The Kodagu District Legal Services Authority is committed to ensuring that vulnerable sections of society receive the legal assistance and support they require, said Shubha, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the Kodagu District Legal Services Authority.
She was speaking after inaugurating the 18th anniversary celebrations of Snehashraya Samiti and ODP, organised jointly by the District Legal Services Authority, District AIDS Control Unit, Snehashraya Samiti, ODP and the Madikeri Lions Club at the Lions Club Hall in Madikeri.
Addressing the gathering, Shubha said the Legal Services Authority functions with the objective of ensuring equal access to justice for all sections of society. Appreciating the dedicated efforts of Snehashraya Samiti and ODP in safeguarding the welfare of HIV-affected children, she urged various service organisations to join hands in extending support to such humanitarian initiatives.
She said the Authority is always ready to provide legal assistance to people living with HIV and encouraged them not to live in fear after being diagnosed with the disease. Instead, they should face life with courage and confidence.
“Life is not always filled with happiness. Everyone experiences ups and downs, and such challenges should be faced with determination,” she said.
Tenny Kurian, Director of ODP Mysuru, observed that moral values are gradually declining in society and that elders are not receiving the respect they deserve. He stressed the need to impart life values to younger generations from an early age.  Patrick Clavier, Manager of St. Michael’s Educational Institutions and a priest of St. Michael’s Church, appealed to people from all sections of society to extend compassion and support to those living with HIV.
Kodagu Janapada Parishat President B.G. Ananthashayana said there are nearly 70,000 people living with HIV in India, including around 11,000 in Karnataka. He urged those affected to accept life’s challenges with courage and strive to lead meaningful and happy lives.
Journalist Anil H.T. lauded Snehashraya Samiti and ODP for their dedicated service to HIV-affected children over the past 18 years, describing their work as a noble humanitarian mission. He also suggested that social service organisations should make efforts to create employment opportunities for people living with HIV.
Lions Club President Mohan Kumar said initiatives aimed at instilling hope and confidence in the lives of HIV-affected persons through assistance and rehabilitation deserve appreciation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Siddayaiah, Health Officer and one of the key individuals behind the establishment of Snehashraya 18 years ago, said HIV remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
He emphasised that children living with HIV require not only proper medical care but also emotional support and encouragement.
Snehashraya Executive Chairman K.T. Baby Mathew said the organisation has successfully completed 18 years of service with the generous support of donors from Madikeri. Their continued contributions have helped bring hope and dignity to the lives of hundreds of HIV-affected individuals, he added.
District AIDS Control Officer Dr. Sanath Kumar, Lions Trust President A.K. Naveen, and Rotary Misty Hills President P.R. Rajesh were present on the dais.
On the occasion, donors distributed various forms of assistance to HIV-affected children.
Sunita Muthanna welcomed the gathering, Joyce Menages compered the programme, and Baini, District Coordinator of the Care and Support Centre, proposed the vote of thanks.
