Mangaluru: We live in a world with overwhelming humanitarian needs, where millions and millions of people are in need of food, water and financial 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 energetic youngsters decided to help the less fortunate and the needy with love, through a fundraising event and it turned out to be successful venture. Great job, guys!
Yes, a bunch of young students, past and present, of St Aloysius P U College belonging to ‘CAUSE’- ‘Citizen Alliance to Uphold Service and Exchange’, who had taken an initiative to raise funds for a good cause, in order to help Samvedhana (orphans suffering from Aids) ,Sevaashram (home for elderly) and Preeti Sadana (orphanage) organized “CAUSE 2015” at St Aloysius Loyola Hall on Saturday, 15 August 2015.
Prior to the formal cultural programme at Loyola Hall, “Ride For a Cause” a bike rally was flagged off near Light House Hill Road by Mangalotre Traffic Police ACP Udaya Nayak, along with Suhail K- General secretary of State Justice and Human Rights. Speaking at the event, ACP Nayak said, ” In order to carry on with smooth flow of traffic with road safety and road rules in mind, there should be mutual understanding and cooperation between the motorists and traffic authorities. Motorists need to start following the traffic rules, and the traffic cops need to stay active, and do their duties to the best of their abilities. If we all can imitate western style of living and fashions, why not also imitate and follow the western traffic standards and western motorists way of driving. Lets hope for a better traffic standards in Mangaluru, and lets keep ” Road Safety ” through 365 days of the year. While riding two-wheelers make sure you wear helmets, and don’t over speed and ride rash. Remember, Speed thrills, but kills”.
Nearly 200 two-wheelers, including 40 bikers belonging to Yezdi Motorcycle Club, Bengaluru and also 20 bikers belonging to ‘Coastal Super Bikers” took part in the 8.1 km ‘Ride for a Cause’ bike rally which started from Lighthouse Hill Road, and proceeded through Jyothi, Nanthur, Bunts Hostel Road and culminated at SAC Loyola Hall ground. The cultural event was formally inaugurated by Rev Fr Francis D’Almeida-SAC Campus Minister, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely Rekha.K.Alva ( vice principal- SAC PU College), Flora Mendes- Principal-WIT), and Laxman Kunder (MD of V4 News). The event was professionally compered Bindushree R and Allinson Aranha.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief guest for the occasion, police commissioner S Murugan said that it is always a happy occasion to be among young people and it becomes all the more memorable, when they come together and contribute for a cause. He said, “Charity begins at home; but charity also begins at a very early age. It is wonderful that those gathered here are contributing towards some of the perennial problems of our society.” He said that all of us are privileged in many ways although we may not acknowledge it and at many times, take it for granted. The food we get on our table from time to time, the shelter and security that our parents provide us – these are things that seem so obvious, that seem as if it was there just for us. But it is also true that there many people who do not have such comforts and luxuries.
“Recently, when there was a disaster in our neighbouring country, many young people had come together. They had not only made contributions, but had also carried out a march in the city. This only shows how concerned and socially aware the young people of today are.” He requested each and every one of gathered to carry forward this gesture not only for this particular occasion but to make it a habit for life. “You have set a high standard for yourselves, it is up to you to ensure that this is continued in the years to come,” he said. He also congratulated all those who have taken part in the cause and the organisers for bringing people together to contribute towards society. Flora Mendes also spoke on the occasion and complimented the student organizers for a unique project aimed at helping the needy.
Following the formal programme, it was time for some real good entertainment which rocked the house with scintillating and breath-taking dance moves by Dance Teams namely Illusion, Nicky’s Group, Velocity and Blue Print & Last Beat. The atmosphere was transformed into a world of music with superb live performances by bands namely The Unknown, Gravity, and Crossroads. Among the latest rock numbers and Bollywood favorites, one song that really took the young audience into some swinging mood was “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton! The sizzling Bollywood style dance performance by Eisha Shetty and Almirah, both SAC PU students received thunderous applaud from the audience, especially the boys. Beat Boxing by Akshay, Swaroop, Genevia and Vernon Ryan put the young crowd in a gyrating mood and even called for encore. The Cultural Event simply rocked the house and enthralled the audience to the fullest. Great going, guys!
Speaking to mangalorean.com, coordinator of “Cause” Suhan Alva said , ” What we need is the full encouragement and support from the citizens to make the youth realize their responsibility in the society and making our future projects a grand success.The funds accumulated will be used for the three NGOs/Ashram. We solicit your contribution in our future projects towards a good cause, thereby help the less fortunate in distress and suffering. We look forward for your patronage in our forthcoming endeavors”.
In conclusion, here is my perspective on this unique project- Volunteering in serving the community and the needy is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. Volunteering may have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as for the person or community served. It is helping, assisting, or serving another person or persons without pay. These volunteers belonging to CAUSE group are doing a yeomen service in helping the community for a good cause.
It’s always wise to raise funds for such kind of causes through your own efforts and unique ideas. You may approach ministers/minister for financial help to support your project, that may not happen soon, your requests could be granted or ignored. So what you have done today is marvelous effort to raise funds on your own without political influence- great job, folks. Don’t depend on government or politician help-own efforts bring out better results without delay. Compliments on a great project and best of luck. You guys of CAUSE are awesome and are determined to make a difference in the society through their valuable and dedicated service. Public need to support and encourage them in their efforts, who are bound to put some smiles on the faces of the needy in the community.
Sometime small initiative can make a big change in the society. These young PU students of St Aloysius College, have taken a small initiative to do something better to the society. I commend and compliment the efforts of these students in helping those who are in desperate need of better facilities. And along with the support from the public, we all can make a difference in the lives of these suffering patients, and other destitute. Let’s all join and lend our helping hand to CAUSE and its members who are trying hard to make a difference in the lives of the needy in the community.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Also ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these. I am really overwhelmed that these youth of CAUSE are come forward with a unique project to help the less privileged and the needy, and I am sure that God will bless these boys and girls abundantly for their kind gesture and love towards the needy folks in the community. May God bless you all. Mangalorean.com feels proud to support this and future projects undertaken by CAUSE by way of publicity, and also full coverage prior to the event and thereafter. If you still want to contribute towards CAUSE and their mission you can contact by calling : 8904817900, 8050476576, 8971011868
And to the CAUSE 2015 team namely Suhan Alva, Eisha Shetty, Hana Moosa, Sameeksha Subhash, Alec Rego, Mueez A Darbar, Mahin Madappa, Kristen Farias, Nihal Shetty, Abin Tom, Luminita Lobo, Almirah Sherina, Len Vas, Adeeb, and Mohammed Shawaz and the rest- You All Simply Rock. Keep up the good work that you are entrusted with, and surely God will bless you. You all are making a difference in the community with your yeomen service- keep working for a GOOD CAUSE. Long Live the group-“CAUSE”- Citizen Alliance to Uphold Service and Exchange.