Dynamic work in Orissa, India
Under the efficient leadership of TOS Secretary, Mrs Deepa Padhi, the Mahabharat TOS Group in Orissa, India, continues to be very active, running educational, health and welfare programs for the destitute, particularly women. In recent years, house-keeping, home nursing and computer training have been offered to help slum ladies toward self-confidence and economic independence. In early 2008 a major health check was organised at Mission Ashra, Janla, a home for destitute women rescued from the streets. A team of psychiatrists, gynaecologists, dermatologists and dentists examined all 120 residents.
The National Director of the TOS, Mr B.L. Bhattacharyya, recently came to town to inaugurate a new program of vocational training for the slum ladies, conducted in collaboration with Jana Shikhyana Sansthana, a government organisation. Through learning to make incense sticks and soap, twenty-five women have been helped toward independence.
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While he was visiting Mahabharat last October, Bro. Birendra Bhattacharyya presented the Besant Selfless Service Award for 2009 to Dr Sagarika Mishra, the hardworking and compassionate superintendent of a local orphanage for girls. |
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Animals should be viewed as non-human persons and members of the moral community and should not be used as food, clothing, research subjects, or entertainment. At Venkateswar English Medium School where the TOS provides free medical checkups, this is the message conveyed by a rally organised last October to celebrate the International Day for Animal Rights. The students carried placards and donned masks to increase awareness that animals should be able to live their lives free of exploitation and abuse. The Mahabharat TOS Group is also linked to an animal help-line. Whenever necessary, the members phone the veterinary surgeon and pay for the treatment of stray dogs and other animals. Their current project is to organise an essay competition at college level on “The Rights of Animals". The three best essay writers will be awarded prizes at a special event. |
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