The Humanitarian Friends Union distributed assistance worth Rs. 3 lakh to 70 beneficiaries, including destitute families, students and persons with disabilities.
At the district-level annual ‘Karunya’ programme organised at Ambedkar Bhavan in the city, assistance was extended to 70 deserving beneficiaries, including women and children from various parts of Kodagu district.
The aid package, valued at Rs. 3 lakh, included quality food kits for families with no source of income, financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 each for those undergoing medical treatment, and textbooks for children facing financial difficulties in pursuing their education.
Former Madikeri Municipal Council President H.M. Nanda Kumar inaugurated the programme and lauded the Union for its humanitarian service. He said such organisations bring hope and relief to people in distress and appreciated the efforts made to provide timely assistance to the needy.
Journalist Anil H.T. remarked that the Union’s social service activities were exemplary and a model for other organisations. He expressed admiration that welfare assistance worth over Rs. 3 lakh had been mobilised through a WhatsApp group with the cooperation of 190 members, without seeking public donations.
He observed that money alone was not sufficient and that humanitarian work becomes meaningful when accompanied by compassion. He wished that the helping hands extended to the underprivileged would continue uninterrupted.
Dr. Mustafa Madapura, Assistant Professor at Sri Sathya Sai University, Andhra Pradesh, described the Union’s humanitarian activities as exemplary.
At the programme, presided over by Union spokesperson Shashikumar Chettalli, founder and administrator Anil Rai, members Chetranda Leela Medappa and Asmat Madikeri, and Mangaluru-based businessman Amit D’Souza highlighted the various service activities undertaken by the organisation.
The programme commenced with the Union’s theme song written by Madikeri Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Kadlera Tulasi Mohan and rendered by Union spokesperson and journalist M.E. Mohammed.
Indira A.H. welcomed the gathering, while T.R. Vinod of Ponnampet proposed the vote of thanks. Baleida Divya Mandappa compered the programme.
Administrators Kavita Ramesh Lilavati, Kavita Ramesh, Niaz Suntikoppa, K.S. Anil Kumar, Hanif Sona, Dasharatha, Chiranda changappa and Agni Chennanayaka were present.
Representatives of the Union from across the district participated in the event.
