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SAMRUDI Rural Upliftment Foundation - "SWAVALAMBANA KARYAKRAMA"

SAMRUDI Rural Upliftment Foundation, Bengaluru registered Section 25 Company under the aegis of Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Service (KROSS), Bengaluru has been providing yeoman service to the poorest of the poor SHG women promoted by the 14 Diocesan Social Service Societies since 2007 and has till date provided financial support to 10,300 women. On 15th December 2020 it organized "Samrudi - Swavalambana Karyakrama" at Chaitanya - SMSSS, Shivamogga wherein 84 poorest of the poor SHG Members from 14 Diocesan Social Service Societies received financial support of Rs 25,000/- each to start a new micro-enterprise.

The day's programme began with prayer led by the staff of SMSSS, Shivamogga and Rev. Fr Shanthraj, Director-CMSSS, Hassan. Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, Director-SMSSS, Shivamogga welcomed the dignitaries and the KROSS team. Rev. Fr Sebastian Fernandes, Director, KROSS welcomed the Diocesan Social Work Directors and the beneficiaries. Thereafter he gave a brief overview of KROSS and SAMRUDI and short report on the achievements of SAMRUDI.

Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, President-KROSS and the Director- SAMRUDI inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural address he highlighted the importance of being organized, co-operative and self-reliant leading to enhancement of family income. He said that our economic empowerment should make us more humane with a strong feeling for others and be ready to support them.

Most Rev. Dr Joseph Arumachadath, Bishop of Bhadravathi was the Chief Guest. He spoke on Women as agents of change who should augment the family income and be decision makers.

Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shivamogga presided over the program. In his presidential address, he cited the example of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad and noted that if there is a clear vision for the future then we can climb the mountains or overcome any hardships without any difficulty. He appreciated the progress made over the years and congratulated SAMRUDI Rural Upliftment Foundation and wished every success to the beneficiaries.

Rev. Fr Peter Ashirwad, Assistant Director-BDSSS, Belagavi and Rev. Fr Yagappa, Director-BDDS, Ballari shared how the beneficiaries who availed the benefits of SAMRUDI are self-reliant today. Mrs Precilla Martis, President, Streebandhu Multipurpose Souharda Cooperative Limited, Shivamogga was a special invitee for the program. Of the 84 beneficiaries from 14 DSSSs selected to receive one time 100% subsidized grant to start a new micro enterprise, 77 women present received the cheques.

Mr Varghese, Project Officer, KROSS proposed the vote of thanks. Sr. Zita D'Souza, Regional Coordinator, KROSS compered the programme. The program was duly supported by Mr Clement Fernandes, Program Manager and Mr Richard Martis, Manager-Finance, KROSS.