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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Grassroot
Stakeholders Training Held at Vimukti Pothnal
On
January 20th, 2025, a stakeholders' training session was conducted at the
Vimukti Center. Participants from four villages actively engaged in the program,
including four Nodal Teachers, four Rakshaks, four Grammitras, and four
community leaders.The training focused on addressing the critical issue of human
trafficking and raising awareness about its social implications. The
participants were highly engaged throughout the session. Discussions highlighted
how human trafficking violates basic human rights and disproportionately affects
minors, women, and young girls, pushing them into vulnerable situations. The
training emphasized the collective responsibility to protect these marginalized
and at-risk groups. Participants also gained valuable insights into the adverse
effects of social media misuse and the importance of utilizing helplines to take
prompt and effective action against such crimes. The session included group
discussions, followed by presentations from each group on strategies to make
villages safer for children and women. One participant shared their thoughts,
stating: "This training has strengthened our resolve to combat human trafficking
and protect the vulnerable. It has empowered us with knowledge and tools to
build a safer environment in our communities." In total, 16 members participated
in and benefited from this training.
"A
Distinctive and Colorful Children’s Fest-2025 Held at Vimukti Pothnal"
On
January 12, 2025, Vimukti Charitable Trust organized a vibrant and distinctive
Children’s Fest at its premises. The event brought together 55 sponsored
children and their families, along with participants from seven government
school clubs and parliament children groups. A total of 418 children and parents
participated in this joyful celebration. The day was filled with colorful
performances, as the children and staff poured their time and energy into
preparing a variety of dance and music programs. This year’s celebration was
uniquely creative, setting a new benchmark for such events at Vimukti. The event
was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the newly elected president of
Ensemble Agissons, Mrs. Maryann, the founder, Mr. Daniel Helbert, and the
vice-president, Mrs. Bernadette. The dignitaries were warmly welcomed by the
children with bouquets of flowers, a gesture that set the tone for the day.
Throughout the program, the dignitaries witnessed the children’s performances
with great enthusiasm. Mr. Daniel Helbert delivered an eye-opening message,
while Mrs. Maryann inspired everyone with her thoughtful and encouraging words.
“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this
world a beautiful garden,” she said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing
young minds. Vimukti made this event not only entertaining but also educational,
benefiting both children and the public. Parents and dignitaries praised the
innovative approach of combining fun with meaningful learning. The feedback from
attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the day as a
fabulous and memorable experience. Indeed, the event exemplified Vimukti’s
commitment to fostering joy, creativity, and learning in the lives of children
and their families.
Distribution
of School Bags to 350 Poor Children: Spreading New year 2025 Joy Through
Education:
"Education
is the key to unlocking a brighter future." This Christmas, Vimukti Pothnal,
brought joy and hope to 350 underprivileged children by distributing school bags
in our targeted villages. For many children in these communities, the lack of
basic school supplies often becomes a barrier to continuing their education.
Their parents, who work as daily laborers, auto drivers, or domestic helpers,
struggle to meet even basic needs. Some families have migrated for work, leaving
children with relatives, further increasing the risk of school dropouts. Through
this initiative, we provided proper school bags to children who previously
carried their books in plastic bags. The joy on their faces and the pride they
felt in receiving these gifts truly reflected the spirit of Christmas. These
simple yet essential items are helping them stay motivated in their educational
journey. So far, 350 children have benefited, ensuring they can focus on their
studies without unnecessary hardships. "A little help, a little hope, and small
acts of kindness can transform lives." Together, we’re empowering children with
the tools to dream, learn, and build a brighter future.
Vimukti
Pothnal Spreads Christmas Joy Among the Poorest of the Poor
"For
it is in giving that we receive." - St. Francis of Assisi
Vimukti Pothnal took a heartfelt initiative this Christmas octave on 30th
December, 2024 to celebrate with the poorest of the poor, embracing the spirit
of love, generosity, and inclusion. Often excluded from festive celebrations,
these families were at the heart of ours, reminding us of the true essence of
the season—sharing and caring for those in need. we visited the makeshift tents
of migrant workers, who live under tarpaulin sheets, facing harsh conditions
daily. These families, hailing from different states, work tirelessly on road
construction projects, far from their homes and communities. Despite their
struggles, they were warmly invited to join our Christmas program. The
celebration began with a warm welcome and the cutting of a Christmas cake,
symbolizing unity and joy. Each family received gifts of Christmas cake, sweets,
and clothes, bringing smiles to their faces and hope to their hearts. Through
this humble gesture, we sought to spread the message of love, joy, and humanity.
Reaching out to the unreached is not just our mission but our privilege—to serve
and uplift those in need, one family at a time. As we reflect on this Christmas,
let us remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi: "Remember that when you
leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received—only what
you have given." Vimukti Pothnal continues to stand as a beacon of hope for the
marginalized, spreading the light of compassion in a world that needs it most.
Sharing
the Joy of Christmas: Vimukti Distributes 50 Godrej Wardrobes to Sponsored
Children’s Families: Vimukti Pothnal "We
make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." – Winston
Churchill
Vimukti Pothnal celebrated the spirit of Christmas by reaching out to 50
sponsored families in the surrounding villages, spreading hope and joy during
this festive season. Recognizing the challenges faced by many of these families,
especially the lack of proper storage spaces for their belongings, Vimukti
provided each family with a Godrej wardrobe as a Christmas gift. These
thoughtful gifts were a practical solution to an immediate need, and they
symbolized love, care, and solidarity—the true essence of Christmas. Most of
these families, often struggling with daily hardships, expressed their heartfelt
gratitude for this meaningful gesture, which brought immense happiness and
relief to their lives. The distribution program was successfully organized with
the unwavering support of Vimukti staff and volunteers, ensuring a smooth and
transparent process. This act of giving not only addressed a basic necessity but
also reinforced the values of compassion and humanity that Vimukti upholds. As
part of the Christmas celebrations, Vimukti Pothnal organized a short but
heartfelt valedictory ceremony for four sponsored children—Geetha, Aswini,
Husenamma, and Durgamma—who are turning 18 and transitioning out of the
sponsorship program.All the sponsored children gathered during the program to
bid farewell and wish them the very best for their future. The Director, in his
inspiring speech, encouraged the outgoing children with these words: "The
journey ahead is yours to shape—dream big, work hard, and shine bright." To
commemorate this milestone, the Director presented them with gifts as tokens of
encouragement and appreciation for their journey so far. The event was filled
with warmth, good wishes, and a sense of hope as the children set out to pursue
their dreams and aspirations.
Vimukti
Christmas Celebration Brings Joy to 100 Underprivileged children and their
families:
On
December 22, 2024, Vimukti Charitable Trust hosted a joyful Christmas
celebration at its Pothnal premises, bringing cheer to 100 underprivileged
children and their families from nearby villages. The event began with a warm
welcome by Mr. Arogyappa and a heartfelt prayer service, setting a festive tone.
The highlight was the distribution of thoughtfully curated gift packages,
filling the children’s faces with radiant smiles. Volunteers and staff ensured a
seamless event, fostering a sense of belonging and hope for the families. The
day concluded with gratitude and joy, reflecting the true spirit of
Christmas—love, unity, and giving.
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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.