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
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.
Vimukti
Children and Youth Celebrate Ambedkar Utsav On
April 17, 2025, Vimukti Pothnal hosted a vibrant Ambedkar Utsav at its premises,
bringing together unorganized youth and Vimukti children from 14 villages. The
event, organized under the banner of “Ambedkar Utsav,” aimed to honor the legacy
of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and inspire participants through his life and
contributions. Fr. Sathish Fernandes delivered an engaging speech, highlighting
key incidents from Dr. Ambedkar’s life to instill values among the youth. He
emphasized Dr. Ambedkar’s monumental achievement in drafting the world’s
lengthiest constitution and his contributions to social justice and equality.
The program featured an essay and quiz competition focused on Dr. Ambedkar’s
life, with winners receiving certificates and cash prizes. Mr. Jaysheela
conducted an insightful session on “The Need for Constitutional Literacy in Our
Villages,” explaining its importance and ways to promote it among the masses.
Mr. Tayappa B. Hosur presided over the event, commending Dr. Ambedkar’s wisdom
and his efforts in empowering Dalits and women. Mr. Arogyappa, Vimukti animator,
proposed a vote of thanks. The staff’s dedication ensured the event’s success,
with 78 unorganized youth and children actively participating, making it a
memorable and impactful celebration.
"Empowering
Women through Skill Training: Over 1,000+ Women Trained and Earning with
Dignity" Vimukti Pothnal On
April 5th, 2025, Vimukti Pothnal organized a certificate distribution program in
Jeenoor village, Manvi Taluk, for women who successfully completed a five-month
free sewing training course. In his address, Mr. Charlie Udbal, a staff member
of Vimukti, highlighted the organization's decade-long commitment to empowering
rural women and unemployed youth through skill development. Over 1,000 women
have been trained and are now earning a livelihood, he noted. He also mentioned
that the certificates would help participants access government schemes and job
opportunities. Mr. Tirupati, Vice President of the Gram Panchayat, praised
Vimukti’s efforts in uplifting the poor and providing sustainable employment to
village women. Trainee Mrs. Ambika shared that without this training, many would
still be doing daily wage labor. The instructors also expressed gratitude for
the opportunity to teach and grow professionally. The event saw the
participation of local leaders, women, and around 15 enthusiastic trainees.
Vimukti
House Restoration Project: “Lifting Lives by Building Homes” MANGALORE:
St. Anne’s Friary Hall was filled with the spirit of generosity as St. Mary’s
Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai, now registered as St. Mary’s Charitable Trust
Mangalore, celebrated its silver jubilee. Marking the occasion, SMKC pledged to
build 25 homes for the underprivileged in partnership with Vimukti Charitable
Trust, run by the Capuchin Fathers of Karnataka Province. The celebration on
Sunday, March 23, 2025, commenced at 4:00 PM with the arrival of guests, who
were welcomed with tea and snacks. Mr. Leslie Rego, a friend and well-wisher of
SMKC, anchored the program and welcomed dignitaries with floral greetings. The
event was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp and prayers for blessings.
Mrs. Jennifer Macarenhas shared insights into SMKC’s collaboration with Vimukti
Raichur and the objectives of the housing project. Chief Guest Mr. Walter
Nandalike lauded SMKC’s contributions to health and education in Dubai and
Mangalore. He also highlighted social challenges, urging the community to foster
love and service. Capuchin Provincial Rev. Fr. John Alwyn Dias expressed
gratitude to SMKC for their generosity in supporting the Province’s social
initiatives. Vimukti Charitable Trust Director, Fr. Satish Fernandes, presented
an overview of the NGO’s services and future plans. To commemorate the
milestone, SMKC honored five prominent NGOs for their impactful contributions:
Corrine Rasquinha (White Doves, Mangalore), Joseph Crasta (Snehalaya, Manjeshwar),
Stephen Mascarenhas (Ian Cares Foundation, Kinnigoli), Roshan D’Souza (Humanity,
Belman), and Dr. Michael Lobo (Writer & Genealogist). The Capuchins also honored
Jennifer and Noel as a token of appreciation. Roshan D’Souza, speaking on behalf
of the honorees, applauded SMKC’s work and expressed gratitude. The event was
graced by Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Souza (Vice Provincial, Capuchin Province of
Karnataka), Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza (Director, CODP, Rev. Fr. Francis Gomes,
Rev. Fr. Richard Lasrado, along with SMKC Board Members Franny Fernandes,
Elizabeth Noronha, Urban Sequiera, Lawrence Almeida and well-wishers.
International
Women’s Day 2025 – “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment”
Vimukti Pothnal The
Vimukti Charitable Trust® celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 on March 17,
2025, under the theme: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and
Empowerment.” This year’s theme calls for action to unlock equal rights, power,
and opportunities for all, striving for a feminist future where no one is left
behind. Central to this vision is the empowerment of the next
generation—particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for
lasting change. Mr. Jaysheel, Vimukti Coordinator, delivered the keynote
address, emphasizing that “Women often live within the four walls of a house and
family. In the 21st century, it is essential for women to grow socially,
literarily, and politically, making their presence known both within and beyond
their homes. To create a better future, we must sow the seeds of gender equality
today.” Mrs. Nilamma, a teacher and the main resource person from Pothnal,
advised the women that “Equality must begin within our own homes by eliminating
gender disparities to build a better society. Women must take this issue
seriously, and with proper social and mental support, along with access to
quality education, they can overcome challenges and confidently face the
future.” In his inaugural speech, Fr. Sathish Fernandes motivated the women to
stand firm in facing their struggles. He stated, “Violence against women
continues to rise because society often perceives them as weak. However, women
must remember that if they will it, they possess immense strength to protect
themselves. It is crucial to prioritize the education of the girl child and
ensure gender equality begins at home. This will empower women to become
responsible and influential citizens of tomorrow.” Mrs. Lakshmi, the Grama
Panchayat President of Pothnal, along with 250 women representatives from 16
villages and all Vimukti staff, actively participated in the event, making
International Women’s Day 2025 a truly memorable and inspiring occasion.
NSS
Camp by St. Anthony’s College Bangaluru in Collaboration with Vimukti Charitable
Trust Pothnal: From
February 27 to March 5, 2025, the NSS unit of St. Anthony’s College, Bangalore,
in collaboration with Vimukti Charitable Trust, Pothnal, organized an eight-day
social work camp focused on child rights, health awareness, and community
welfare. This initiative aimed to empower children, educate communities, and
foster a sense of responsibility among the youth. Throughout the camp, collage
students actively participated in various awareness programs, training sessions,
and community engagement activities. Children were educated about their
fundamental rights and protection mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of
safety, education, and empowerment. Health awareness sessions provided valuable
guidance on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention, ensuring that children
and community members understood the significance of maintaining good health. To
make the awareness programs more engaging, Collage students performed street
plays and skits on crucial social issues, including child abuse, child marriage,
child labor, and human trafficking. These performances effectively conveyed
strong messages, making it easier for people to grasp the importance of
protecting children’s rights. Additionally, sessions on responsible social media
usage were conducted, highlighting its impact on mental health, privacy, and
safety.
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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.