CASK puts Miles of Smiles on Faces of 53 Children of SUHPS by Donating Books & Stationery’s
Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) puts Miles of Smiles on Faces of 53 Children of St Ursula Higher Primary School, Mangaluru (SUHPS) by Donating Books & Stationery’s
Mangaluru: With over 1250 CASK members spread across India and several countries of the world, the Catholic Association of South Kanara(CASK), is the oldest Catholic Laity Organization in South India, established in July 1914 and Registered under the Societies Act in 1925. CASK publishes a monthly magazine entitled “Mangaluru” since July 1927, one of the oldest monthly magazine in the country with the credit of uninterrupted publication for 91 years. Over the last 105 years, CASK has worked towards fulfilling the following Objectives of the Association – Promote the educational, economic, cultural, social and general welfare of the community; Render assistance to the under-privileged and vulnerable groups of society, irrespective of religion, caste, creed or any other distinction; Act as the voice of the community in upholding its rights and privileges; Inter-act, network and function as a link to unite the community spread across India and abroad.
CASK also organizes regular programmes for its members and also special programmes for students, youth, women and other target groups. CASK celebrated its centenary during 2013-2014 and successfully launched and implemented many programmes in honor of the Centenary, a few among them are-Promotion of Blood, Organ and Whole Body Donations” in collaboration with Father Muller Hospital; Personality Development Programme” for School/College Students; CASK Education Fund” has been substantially scaled up in order to provide annual scholarship to deserving students irrespective of religion, caste, creed or other distinctions; Provision of Safe Drinking Water in Schools; Footwear for Barefoot School-Going Children.
With over 105 years of its existence and meritorious service to the community, CASK has been True to its objectives serving the Community, especially Catholic Community in the district with much dedication and commitment over the past century. It has given its special attention to education and social development, helping the poorer sections of the society in their needs. Thanks to CASK for its leadership in bringing about a change in the lives of the poor and motivating laity to emerge as leaders of the community. And today, 20 June, members of CASK visited St Ursula Higher Primary School, located in the campus of Rosario Cathedral/Rosario High School/College, Mangaluru and donated books and school related stationery’s to 53 students coming from poor families, thereby putting miles of smiles on their faces.
The simple programme began with a prayer song by the children invoking God’s blessings, followed by welcome address and greeting the CASK members with flowers by Headmistress of the School, Ms Laveena Pinto, who also thanked the generosity of CASK members, especially George and Thelma Pais, the members of CASK who donated the books and stationery’s. The books along with stationery’s were handed over to all the children by CASK representatives, namely, Ms Nayana Fernandes (President), Mario Saldanha ( Secretary), Lawrence Pinto (Past President), Dr Derick Lobo (Past President), Archie Menezes, Joane Lobo, Gulobi Fernandes, June Pais- all Governing Council Members.
Miss Monica N, the School Pupil Leader extended heartfelt gratitude to CASK for their generosity during vote of thanks, and it was indeed a kind gesture on part of CASK to make these poor students happy with their contribution. In conclusion, in my perspective, “Yes, \we live in a world with overwhelming humanitarian needs, where millions and millions of people are in need of food, water and other help. With so many needs, where do we even begin? Does helping just one person really matter? The answer is found in Matthew 25:40 where Jesus says, “Whatever you have done to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done it to me.”
One really does matter. You can help the needy around you in practical, creative ways. And this is exactly what a bevy of CASK members did for the less fortunate children with love. “You may never know what results come of your action, But if you do nothing there will be no result. The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems” had said Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Teresa once said, “We cannot do great things on this Earth,Only small things with great love.”- and that’s exactly what CASK is doing.
While many have the best facilities, there are also few others who lack them- and this is where we need to lend our helping hands and share some of our wealth and facilities with the less privileged. CASK has created a compassionate heart among its members, and members have become conscious about the downtrodden. It’s nice to note that the members of this organization are doing yeomen service to the community. The efforts of the CASK members in helping out the poor school children through this little contribution is praiseworthy. May God bless you all for what you are all doing! Go CASK!
