Kripa Vasai and Kripa Bandra Jointly represent Fr. Joe and Kripa Foundation at the Shahitya Sammelan Rally, Mumbai.

On 14^th July 2014, Kripa Foundation  took an active part in a Shahitya Sammelan Rally organized by Maharashtra State Government, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This rally was organised to spread the message against alcohol addiction. 

The Kripa team consisted of In-house patients and Staff from Kripa Bandra and Vasai armed with Banners, Posters thronged the streets incessantly shouted out slogans on the evils of addiction. Pamphlets were distributed and Information was disseminated to the general public. The rally was from Gate way of India to Y.B. Chavan Hall, where a two day programme was held on various topics of addiction.

The highlight of the event was a visit by Fr. Francis D'Bretto, Shri S Moghe Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Maharashtra, Shri Sanjay Savkare MLA, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Maharashtra, Ms.Vaishali V. Vilas, President Nasha Bhandi Committe, Mr Amol  and various other delegates.

More than 1000 people from different NGOs, Social Organizations, Schools, Colleges, Social Workers and Local leaders participated in the programme. The rally was a grand success although there was a heavy downpour.
Submitted by
Vijay - Kripa Bandra
Atul - Kripa Vasai
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Mozen H

Orientation to Missionaries of Charity Brother @ Kripa Vasai.

On 16^th July 2014, Kripa Vasai conducted an Orientation Programme for Brothers of Missionaries of Charity.

The Brothers were given first hand information on Addiction, rehabilitative measures among other related topics. They interacted with the clients and staff and attended the therapeutic sessions of the Kripa In-house Model. The Orientation programme ended with the commemoration of the Holy Eucharist after which the Brothers thanked the resource team of Ms Jean Pereira, Fr. Seraphinus Tigga, Bosco D'Souza and the whole staff of Kripa Vasai for their efforts and service. The Brothers specially thanked Fr. Joe H Pereira, who has a long standing association with Blessed Mother Teresa and The Missionaries of Charity.
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Mozen H

Kripa Assam conducted an awareness programme.

Mr. Aroop and the resource team spoke of Kripa Assam conducted an awareness programme on Role of Family, signs and symptoms, addiction pattern and referral measures for the same.

The participants expressed their joy and gratitude to Fr. Joseph H Pereira and the staff of Kripa Assam for the good work to the community.

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Fr. Joe conducts and awareness programme for TISS Students @ Kripa Bandra

Orientation Programme for TISS Students

On 14^th July 2014, Kripa Bandra conducted an Orientation Programme for TISS Students in the centre itself.

The students as part of their curriculum had to have first hand information on Addiction and HIV AIDS hence chose Kripa Bandra as a venue for discussion.

Fr. Joe Pereira spoke on the Spirit of Kripa, yoga and meditation. followed by Bosco D’Souza who conducted a session on addiction as a disease, Kripa Model of Recovery and importance of Family Systems among other related topics. The programme ended with a question-answer session.

Submitted

Lloyd D'Souza

Kripa Bandra

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Mozen H

Kripa Kolkata conducts a workshop on addiction for Kolkata Police.

On 27^th June 2014, Kripa Kolkata organized a One Day workshop for West Bengal Police at Bhabani Bhaban (Police Headquarters).

Around 100 top ranking officials were present. Ms. Johba Guha and Dr. Sandeep Mitra briefed them on Addiction as a Disease, Kripa Model of Recovery, Holistic methodologies used and myths and its misconceptions. It was proposed to conduct more such programmes in the future.

Submitted by

Dr. Sandeep Mitra

Kripa Kolkata

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Mozen H

Kripa Zuneboto conducts awareness programme in Aichi Sanghemi Viallge

Awareness Programme for Community Members

On 20^th June 2014, Kripa Zunheboto interacted with the church officials of Aichi Sanghemi village with a view to set up a detox camp at the village. They also explained the different services and activities of the organization.

The officials expressed their willingness and put forth the problems faced by the youth of the village due to addiction namely poor health, unemployment, family problems. A plan of action was chalked out and put in progress.

Submitted by

Hutoi

Kripa Zuneboto

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Mozen H

Kripa Varanasi conducts awareness programmes in schools

Awareness Programme for Students

On 22^nd July 2014, Kripa Varanasi conducted an Awareness Programme for students of Vina English Junior High School.

The authorities alarmed at the increase in use of inhalants and tobacco products by students requested Kripa Varanasi to interact with the students and who conducted sessions on Changes in Lifestyle to be a good citizen of the country. The staff shared their personal experiences. A similar programme was also held for students of  Purwa Madhyamik Vidhalya, Jalilpur, Chandauli.

 Submitted by

Kripa Varanasi

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Mozen H.

Kripa Vasai Conducts Orientation Programme for Students

 On 05^th July 2014, Kripa Vasai conducted an Orientation Programme for Students of Holy Family School, Vasai

Ms. Jean Pereira and the Kripa Vasai team spoke on Kripa Model of Recovery, myths and misconceptions which also included basics of HIV; its transmission and prevention. Patients in treatment shared their life experiences. The programme concluded with a question-answer session.

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By 

Mozen H

Kripa vasai

Uplifting the Mind Body and Soul- Interview of Fr. Joe in O HERALDO GOA

A worldwide acclaimed yoga teacher and practitioner, Padma Shree awardee Uplifting the mind, body and soul

I A worldwide acclaimed yoga teacher and practitioner, Padma Shree awardee Fr Joe Pereira is introducing his unique teaching of Yoga in Goa at the new Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga Centre at St Inez Uplifting the mind, body and soul A catholic priest’s association with yoga may perhaps raise a few eyebrows, but Fr Joe Pereira has walked the fine line to bring about a revolutionary change in the lives of people through his principal of infusing Iyengar Yoga into the practice of meditation, with a blend of science, psychology, spirituality and physical practice. In his research and teachings over the years, he has been strongly influenced by two people, Mother Theresa and his guru Yogacharya B K S Iyengar. A Jesuit priest for over 50 years and a dedicated practitioner for 44 years, Fr Pereira’s expertise has been sought the world over, from Europe, America and Asia. He has doubled his innings as a National Co- ordinator in India for the World Community for Christian Meditation ( WCCM) which has well- known names on board like the Dalai Lama and a Class A Trustee ( Non Alcoholic) of Alcoholic Anonymous ( AA) in India. Awarded the Padma Shree for his efforts, this founder of the Kripa Foundation ( which works in the field of substance use disorders and addiction related diseases particularly HIV/ AIDS) has successfully incorporated Iyengar Yoga in the process of addiction recovery. “ The AA recovery has a 12- point programme which deals with psycho- spiritual and psycho- social aspects. However, my Iyengar Yoga focuses on the 11th point which deals with meditation and the psychosomatic. I use the principles of this yoga as a powerful pathway to work within from the periphery to the centre and ultimately bring the body into hypo- metabolic condition,” explains Fr Pereira while elaborating that for an alcoholic to discover one’s true self and come into a totally transforming experience, he needs to have an ‘ meta- noia’ or conversion/ experience beyond the mind and this is where Iyengar Yoga steps in. His book, ‘ Wholeness and Holiness’, and a collection of CDs bring attention to this principle. As per the precepts of the Iyengar philosophy, props such as bolsters, chairs, ropes and the likes are used to bring about the desired results. “ The principles and practice of Iyengar Yoga are open to everyone, not only addicts. The ultimate aim is to bring about a healing in mind body and soul,” he clarifies. Conducting his first workshop at the new Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga Centre in Panjim, his intention, he reiterates, is to build a community of inter- faiths through meditation. de- stressed damsel The healing process: Fr Joe Pereira chats about his unique teaching methods and ( below right) Dr Rajvi Mehta speaks on the principles of Guruji BKS Iyengar and the oldest forms of yoga TWEETS @ PATRICIAANNEALV Discussing the master Explaining the precepts of Iyengar Yoga, Dr Rajvi Mehta ( representing the 96 year old Guruji B K S Iyengar at the workshop) explains as a form of Hatha Yoga, Iyengar is one of the oldest forms of Yoga. As a sickly child, Iyengar experienced the benefits of Yoga. Yoga soon became his raison de etre. His ultimate aim was that ‘ practice should corroborate with the text’. Training for the past 80 years, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan this year. He soon began to observe that people understood the principle of comfortable position. However, his development was the reverse – that ‘ any position should be made comfortable and in doing so it can alter one’s state of mind’.’ His approach is a detailed and systematic methodology which is today followed in 80 countries worldwide and administered by dedicated and well trained students. Courtesy O Heraldo Submitted  Ebrahim Haroon Collage Newsdesk

Fr Joe of Kripa Foundation to open Iyengar Yoga centre in Panjim, July 22 - A PRESS RELEASE

Fr Joe of Kripa Foundation to open Iyengar Yoga centre in Panjim, July 22 

22, Jul 2014

Kripa Foundation will open a new Iyengar yoga centre in Goa which will start of with a workshop from July 22-24 with an inauguration ceremony on the July 23 at 6.00PM. 

Father Joe Pereira, founder of Kripa Foundation is one of the most unique, acclaimed yoga teachers of world renown. A devoted Catholic priest for nearly 50 years, he has also been a dedicated practitioner and teacher of yoga for more than 44 years, and now travels across India and the world sharing his very special blend of science, psychology, spirituality and rigorous physical practice with millions of eager students in countries across Europe, North America and Asia. Learn more about Kripa Foundation here kripafoundation.blogspot.in

Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar (awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2014) has recognized the unique dedication of Fr. Joe Pereira (himself a Padma Shree awardee) by conferring the title Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga to his one-of-a-kind teaching. Now for the first time ever, that insight and wisdom is available to the general public of Goa at the new Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga Centre in St. Inez, Panjim.

Fr Joe standing using traction through yoga, just a chair and his body weight 

Father Joe Pereira will conduct a workshop in the the new facility on 22nd, 23rd and 24th July with daily sessions from 8 - 9:30 am, 3 - 4:30 pm, 6:30 - 8pm. In addition there will be a discourse by Father Joe every evening, from 8 pm onwards.

There is a nominal charge of Rs 500/- for the three day workshop. 1 session per day plus evening discourse. The workshop will be followed by daily classes conducted by trained and qualified iyengar yoga instructors.

Father Joe will inaugurate the workshop on Wednesday, 23th July, 2014 @ 6 pm along with representatives of Guruji B.K.S Iyengar. There will also be a presentation by Dr. Mehta giving details of Iyengar Yoga. The inauguration is open to all and will be followed by the regular evening workshop session.

Kindly contact 9960910110 for further details and registration.

Iyengar yoga now in Panjim. Fr Joe helping a yoga newbie get into the correct position

Some details about Iyengar Yoga:

This is a form of Hatha yoga. Iyengar is one of the oldest forms of yoga. Different props are used in this form of yoga since emphasis is given to alignment and precision in every posture. Iyengar teaches how all eight aspects of Ashtanga yoga are integrated and focuses on the practice of intentionally grouping and linking specific asanas together.

Since he was suffering from tuberculosis and was desperate to improve his health BKS Iyengar studied yoga in Mysore with yoga guru Krisnamacharya. He began teaching in 1936 and continues to practice today.

Aside from the basic benefits that any yoga practice gives us, Iyengar uses props that can benefit in a number of ways: they help with precision, put less stress on your muscles, and are helpful if you're recovering from an injury. Try to wear form fitting clothes since this yoga is all about correct alignment and the instructor will be able to see whether you have the correct alignment when you do the asanas.

Iyengar yoga is great for all levels, from beginners to advanced yogis who want to work on alignment.

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Inauguration Today @ 6.00pm, Panjim, Goa

News brief courtesy:

 http://www.targetgoa.com/

Editor

Bevinda Collaco 

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Fr. Joe felicitated by Mount Carmel Church - Bandra

"Soon after returning from Delhi with the Lifetime Award for Excellence as a professional in the field of prevention of addiction Fr. Joe was invited by the Parish Priest of Mt. Carmel to concelebrate and preach at the Solemn Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday 27th June at the evening Mass.

After the Eucharistic celebration Fr. Wily congratulated Fr. Joe and presented him with a floral bouquet in appreciation of the great work he was doing at Mt.Carmel's and displayed the Award to the congregation.

No doubt the first of many such celebrations to come."

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Photographs

Francis Fernandes

Fr. Joe -ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF IYENGAR YOG IN PANAJI, GOA - INAUGURAL WORKSHOP 22ND - 24TH JULY

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For Further Details Contact 09637347222/09960910110

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Students of Industrial and Social Psychology Visit Kripa Bandra

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Heavy rains did not damper spirit of  35 students from Mumbai University doing M.A. part 2 Industrial and Social Psychology  from coming over to Kripa Bandra for an orientation Program of the Kripa Model.

The program consisted of the Film on Kripa, Kripa Model of treatment and sharing by 2 patients who are still in the rehabilitation program at Kripa Bandra. The program was conducted by staff Elias and Simon.The highlight of the program was a session by Out National Program Director Bosco D'Souza who not only shared the  works of Fr. Joe and Kripa , but also answered questions which was well acknowledged by the students. The students were accompanied by faculties Dr. Priscilla Paul and Mr. Santosh Kumar along with 3 more faculty members.

Photograph and submission by

Lloyd D'Souza

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Fr. Joe the most sort after Priest @ the 2nd China India Yog Summit 2014

Fr. Joe is at present in China attending the 2nd China India Yog Summit 2014 along with the Iyengar yoga Group. Fr. Joe was very touched by the grand reception he received by the people of China . It was heartening to see so many fans of Fr. Joe who wanted to meet the Catholic yogic priest. Fr. Joe also spent quality time with the Ambassador of  India in China along with other delegates. Th most touching was to see a board of Fr. Joe in Chinese.
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Fr. Joe felicitated by Mayor of Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation on Receiving the National Award

On the event of Doctors Day 1st July celebration, the VVCM held a program and felicitated all doctors with more than 36 years of practice in the region of  Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar Region. On this great occasion the Mayor felicitated Fr. Joe, Bosco and S. Thakur ( best regional Film- National Award). the Mayor Shri Narayan L.Mankar and Mr Sandesh Jadhav, both spoke so highly of Fr. Joe and the work that he does with his team not only in  Vasai Virar but all over the country and now Globally too. This was highly appreciated with a round of a loud applause from all Doctors gathered for the program..
As Fr. Joe is away in China for the 2nd China India Yog Summit. The citation was received by his Nun Sister Teresa Hilary Pereira at the hands of the Mayor of VVCM. Also present was Bosco who was felicitated by the Mayor.
Sister Teresa shared the greetings and Message to the Mayor that Fr. Joe had sent to her.


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Fr. Joe felicitated by VRACS Advisory Board Members in Vasai on Receiving the National Award

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After his marathon travelling from Poland, to Germany to Switzerland and Delhi to receive the National Award at the hands of Hon'ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukerjee. Fr. Joe rushed to vasai to attend the VRACS Advisory Board meeting. As the end of the meeting both Fr. Joe and Bosco where were felicitated by the Board members for receiving the National Award.

The program commenced with a traditional Aarthi by Ms. Alka Harshad Raut. followed by a recital of a Bhaajan by Fr. Seraphinus Tigga. Mrs. Jean Pereira read out the citations after which in a very touching speech Sister Teresa spoke about Fr. Joe . She mentioned how she recollected Fr. Joe as a very handsome young boy and today he has reached to heights of Glory in the vineyard of Lord reaching out to the marginalized. Next a small speech by Bosco who thanked Fr. Joe for making him what he was today not forgetting his wife, children, family and the staff for supporting him. It was a pleasure to see Fr. Joe's sister Francisca , her husband Wilfred, his nephew Rakesh and carol along with their children.

Fr. Joe spoke to the gathering touching each and everyone, His zeal to reach out to more and more people suffering from addiction and addiction related diseases like HIV. The highlight of the afternoon was a dance performance by kripa Family of Vasai led by Shravan. The program ended with a sumptuous lunch spread out by Lester, Sterling, Joseph, Rohington and the kitchen staff.

Indeed a well organised program with the support of Mozen and patients of Kripa Vasai.

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Newsdesk.

Fr. Joe Greeted by Shri Nanakram Nebhanani MLA and delegates at Mumbai Airport on receiving the National Award

A suprise for Fr. Joe awaited him,as he alighted from the plane at Mumbai airport on coming back from  Delhi after attending National Award Ceremony. To greet him was Mr.. Nanakram Nebhanani MLA
( brother of staff Khemchand) along with Mr. Ravindra Khandelwal, Rajesh Agarwal, Manohar Kotkar, Shrikant Meshram, Fr. Ivan lobo from Nagpur ( close friend of Fr. Joe) and staff of Kripa Bandra.  On seeing all those who came to receive him, Fr. Joe thanked all them feeling touched to see their love for him. Fr. Joe was accompanied from Delhi by his Nun Sister Teresa H. Pereira. Sister Teresa had specially escorted Fr. Joe to New Delhi for the award ceremony.

Photographs
Khemchand
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A curtain raiser to Fr. Joe for the felicitations that continues on receiving the National Award by Hon'ble President of India .

Due to the announcement by the Government of India on bestowing the national Award for outstanding achievement by an Individual Professional in the field of addiction Fr. Joe cut short his visit in Germany to return just in time to rush to Delhi for the award ceremony which was held at Vigyan Bhawan. Fr. Joe received this prestigious award at the hands of Hon'ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The staff of Bandra were so pleased to meet him that on right from th airport to the next day they garland and congratulated him on his achievement. Kudos to Khemchand staff of Bandra along with Lloyd for initiating  a very noble thought of felicitating Fr. Joe and Bosco at the airport.
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Fr. Joe conducts Intense Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga @ Seminarhaus Heidwauhr run by Waltraude Eckert & Günter Oberschmid of Tat-Tvam- Asi Trust.

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Seminarhaus Heidwauhr. Bergalingen is situated in the very Southern pocket of the Black Forest near

 the Swiss border. During his ongoing programmes in Germany. Fr. Joe conducted an Intense Yoga Workshop at Seminarhaus Heidwauhr run by Waltraude Eckert & Günter Oberschmid of Tat-Tvam- Asi Trust.

 Mr. Günter Oberschmid is Fr. Joe's longtime and oldest friend in Germany and also a great donor to Kripa Foundation from Germany.

 Their bondage is so strong that no trip to of Fr. Joe's to Germany is complete without his presence at          Seminarhaus Heidwauhr. Indeed a home away from home for Fr. Joe. This house is owned/run by Guenther Oberschmid , with Waltraud Eckert teaching, a KRIPA Foundation Iyengar Yoga. Waltraud Eckert is a    certified teacher of Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga certified by Fr. Joe.

Fr. Joe conducted 2 workshops with participants from all over Germany and Switzerland: spread over 3      days Intensive Class where he led all participants to their limits/borders and beyond, with quite a bit of sweat

 and pain. Seeing many stretching themselves over their limits of yoga practice, Fr. Joe  quoted Guruji B.K.S.Iyengar  “Make your minimum your maximum”. On one of the days the Yoga worskshop included     inputs and information on how to treat various ailments with the help of Yoga. Which was liked by all participants.

Unfortunately Fr. Joe had to cut short is programs in Germany and one of the workshops had to be             cancelled as he had to rush back to India, to receive the Prestigious National Award for Outstanding           Achievement by an Individual Professional, in the Field of Addiction Treatment.  Fr. Joe received this award at the hands of the Hon'ble President Of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee, on the 26th Of June, which               commemorates The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The award was given in the presence of many Central and State Ministers, Representatives of the United Nations, His Nun Sister Teresa Hilary Pereira and distinguished guest.

Although the participants were disappointed for missing a great opportunity to practice yoga with Fr. Joe,

 they were joyed to know that he had received such a high acknowledgement from the Government and 

People India.

Submitted and photos

Gabriele Wilde.

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