas former Chairman of HUL who is closely associated with the concept of Asha Daan and "Friend of Kripa".
Submitted
By
Newsdesk
