Ruby Jubilee Inaugurated

On 20 December, 2012, Seva Kendra Calcutta celebrated its 40 years of bringing hope and healing. In a simple and meaningful gathering of its staff, well wishers and friends at the Kolkata Main Office, it was a time to look forward, as much as it was to look back.

The programme began with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta, reminding the gathering of the source and sustenance of Seva Kendra's work, among the poor and disadvantaged in Bengal. A beautiful choir complimented the Mass with their singing.

After a short break, (with tea, cookies and Christmas Cake,) was the cultural part of the programme - a sequence of classical dance which enthralled the guests. An address by the Archbishop followed, and the Director, Dr. Franklin Menezes also said a few words and outlined Seva Kendra Calcutta's ambitious plans for the future. The Jubilee logo, theme, and this new website were also announced.

A "Jubilee Candle" has also been lit by the Archbishop and this will be kept alight, through the year. Staff of SKC also tied ribbons on the trees in the complex, kissing them as a sign of their love for nature, too! After all, SKC is also a very green organisation.

A lunch followed, catered by Seva Kendra's own "Daily Bread" restaurant, bringing to a close an event of celebration, fellowship and commitment to even more ahead for SKC.

The Offertory at Mass.

Tree on the grounds being felicitated!

HG Most Rev. Thomas D'Souza light the Jubilee flame...

Ex-Director Fr. Reggie enjoys lunch with others.

Cultural programme in progress.

See our Photo Albums for more pictures...

Guests from Czech Republic

Our Czech friends...

It was our privilege to welcome Rev. Fr. Vojtech Elias, the President of LIKVIDACE LEPRY-TB and the Director of the Caritas Prague, Mr. Lubomir Hajas and 3 students- Josef Sveda, Pavel Pelikan and Zdislava Ferbyova from the beautiful city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. 

They were in India to be present at the blessing and inauguration on December 15, 2012 of the orphanage in Bhilai Pahari for the children of the leprosy patients. They did visit St. Joseph’s Hospital, which they had sponsored to help build and met its Director, Fr. Reginald Fernades to find out about the progress made by the hospital. They were very impressed by the various initiatives taken by Fr. Fernandes and the doctors to reach out to the sick in need. 

The following day a short walk that they had taken through a slum where SKC is working has left lasting impressions in their minds of the impoverished state in which people are condemned to work and survive-the most vulnerable among being the children who are rag-pickers. They were happy to know from the animators about the community mobilization project, SKC is involved in.

Fun- Filled Morning in Serampore during this Christmas Season

The children with their young patrons

25 children in the Mainstreaming Centre of Serampore, run by Seva Kendra Calcutta with the whole-hearted support of Indienhilfe, Herrsching, Germany were in for a pleasant surprise on Sunday, December 16, 2012. Four young women - Vineeta Fredrick, Praveena Fenn Ireland, Angela Gomes and Karo Christine Kumar landed at their hostel facility with bags full of clothes and Christmas goodies. 

The donors who are young professionals from various fields gave the children plenty of clothes and served them delicious food and this brought great joy to the kids. They also conducted various games which the children participated in with fun and frolic. The four friends who have known each other from their school days have been regularly coming together over the last five years during the Christmas season to spend time with various groups of children. 

“Christmas is all about sharing and giving to the less privileged of the society,” says Vineeta Fredrick who coordinates this Christmas event. 

To the benefactors it was a small thing but for the beneficiaries it was a great experience of love. Seva Kendra Calcutta thanks them for their goodwill gesture.