Mangaluru: “Love for nation is not just giving speeches and criticising others. The real love for nation is the social service that persons like Joseph is rendering to the needy through this Snehalaya”, said U T Khader, minister for Health and Family Welfare in Karnataka.
He was speaking on the occasion of the inaugural of a special program of providing free meals to the attendants of the patients here at Government Wenlock hospital on August 14.
Right now hospitals provide free food for the patients only. Hereafter, those who stay with the patient will not have to depend on hotels outside. Per day 700 attendants will be provided free meals and the daily expenses for the same is Rs 7000.
80 people have come forward to support this initiative. Two vehicles to supply food have been donated by MLA J R Lobo and Sulthan Gold and Diamonds’ Dr Abdul Rauf.
U T Khader further said that many IAS officers, doctors, ministers have come to Wenlock hospital. But none of them had this idea of giving free food for the needy. What Joseph is doing is a true service to the poor, he said.
“The scheme has been started in Mangaluru and in the coming days it will be extended to all the other district hospitals. S M Krishna started Akshara Dasoha in schools and it has become famous nationwide. My post as a minister is not permanent but the social service of kind hearted persons like Joseph is permanent”, he added.
He also said that giving anti-speeches on the roadside and by criticising others is not useful. How many of those who try to disturb peace in the society, have come to this hospital and checked about the needs of poor?, he questioned those gathered there
Joseph Crasta in his welcome address urged the Minister and concerned persons to fill the vacant posts as there is shortage in the hospital. Also he urged to provide a resting room and a library in the hospital.
JR Lobo and Abdul Rauf were honoured on the occasion. Rev Fr Victor Machado, parish priest of Kulshekar church presided over the function. Mayor Jascintha Alfred, Rajeshwari Devi, DMO Wenlock Hospital, Abdul Rauf Puttige, Talent research foundation, Yogish Shetty, founding president of Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike and many other dignitories were present.
This initiative has been undertaken by Snehalaya Charitable Trust Manjeshwar in Kasargod.
Public who are willing to contribute to the cause can donate Rs 7000 for daily food expense to help the needy. They can contact Joseph Crasta, Head of Snehalaya Psycho-social Rehabilitation in Pavoor Bachchalike in Manjeshwar.
