DISHA: Direction In Society For Human Awareness
“Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.” ~Virginia Burden, The Process of Intuition
The essence of humanity lies not only in establishing big milestones for the nation, but also in bringing together a safe and lovable environment for the ones who are dejected of it, either as a part of their miserable faith or social obligations. This is what led to the formation of DISHA-to give a direction to humankind, to make peace with the violent world and to keep the abandoned pristine in their majesty by bringing them together under one roof. This team was founded in collaboration with students’ council and enthusiastic staff members, to extend a helping hand in the direction of the oppressed and less known sectors of our society through various events like free dental check-up camps, awareness programs, drug collection and re-distribution campaigns, clothes collection drive and lots more! The organization’s main motive is to help give people an insight into the field of dental health and social vigilance. DISHA was inaugurated for this year under the presence of Dr. Mithun Pai, the cultural coordinator and the students’ council members 2011-2012 on 24th September, 2011.
October 2nd '11
DISHA started with a small cultural program organized at an orphanage “Bhagini Samaj” near Mangala Devi. The DISHA volunteers and the student council, accompanied by the cultural coordinator went to visit the kids at around 9 a.m. A dance and song were prepared for entertainment of the kids. Later, refreshments were served to the children after which, a drawing competition was held and prizes were distributed. Dr. Mithun Pai gave a brief round-up of oral hygiene practice to the kids. A small personal kit- consisting of toothbrush, toothpaste, a small bathing soap and washing soap, was distributed to each and every child. We also contributed a sack of rice to the warden of the orphanage, as a token of gratitude. The volunteers had a jolly time with the kids and the overall experience was worthwhile!!!
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White Doves
DISHA started its next venture with a visit to the White Dove Association at Mannagudda, mangalore. The students’ council association, along with a few volunteers from each batch went to the association on 23rd October, 2011. They reached around 10:30 am to the place. The inmates of the institution greeted us with warm gestures on arrival. The students performed dance and song for the people staying there. The inmates were very co-operative and participated actively in our program by singing and dancing to the tunes of performers. Later, refreshments were served to the people staying there. Dr. Mithun Pai later handed over a few cartons containing clothes collected in “cloth-collection drive” organized by DISHA the previous week. The members of DISHA and the people of White Dove had a great time together.
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An interview with the founder (Corrine Rasquinha)
Left to Right: Supreet Grover, Corrine Rasquinha,
Mandovi Nath
1) Me: So ma’am…how long have you been running this institution now?
Corrine: 12 years now…I was given initially just one house. But now, we have 2 offices. That is an achievement for us.
2) Me: What does the name “white dove” signify?
Corrine: In bible, there is a mention of Noah sending a white dove out of his arc, the day flood ended; with an olive leaflet in its mouth to inspect the level of water. So, white dove denotes peace, a ray of hope. That is what we do for people here, telling them that they are being cared for.
3) Me: What is the daily routine of the inmates out here?
Corrine: Well, the people here first attend the Morning Prayer, and then they have their breakfast. Then they attend their daily chores. In the evening, we go around the city with food packets, providing the destitute on roads with food that they cannot afford.
4) Me: So, have you ever felt the miracle of this divine act of yours that you have performed
Corrine: I was diagnosed with terminal stage breast cancer in the year 2009.I went into coma, my liver enzymes had gone up to the level of 5100 and I was told that I wouldn’t survive for long. The arrangements for my funeral were made, and everyone was informed that I would not return to the institution. The people here started to weep and pray for me night and day. Miraculously, my liver enzyme level came down to 700 after two days and within a week, I was back. Now, I’m breathing and walking happily. What more could I ask for? (Smiles)
5) Me: Then, you believe that prayers have the power to change someone’s life?
Corrine: I believe prayers can do a lot more than what we know. Thus, all that I want to say to the mass outside is that please do pray for these poor and helpless folks. We may be a lot less in strength compared to the actual number out there, roaming around helplessly and in a confused way as where to go. All we have in this life is our fellow folks and it is the sole duty of humanity to care for, to look after the needy. Lord will always be with them who care for men of the Lord.