Kasargod, Nov 6,2015 : The new building of Snehalaya, a rehabilitation home for the mentally challenged has come up at Pavoor Bachalike in Manjeshwar. The building was inaugurated by Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty, while the benedictory address was delivered by Mangaluru Diocese Bishop Rev.Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza.
In her address, Shakuntala Shetty said serving the weak, downtrodden and mentally challenged people is a great service to humanity and showered praises on Snehalaya Founder Joseph Crasta for his noble deeds.
The Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese in his presidential address, said the society needs people like Crasta who lend a helping hand to the needy and the suffering who are at a total loss finding no help and support.
Several other dignitaries including Fr Vincent D’Souza, Vicar Var of Kasargod and Parish Priest of Bela Mother of Sorrows Church, Fr Andrew D’Souza, Fr Aloysius, Priests of Pavoor and Talapady churches respectively, Roy Castelino, Konkani Academy President, Jacintha Vijay Alfred, Mayor of Mangaluru. Abdul Ravoof Puttige of Talent Research Foundation and Joseph Crasta Founder and Managing Director of Snehalaya were present on the dais.
Major Stany Mathew, Rahamatulla and Abdul Ravoof Puttige who have been supporting Snehalaya were felicitated on the occasion.
Joseph Crasta in his welcome address said so far over one hundred people including two persons of Nepal have got a new life after being taken care of at Snehalaya. He said Snehalaya presently houses 75 people and added it also provides free meals to nearly 200 people at Kasargod Government Hospital and 700 patients at Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru.
Speaking about future plans, he said the centre even plans to offer treatment for cancer patients and also dialysis for patients with kidney problems.