SOCIAL MINISTRY

Ministry Place: Chetna Mahila Vikas Kendra        

 The Social Ministry team consists of Schs. Pallam Raju, Alan Mathew, Rejoy, and Bro. Amal CST, and operates at the Chetna Mahila Vikas Kendra in Phulgate, Pune, Maharashtra. The ministry is led by Miss Asuntha Pardhe, an advocate, who oversees 200 women’s groups in and around Pune. Our mission involves teaching basic English, advanced mathematics, commerce, and communication skills to underprivileged children from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds. 30 children regularly come for the tuition to the centre. We also engage them in creative writing, self-expression, and recreational games to help boost their self-esteem. In addition, we visit self-help women’s groups in slums across the city. An important aspect of our work includes active participation in Saturday protests. Furthermore, the DNC community has generously provided us with numerous opportunities to organize events such as Children’s Day, Bala Mela, a day with sex workers, and pre-Christmas celebrations. We are deeply inspired by the unwavering support of the DNC Jesuit community, which continues to lend a helping hand in facilitating programs for those involved in our ministry. We are grateful for the ongoing cooperation and the positive impact of this collaborative effort.

Ministry Place: Kalyani Nagar Tuitions

Kalyani Nagar Tuitions is an initiative aimed at educating migrant children of north Karnataka,living in slums. Through this ministry, we teach children, who attend government schools orhave dropped out due to financial and social constraints.The foundation of our ministry lies in empowerment through education. We strive to bridge thegap between potential and opportunity by providing a safe and nurturing environment wherechildren can learn subjects such as English, Maths, Marathi, and more. Our brothersensure that
each child receives personalized attention, making the learning process both enriching andenjoyable.
In addition to academics, we offer life skills training and foster values such as discipline andself-confidence. Beyond teaching, we engage with their parents and community members in the slums. We also organize Balamela events to bring joy and a sense of belonging to the children.Through these tuition sessions, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and difficulties
faced by these children. This, in turn, enables us to create opportunities for change and work towards building a more equitable society.

Ministry Place: : Mahavir Pratishthan School, Gultekadi

Our ministry is involved with Lokayat, a group of social activists and intellectuals. They engagein various fields, such as imparting the education and the values of the Constitution, whichincludes human rights, dismantling the caste system, and promoting gender equity. The group is divided in different wings, the social wing, digital wing, Mahila Jagaran wing, and JBM. We primarily work with JBM, also known as Jawahar Bal Manch, where we cater to slum children.We help them understand the importance of the Indian Constitution, human dignity, and gender equality. We also participated in the “Meri Raten Meri Sadken”program, which aims to promote gender equality and motivate women to be courageous like the famous women of India.

This ministry allows us to experience the lives of the lower strata of society, just as Jesus experienced during his ministry. It fosters compassion for the poor and encourages us accompany them as well as to work for their betterment. Our presence helps the people in our ministry improve and cultivate values that will guide them to become better individuals.

Ministry Place: MC Sister’s, Chinchwad

Our team of brothers from different congregations participates in this service, providing companionship and support to the inmates. We assist with cleaning, washing, shaving, and hairdressing, promoting a hygienic environment and the inmates’ dignity. Despite initial concerns about language barriers, we connect with the inmates. We’re inspired by the sisters’ generosity, kindness, and dedication to caring for the inmates. Working together as a team, we share skills, support each other, and enjoy each other’s company. Our experience is rewarding and enriching. We’re grateful to serve the inmates, learn from their experiences, and look forward to continuing our service and building on the relationships we form.

Ministry Place: Maher Vatsalyadham

Maher Vatsalyadham lives by the belief that love is the greatest religion. Its mission is to create secure, loving homes for everyone, empowering individuals to discover their inner strength and achieve self-reliance. The organization is dedicated to providing shelter and support to destitute, exploited, and battered women, men, and children across India. We deeply admire their work, which breathes life and hope into humanity. The center includes a facility for the mentally challenged, an old-age home for women, and orphanages for both boys and girls.
Our role here involves teaching basic spoken English, engaging in fun games, sharing general knowledge, and introducing rhythmic songs and musical instruments. We also focus on imparting moral values, offering tuition when needed, and participating in outdoor games with the children. Additionally, we contribute by decorating notice boards and assisting with other tasks as required. At the old-age home, we organize fun games and entertainment to bring joy to the elderly. Through these activities, we aim to be a part of Maher’s mission, spreading love and hope to everyone we serve.

Ministry Place: SADDAC: Transforming Lives of Street and Platform Children

SADDAC, based in Daund, Maharashtra, has been a beacon of hope for street and platform children since its establishment in 1997. This social ministry provides care, education, and a nurturing environment for children who are lost, abandoned, or vulnerable. Many of these children are found at the bustling Daund railway station, where they face numerous challenges. SADDAC’s mission is to transform the lives of these children by offering them a safe and supportive home. The organization provides essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, life skills training, and family reunification programs. It also emphasizes education, helping children build a solid foundation for a brighter future. A key aspect of SADDAC’s work is preparing students in grades 9 and 10 for their board exams.
Academic tutoring ensures that these students have a strong grasp of fundamental subjects, empowering them to achieve their goals. In addition to academics, SADDAC integrates music education into its curriculum, fostering creativity and joy in the children’s lives. These activities not only enhance their skills but also promote trust, self-expression, and personal growth. Dedicated volunteers visit SADDAC regularly to contribute to its mission. For instance, a committed educator visits every weekend, staying overnight to offer tuition in academic subjects and music. Witnessing the gradual transformation of the children – from doubt to confidence – is
a deeply rewarding experience for all involved. SADDAC’s holistic approach ensures that children are not only provided with shelter but are also nurtured into responsible and independent adults. The organization stands as a testament to the power of kindness and support in changing lives. Its work continues to inspire hope and bring smiles to the faces of children, proving that a loving and secure environment can make all the difference.

Ministry Place: Sandhya Home For Aged, Nanapeth

Sandhya Home for the Aged is a loving refuge for 12 elderly individuals, both men and women, located in Nanapetu, just a 10-minute walk from Pune railway station. This old age home is run by the John the Baptist Sisters. As part of our ministry, Bro. Ajay and I, Melbin, visit Sandhya Home every Saturday morning. We spend quality time with the residents, engaging in conversations, listening to their concerns, and offering emotional support. Many of them eagerly await our visits, seeking someone to share their tensions and worries with. We also assist the Sisters with various tasks, such as cutting hair, shaving beards, and performing light cleaning duties that the residents struggle with. Our ministry has a profound impact on us, teaching us to love and care for the elderly without distinction. We offer spiritual support, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. Notably, despite the language barrier – many residents speak only Marathi, which we’re not fluent in –we strive to communicate effectively, sharing our experiences and providing the love that the
Lord asks us to shower on our neighbors. Through this ministry, we’ve come to realize the importance of caring for the elderly and
demonstrating God’s love in practical ways. As we continue to serve at Sandhya Home, we’re reminded that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and compassion, regardless of their age or background.

Ministry Place: Vidya Kiran Boarding, Vitthalwadi
(Assumption Sisters)

Vidya Kiran Boarding, run by the Assumption Sisters in Vitthalwadi, is a beacon of hope for girls from broken families or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It aims to provide education and a holistic development to nurture socially responsible and self-reliant individuals. The institution accommodates students from grades 1 to 12. Every Saturday and Sunday, we visit the boarding in pairs to support the girls in core subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Accountancy, and English. We focus on strengthening their
foundational concepts, addressing areas often overlooked in schools, and providing personalized attention to help them overcome academic challenges. In addition to academics, we organize extracurricular activities like mind games, dance, action songs, and paper crafts. These activities are designed to enhance their creativity, focus, and skills. This ministry is deeply fulfilling, as it not only empowers the girls with education and confidence but also enriches us through the joy of service and the bonds we build together.