Bellary, Jun 8: It was a memorable day for the differently-abled children here on Tuesday June 7, with the inauguration of Anugraha, a school dedicated specially to them. Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) has come forward to defray the recurring expenses of the school for the current year. Bishop of Bellary Henry D’Souza blessed the new school, which is managed by the Anugraha Foundation and run by the Sisters of Apostolic Carmel. Readings from the holy scriptures of different religions preceded the blessing by the Bishop.
In his message, Bishop D’Souza recalled the Biblical teaching, “All humans are created unto the very image and likeness of God. Hence they are to be loved and treated with dignity and respect.” Later three physically challenged children namely Karthik, Malleshwari and Suresh inaugurated the school by lighting the traditional lamp. Parvathi Indushekar, mayor of Bellary City Corporation, Sr Linette, provincial superior of Apostolic Carmel and Dr Dayanand, director of Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences were the guests of honour.
In her message, the mayor urged the people to appreciate and support noble initiatives such as the launching of the Anugraha School.The Anugraha Foundation is a joint venture by Basavaraj and family of Bellary and the Bishop of Bellary. It was registered on April 1, 2009. The Foundation has been launched to perpetuate the memory of the late Y Umadevi and the late Y Mahabaleshwarappa. The Basavaraj family has donated 3 acres 10 cents of land to the Foundation.
Presently, the Anugraha School is housed in a 150-year-old historic church building near St Philomena’s School in Bellary. “In about a year the school is expected to be moved to its own premises,” said the Foundation’s author/trustee Y Basavaraj. Sr Mary Christine is the director and principal of the school. She will be ably assisted by Sr Juliana and Sr Sushanthi. Bishop of Bellary is the president of the Foundation and Y Basavaraj is the author/trustee. Y Satish, Y Harish, Fr Anthonyraj, advocate Mahendranath and Francis Xavier are the other Trustees. State award winner and a pioneer in education of the differently-abled children Sr Maria Jyothi and provincial councilor Sr Carmel Rita were present on the occasion.