On the 41st death anniversary of Late Mrs. Martha Hilary Pereira, (Mother of Fr. Joe Pereira) a memorial service was held at Kripa Foundation Vasai.
Fr. Joe, going down memory lane recollected some fond memories of his late Mother after which along with his elder brother Mr. and Mrs Anthony and Heather Pereira and his sister Mrs. and Mr. Francisca and Wilfred Pereira garland the beautiful painting portrait of his Mother. In a heart moving moment Fr. Joe sang the chants of the prayer " SARVA-DHARMA PRAYER" by Acharya Vinoba Bhave in Sanskrit, keeping the audience dumbstruck with his deep voice and knowledge of Sanskrit.
To mark the event VRACS held two programs in remembrance of Mrs Martha Hilary Pereira.
As HIV/AIDS is a major social issue in this country. Early diagnosis, education and treatment are imperatives for the recovery of the patient. However stigma and the cost of treatment are major hindrances for patients to access help.
As HIV/AIDS is a major social issue in this country. Early diagnosis, education and treatment are imperatives for the recovery of the patient. However stigma and the cost of treatment are major hindrances for patients to access help.
To help mitigate this problem Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS)- a KRIPAIDS initiative in collaboration with Maharashtra State Aids Control Society (MSACS) set up a free HIV counselling and testing centre at Kripa Foundation, Papdy, Vasai. The inauguration was done by Chief Guest Fr. Joe H.Pereira, Founder Managing Trustee (recipient of the Padmashree award 2009) and Guest of Honor Mr. Rattan Gadhave, District Program Officer, Thane. Dr. Anuparna Rane Chief Medical Officer VVMC, Dr. Rani Badnani Medical officer Vasai Muncipal Hospital, Dr M.S. Menon along with VRACS Advisory Board Members. With the commencing of this program VRACS will conduct free pre and post test counselling in total confidentiality and hold regular ICTC camps in various locations in the region of Vasai –Virar.
Later on the delegates moved onto the patio were the Children living with HIV/AIDS were distributed Medicines and Nutrition, under the project gifted by HIS Excellency Ambassador of Luxembourg.
On this special occasion Mr. P.G. Vanmali was felicitated by Fr. Joe H Pereira for receiving the " Bal Mitra" award from the Government of Maharashtra. Mr. Vanmali is a Member of the VRACS Advisory Board.
The program ended with the service of snacks to over 175 guest.
Photographs
Stephen D'Souza
Collage
Newdesk
