Rev. Dr. Fr.
John Alwyn Dais
B.A;M.A; Ph.D President
Rev. Dr. Fr.
Paul Melwyn D’osuza B.A;M.A; Ph.D
Vice President
Rev. Fr.
Maxim Dsilva
B.A; B.Ed; M.Ed
Secretary
Rev. Fr.
Vijesh Loyed Menezes
B.Com; MBA
Treasurer
Rev. Fr. Elvin Santa Lopes
B.A; DJMC
Member
Rev. Fr. Arun
Lobo B.A; PGDHRM;M.S.W
Member
Rev. Dr. Fr. Sathish Fernandes
B.A; M.Sc; PGDHRM; ;M.A; M.S.W
Member
Rev. Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, B.A;L.L.B;M.A; M.S.W
Member
Rev. Fr. Vincent D’souza
B.A;M.A; M.S.W
Member
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Spreading
Smiles Through Education: School Kit Distribution to 25 Deserving Children:
Vimukti Pothnal “A
smile happens in a flash, but its memory can last a lifetime.” In a heartfelt
initiative to bring joy and encouragement to young minds, Vimukti Pothnal, has
once again stepped forward to support the dreams of economically disadvantaged
and semi-orphaned children. we distributed free school kits—including notebooks,
pencils, pens, and other essential materials—to 25 deserving children. The
objective of this program is simple yet powerful: to prevent school dropouts by
removing basic barriers to education and to ignite enthusiasm for learning. We
believe that something as simple as a new school bag, fresh notebooks, or a box
of crayons can create a spark of hope and excitement in a child's heart. With
our 'School Kit' program, we aim to recreate that cherished moment—the thrill of
the first day of school—for those who need it most. These kits are more than
just supplies; they are a message of care, belief, and support. By helping these
young learners take their next leap in education, we are not just giving them
materials—we are gifting them confidence, dignity, and a reason to smile.
Together, we can keep their dreams alive—one school kit at a time.
325
Women Inspired and motivated to Pursue Self-Employment and Support Their
Families: Vimukti
Charitable Trust® organized an awareness workshop for women Self-Help Groups in
three units Pothnal Bankal and Chikkodi, focusing on government-sponsored
training and self-employment schemes. Mr. Jaysheela vimukti staff emphasized
that with declining agricultural jobs, women must shift toward home-based
income-generating activities. The workshop aimed to guide women toward
sustainable livelihoods through small-scale industries. Fr. Sathish Fernandes,
Director of Vimukti, highlighted the organization’s continued efforts to support
women’s empowerment through training and guidance. He encouraged participants to
utilize available government schemes to start their own businesses. Chief guest
Mrs. Girija from the Women and Child Welfare Department, Raichur, shared
valuable insights on free government training programs in tailoring, poultry,
dairy, and handicrafts. She explained how subsidies and support help women
become financially independent. Mrs. Shailaja from SBI Training Center stressed
the importance of training and bank linkages, while Mr. Praveen Kumar, Solar
Marketing Advisor, showcased income-generating machines and assured support from
solar companies and banks. Over 325 SHG members participated. Mrs. Jessinta
Muddanaguddi welcomed the gathering and gave the vote of thanks.
"Building
Hope Through Educational Support for 350 Deserving Students" Vimukti Pothnal "Education
is the most powerful tool we can use to break the cycle of poverty and build a
better future." In the villages around Pothnal Raichur, Chikkodi and Banakal,
many children drop out of school simply because their families cannot afford
basic school supplies. Their parents—daily wage laborers, construction workers,
rickshaw pullers, migrates or domestic helpers—struggle to meet daily needs,
making education a distant dream. To address this, Vimukti Charitable Trust®
stepped in to support underprivileged students. This year, we provided
educational kits to 350 deserving children studying in Government Schools from
grades 5 to 10th. Each kit included notebooks, uniforms, bags, shoes, and other
essentials. Students were selected after home visits and recommendations from
school headmasters, ensuring support reached the most deserving. We also
conducted counseling sessions for parents, encouraging them to keep their
children in school. For these children, the kits brought not just materials, but
hope and motivation to continue their education. Many more children still need
help. Your support can ensure they stay in school and pursue their dreams.
Together, let’s build a future through education.
International
Child Labour Day Rally by Vimukti, Pothnal: To
observe International Child Labour Day, Vimukti Charitable Trust®, Pothnal
organized impactful awareness rallies in the villages of Tadkal, Muddanagudi,
and Devipur on June 14, 2025. The event carried the powerful message: “Every
Child Belongs in School, Not at Work.” Children marched through the villages
holding placards and chanting slogans, spreading awareness about the dangers of
child labour and the importance of education. Fr. Sathish Fernandes, Director of
Vimukti, said: “Childhood is meant for learning, not earning. Education is the
key to breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation.” Mr. Neelakanthappa,
Headmaster of St. Fraud School, urged parents to make full use of government
schemes and ensure children remain in school. Mr. Mahantesh G.N., Assistant
Teacher, led the children in an anti-child labour pledge, inspiring them to stay
committed to their education. The rally saw active participation from Vimukti
staff members and schoolteachers, making it a united community effort to end
child labour. Together, let’s build a future where every child is safe,
educated, and free.
International
Labour Day Celebrated at Vimukti Pothnal: On
International Labour Day, Vimukti Pothnal organized on 1st May 2025 a meaningful
celebration to honor workers' contributions and raise awareness about their
societal role. The event featured a spirited bike rally and flag-hoisting
ceremony along the main roads of Pothnal and Amareshwar Camp, celebrating
workers' indomitable spirit. The celebration began with a thought-provoking
speech by Fr. Sathish Fernandes, Director. He highlighted Labour Day's
significance, its historical background, and the importance of respecting and
showing gratitude to those who contribute tirelessly to daily life. He urged
regular union meetings to ensure government benefits reach marginalized workers.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from union leaders, including Shri
Shivappa (Honorary President), Shri Venkanna Mestri (President), and members
such as Shekharappa, Venkatesh, Hanumesh, and others from Pothnal and Amareshwar
Camp. The celebration was informative and emotionally uplifting, emphasizing the
value of hard work and the dignity of labor. This vibrant event underscored
workers' strength and unity, reinforcing their vital role in nation building.
Sports
Competitions for unorganised youths by Vimukti Trust: On
Sunday, 27th 2025, Vimukti Pothnal, organized sports competitions for
unorganised youth. Charlie Udbal, the trust's staff, emphasized the importance
of rural sports like tug-of-war, kabaddi, sack race, pot-breaking, and
volleyball in engaging youth, fostering talent, and strengthening community
bonds. He urged active participation to benefit from these activities. Fr.
Satish Fernandes, Director of Vimukti, highlighted the dangers of unhealthy
habits like mobile gaming, IPL betting, and election betting, which mislead
youth and weaken them mentally and physically. He stressed that rural sports
promote physical and mental health, help youth avoid vices, and enhance family
well-being. Such programs aim to uplift youth and improve their quality of life.
Competitions, including tug-of-war, sack race, and pot-breaking, were judged by
Neelkanth, headteacher of Tadkal Government Higher Primary School. Chief guests
included Shivappa (Honorary President, Construction Workers’ Association),
Venkanna Mestri, Neelkanth, Amaresh, nearly 80 benefited from this program.
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Knowledge indeed transforms the children
but the proper environment and the basic facilities in imparting the education
enables the children all the more to be the best.
Vimukti Trust® Pothnal is making a
difference by prioritizing in support of the children to obtain a decent
education with the right environment.
COME LET’S JOIN OUR HANDS FOR THIS
GREAT CAUSE BY BRINGING SMILES UPON THEIR FACES MAKING THEM OUR OWN CHILDREN IN
SUPPORT OF THEM.
Let
us march forward to awaken the humanity to restore the worth of human dignity:
Vimukti Pothnal
The Vimukti Charitable Trust ® requesting to help a disabled parent’s family
from sindanuru, Raichur District with four kids who are in a dire need of the
financial support both for the daily sustenance and to have a decent house to
live in. Their disability has deprived them to have hardly one meal for the day.
Will you be a help to this needy family? You may not have plenty but give from
your little available resources. Even the one or two rupees that you contribute
to this family is worth. Therefore march forward to awaken the humanity to
restore the worth of human dignity. Inspire others by sharing it. Contact:
9448335778. May God Bless you all!
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Extending our hands to the poor and needy during
Covid-19
During this period of struggle, the Vimukti Charitable Trust® team extended our
concern and solidarity for the poor and the neediest around us. This was a
moment of witnessing the real Franciscan spirit.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Capuchin Friars in Solidarity
Holy Trinity Province Karnataka
We thank all our friars, communities,
coordinators, volunteers, support staff and
others who are connected with the pandemic
initiatives and responses. Let us pray for the
humanity and help the needy. God bless us all.
ABOUT US VIMUKTI
CHARITABLE TRUST is a social action unit of the Capuchin Franciscan of
Karnataka Province, Registered under the Trust Act bearing number,
Trust/718/10A/Vol-II/V-299/2000-2001 Dated 01.05.2000. VIMUKTI is
integral liberation as understood popularly and it undertakes and
executes socio-economic empowerment activities among the disadvantage
and the vulnerable sections of the society. As the activities of the
province became widespread, ‘Vimukti’ came into existence in 1999 to
co-ordinate, document, monitor, review and evaluate the social work
intervention activities to ensure greater efficiency and increased
accountability towards the same.
STATUTES The
Karnataka Capuchin Province has established a registered trust called,
Vimukti Charitable Trust for social service and developmental activities
in the Province. The goals and objectives of this trust are to be
attained in a systematic and cohesive manner. For this purpose the
Province shall establish in a suitable place a well furnished central
office to plan, coordinate and supervise all the programmes and the
activities. The Statutes are applicable to all the Friars of the
Province who are involved in this ministry. So that all the Programmes
function effectively and achieve the expected goals and objectives.
These Statutes are to be read along with the Constitutions of the Order
and also the Statutes of the Province.