Bangalore, March 12, 2024: On the occasion of the celebration of the International Women’s Day 2024, The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society®, Shimoga, the ‘development arm’ of the diocese of Shimoga received the prestigious Kittur Rani Chennamma State Award for the year 2023-24 from the Government of Karnataka. The award is given for the Organisation’s work in the field of women empowerment. The award was conferred on 12 March 2024 during the celebration of the International Women’s Day 2024 at Jawahar Bal Bhavan. Kasturba Road, Cubbon Park, Bangalore - 560 001. Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of Chaitanya and Secretary of SMSSS received the award from Mrs Lakshmi R. Hebbalkar, Honourable Minister of Women and Child Development, and Disabled and Senior Citizens Empowerment in the Government of Karnataka. The award consists of Award Certificate, Memento, Shawl, Garland, Mysore Peta, a gift and a Cash Award of Rs 50,000/-
In his words of appreciation Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of the diocese of Shimoga noted, “The award is for the tremendous work done to organize, educate, empower and emancipate women for the last three decades and more by the successive Directors and the dedicated staff of SMSSS. CONGRATULATIONS to all of them and especially the incumbent Director Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto for his committed service to the welfare of women and children.”
Ever since The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service came into existence on 11 August 1989, the organisation is at the service of the poor and marginalized families in the three civil districts of Shimoga, Chitradurga and Davanagere. Its work in the area of Women Empowerment is beyond measures. Through the formation of Self-help Groups SMSSS has empowered and emancipated more than 20,000 women irrespective of their caste, creed and culture. Presently 13,500 women are directly associated with SMSSS through different developmental activities. For the holistic growth of women and for their economic stability Streebandhu Vividhoddesha Souharda Sahakari Niyamita was formed in December 2013. Presently the Sahakari has 10,350 primary members (Women of the Self-Help Groups formed by SMSSS). Through leadership training, support for income generating activities, legal awareness programs, Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs, Entrepreneurship Development Programs, etc. SMSSS has brought in tremendous change in the lives of all these women who are extremely happy and proud to continue their association with SMSSS.
Apart from the yeomen services of SMSSS in the area of Women Empowerment, the organisation is also supporting 2,100 economically poor children for their education. The integral development of all these children is taken care by organising regular camps to all these children and regular parent meetings. Children receive support till they complete their education. The other areas of our interventions are support to 1,200 small and marginal farmers, capacity building of the staff and stake holders, good governance, etc. Major intervention in the area of health and development is organising regular health checkup and medical camps through the collaboration of Sarji Hospital, Shimoga, Nanjappa Life Care and Nanjappa Hospital, Shimoga and Sahyadri Multispeciality Hospital, Shimoga. Presently a series of activities are undertaken for different groups of people. As part of their study tour, several organisations visit SMSSS and are admired by our diverse activities and all-inclusive approach. Kittur Rani Chennamma State Award is indeed an added boost to strive for more and an invitation to work for the most marginalised with more vigour and commitment.
