Mumbai: ’Jagruti Kendra - Jerimeri’ Celebrates Silver Jubilee

By John Mascarenhas – Jerimeri
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 04 Mar 2014: “Jagruti Kendra – Jerimeri” a social centre for Justice and Peace at Jerimeri, Kurla, Mumbai celebrated its Silver Jubilee recently on 16th Feb. at St. Jude School Ground.

 

JAGRUTI KENDRA was inaugurated on 1st March 1989.  This was the first Centre for Community Organisation (CCO) in the Archdiocese of Mumbai, catering to Peace and Justice to all communities.  The Social Centre was founded by Sr. Seema strongly supported by Fr. Allwyn D’Silva at Jerimeri St. Jude Parish.  Sr. Seema ( from Helpers of Mary congregation ) who was sent to start a new religious house at the invitation of the Archdiocese of Mumbai, had bagged an an opportunity to carry on both pastoral and social activities. Over the years JAGRATI KENDRA has entered many fields of endeavors like Girl Child upliftment, Women empowerment, Youth and Women training for various jobs, craft, art, tailoring etc, social awareness in the area for HIV/ AIDS, medical assistance to the poor and needy by organizing free medical camps and provision of free medical treatment, fighting for water supply, electricity supply, unauthorized demolitions, violence on women, girls etc.

 

 

The function was presided by Em. Aux.Bishop Bosco Penha Arch Diocese of Mumbai. The Lighting of Silver Jubilee Lamp was done by Bishop Bosco, Fr. Lancy Pinto. Sr. Seema, Fr. Allwyn, Fr. Barthol, Fr. Michael, Fr. John and others.  The Social Centre being the care taker various problems of all communities, the function began with a prayer service for all communities like Sikh, Islam, Hindu, Christian etc., to symbolize the Unity in Diversity. Fr.Lancy Pinto, Dr. Sayed, Br. Rocky, Br. Joseph and others conducted the prayer service.  Gulshan, Nazny and Jagruti Kendra Staff presented welcome Song.  John Mascarenhas, Francis Chettiar and Hindi Choir Group sung Bhajans, Hymns and Social Awareness Songs relevant to the Silver Jubilee Celebration. Children presented action songs and prayer dance, while women from various zones presented social justice songs. St. Jude Parishioners presented various dances to the tunes of Tamil, Konkani and Hindi language.

 

Most of the Sisters and priests  who served Jagruti Kendra were felicitated alongwith Jagruti Kendra staff members, Silver Jubilee committee members like Sr. Seema, Fr.Nelson, Anthony Raj, Augustin Kuttikat, Sr. Tejaswini, Mamata Chettiar, Rani Chettiar, Gulshan, Flora Dsouza, Stella, Varghese and many others,  well wishers and those who were responsible to organize the function so professionally with variety of entertainment programme.

 

Fr. Nelson Saldanha ( Parish Priest of St. Jude and Present Manager of Jagruti Kendra ) proposed vote of thanks, while Bishop Bosco Penha congratulated and appreciated the founder Members and Present Team members for their good work.  Sr. Seema (Director of Jagruti Kendra) presented a general report by way of Slide Show.  Santhosh Lobo and Kala Wagdhare compered the programme.

 

The function ended with the national anthem followed by dinner.