Rev. Dr. Fr.
Robin Victor D'Souza
B. Ed, M. Phil., MBA,
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. Joywin Dias
B.Com
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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Fr.
Sathish Fernandes OFM Cap Receives Vishwa Manya Award 2026: Vimukti Pothnal Fr.
Sathish Fernandes, OFM Cap, a Capuchin priest, has been honoured with the Vishwa
Manya Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding service to the poor and
marginalized. Known for his deep compassion and unwavering commitment, Fr.
Sathish has tirelessly worked for more than fourteen years towards the
empowerment of disadvantaged children and families in Raichur District,
Karnataka. His ministry reflects the spirit of the Good Shepherd—proclaiming the
Good News not only through words but also through concrete acts of love,
justice, and social transformation. His dedicated service in promoting child
rights, education, and the care of orphans, semi-orphans, persons with
disabilities, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS has earned him several
state-level recognitions. The award was presented on March 1, 2026, by the
Shraya Jana Seva Foundation, Hubballi, in the presence of distinguished
dignitaries and an audience of over one thousand people, who applauded the
remarkable work and social impact of Vimukti Charitable Trust. We, the Vimukti
staff, warmly congratulate Fr. Sathish Fernandes on this well-deserved honour
and wish him continued inspiration and strength as he leads others in building a
more just, compassionate, and safer world for children and youth.
Lighting
the Path of Learning: Empowering 350 Children with Books and Pens: Vimukti
Pothnal Vimukti
distributed books and pens to 350 children attending evening tuition centers as
part of its educational support program. Many of these children come from poor
and marginalized families and lack basic learning materials.The distribution
brought great joy and encouragement to the children, motivating them to attend
classes regularly and participate actively in their studies. With the necessary
educational supplies in hand, students now feel more confident and prepared to
learn. This simple yet meaningful initiative has strengthened the learning
environment at the tuition centers, improved student engagement, and supported
children in continuing their educational journey with hope and confidence.
Training
Program on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: Vimukti Pothnal A
one-day training program on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights was organized
for 50 adolescent girls under the GOOD Project in Raichur District on 25th
February 2026 at the Vimukti Organization campus. The session focused on
creating awareness among adolescent girls (12–18 years) about the importance of
physical and mental development during adolescence. Participants were guided on
menstrual health, personal hygiene, balanced nutrition, positive thinking, and
the importance of physical activity for healthy growth. Resource persons
emphasized the risks of child marriage and child labour, highlighting their
serious impact on girls’ health, maternal safety, and future well-being. Girls
were encouraged to seek guidance from parents, teachers, mentors, and
youth-friendly health clinics for counselling and support regarding personal
health concerns. The program successfully enhanced awareness and empowered
adolescent girls with essential knowledge for leading healthy and informed
lives. Fifty children attended and benefited from the training program.
Children
Empowerment for GOOD: Vimukti Pothnal The
Children Empowerment for GOOD programme focuses on empowering children to break
free from the Devadasi system. Although once considered a traditional practice,
it has been misused by vested interests, resulting in generations of women from
the same families being trapped in socio-economic exploitation. Our intervention
aims to support children of Devadasis by equipping them with the knowledge,
confidence, and skills to advocate for their rights and entitlements. They are
provided access to quality education and vocational skills training as
sustainable pathways to overcome poverty and social exclusion. The programme
includes advocacy initiatives at both the community and government levels.
Members of the Kishori groups are capacitated to actively advocate for the
effective implementation of laws that prevent the dedication of children into
the Devadasi system. Through education, awareness, and collective action, the
programme seeks to ensure dignity, protection, and equal opportunities for every
child.
Career
Guidance Programme for Adolescent Girls: Vimukti Pothnal A
one-day Career Guidance Training Programme was organized on 22 February 2026 at
the Vimukti campus under the GOOD Project for 50 adolescent girls from
marginalized communities in Raichur district. The programme aimed to inspire
girls to build a strong future through education and informed career choices.
The session was inaugurated by Mr. Kuberappa (BRP, BEO Office, Manvi), who
emphasized the importance of education during the crucial adolescent years. Rev.
Fr. Sathish Fernandes encouraged participants to overcome social challenges
through education and self-confidence. Resource person Mr. Ravindra Janekal
conducted interactive sessions on career planning, goal setting, education
opportunities, and access to government schemes. The programme created
awareness, motivation, and confidence among the participants to pursue higher
education and shape their future positively.The training was held from 10:00 AM
to 4:30 PM, with meals and transportation provided for all participants, making
the event meaningful and impactful.
Eye
Care Awareness and Free Eye Check-up Camp Benefiting 110 Individuals: Vimukti
Pothnal
“Do Not Neglect Your Eyes – Regular Check-up and Proper Care Are Essential.” —
Dr. Chennangouda Patil, Renowned Ophthalmologist Vimukti Pothnal successfully
organized an Eye Care Awareness and Free Eye Check-up Camp on 15th February 2026
at its premises, reaffirming its commitment to the health and well-being of the
poor and marginalized communities. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chennangouda
Patil emphasized the vital importance of eye health, stating: “Eyes hold a
special importance in the human body. Even a small damage to the eyes can lead
to lifelong darkness. Therefore, we should never neglect eye health. Regular
check-ups and proper care are essential to protect our vision.” Presiding over
the program, Satish Fernandes, Director of Vimukti, highlighted that in today’s
society many people have unfortunately lost their eyesight and the opportunity
to experience the beauty of the world. He reminded everyone that eyesight is a
precious gift from God and urged all to remain vigilant about maintaining proper
eye care. 110 beneficiaries received free eye check-ups. Free medicines were
distributed to those in need. Spectacles were provided to patients requiring
vision correction. Five patients with serious eye conditions were referred for
further surgical treatment.
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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.