6. Social and Medical Services [ RC Diocese of Salem ]

Chapter – VI
SOCIAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES
I. Social services:
The activities of the state, individuals and any other organizations undertaken to reduce social disequilibriums between individuals, classes or groups are called social welfare activities. One of the missions of the Catholic Church is to render social service especially to the sick, poor and the needy. Christ made a positive and outstanding command for salvation. The priests, monks, nuns and lay folk are involved in social welfare activities. Highlighting the difficulty in carrying out this task, Pope Pius XI said,. “No easy task [social service] is imposed upon the clergy, wherefore, all candidates for the sacred priesthood must be adequately prepared to meet it by intense study of social matters” .
The modern welfare state is built on a strong frame work of social activities. The Catholic Diocese of Salem has been seriously involving in social welfare activities since its inception. The Bishop, the diocean priests and the religious groups directly undertake the social welfare schemes. The lay folk also support them in rendering the various social services for the uplift of the downtrodden.
1) Social Service Programmes of the Diocesan Priests :
A) Salem Social Service Society:
The diocese of Salem has been working for the liberation of the oppressed and the poor through its Salem Social Service Society efficiently since 1968. The religious congregations of both men and women and lay associations such as Vincent De Paul Society and Young Christian Association functioning at parish level engage actively in social welfare activities in the diocese. To proclaim liberty to the poor and to bring the Christian cheer of mind and body to the downtrodden people of Salem and Dharmapuri , the Salem Social Service Society was established by Bishop Michael Duraisamy. The society was registered under Societies Registration of Act. Its motto is “To proclaim Liberty to the Captives” [Lk:4; 1:8].
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES :
The aims and objectives of the society are based on the Gospel principles of love, peace and justice. The important objectives of the society are as follows
(i) To bring relief to the poor, depressed and oppressed people; irrespective of caste and creed by initiating and executing development programmes
(ii) To educate the people towards self-reliance, equalility, justice and the process of animation to grow in their social self image.
(iii) To educate the illiterates and women to have their fair deal in the society
(iv) To federate people’s group to strengthen their bonds to achieve empowerment so that they take liberative action.
(v) To promote holistic health programmes.
(i) Charity Programmes:
This society undertakes charity programmes and regular programmes. Most of the individual and community projects are undertaken by the diocese with the help of the donor agencies such as CRS, CARITAS India and UNIDAS. The Charity programmes are undertaken by the society mainly to meet the urgent needs of the people. Some important projects implemented under the charity programmes are
(1) Digging and Deepening of wells.
(2) Construction of check dams, construction of low cost houses and reclamation of land.
(3) Child oriented feeding programmes and Rehabilitation of Sri Lankan Repatriates
(4) Nearly 6000. rural people obtain direct benefits out of the charity programmes mentioned above.
(ii) Regular Programmes :
The society also undertakes regular programmes such as
(1) Mother and child health
(2) Maintenance of home for orphans.
(3) School feeding nurseries, Creches.
(4) Mather Sangams and health care centres
(5) Credit Unions
(6) Scholarship programmes
(7) S.C and ST awareness programmes and
(8) Bridge Foundation Loan Schemes.
Along with the welfare activities focus is also made on the education of conscientiousness of the masses in the rural regions of the diocese. A community oriented development has begun to take root in these mass education programme. This programme was conducted at five centres- Attur, Salem, Namakkal, Hosur and Dharmapuri. As a result of community motivation a small saving scheme was initiated in the rural areas of the diocese. Various training programmes are conducted at village and zonal levels. Important projects among them are the people’s participation in decision making, formation of committees for planning and implementation and leadership training.
On account of these animation programmes the poor people in the villages are organized and 210 self-help groups have been formed for both men and women. Among these self-help groups 113 groups have emerged as credit unions. Now these groups are empowered to have access to government schemes and bank loans. In addition to these benefits due to the impact of the community motivation programmes of the society an awareness has been created among the rural masses about the significance of small savings through banks and post offices.
(iv) Creation of Madar Sangams :
It is generally agreed that more revolutionary changes had taken place in the status and outlook of Indian women in the last century. The Indian woman was fashioned only to resign herself, stifle her despair and swallow her tears. But the scenario of women as secondary citizens is fast changing. Empowerment of women is gaining momentum through Salem Social Service Society by the creation of Madar Sangams in different parts of the diocese. These Sangams also have shown their capabilities in administering the small savings.
Following are the community development oriented activities undertaken in the diocese which bear witness to the common venture and empowerment of women.
1. Drinking water facility
2. Drainage and street light facility.
3. Patta for house land
4. Proper distribution from fair price shop
5. Transport and bus facility.
6. Elected as ward members and Panchayat President.
(v) Credit Unions
These unions operate under the supervision of the society to assist their members with loan facility in order to enable them to take up some income generating projects such as tailoring, rearing milch animals and palm leaves knitting.
These credit unions help the members to have their liberation from moneylenders. They not only help them to mobilize credit for income generating projects but also promote small savings among them. As a result through thrift education to masses, small savings scheme has witnessed steady growth in the diocese. The SSSS started promoting credit unions from 1994 on wards.
The members of the union are trained in managerial skills to operate their system. Those who require loan are provided loan facility by the society through credit unions. The loans are generally given for consumer, emergency and productive purposes.
a) Loan amount paid for consumer and emergency purposes : 104556.00
b) Loan amount given for production purposes : 402250.00
Government resources tapped by Madar Sangams :
1. Milch Animals - Rs. 86,000.00
2. Tailoring machines - Rs. 7255500.00
3. Palm leaves knitting - Rs. 174000.00
Total - Rs. 984500.00
4. Welfare benefits - Rs. 16,6000.00
As the credit available with the credit unions is not sufficient the SSSS has made arrangements for mobilization of credit from the Bridge foundation. It has mobilized loan from this organisation to the tune of Rs.5,44,300 for 275 persons to take up micro enterprises such as goat rearing, milch animals, petty shops and tailoring.
(vi) Scholarship Programme:
This programme is meant for the award of interest free loan scholarship to the students who undergo job-oriented courses. This loan scheme enables the young students hailing from economically backward families to acquire employment-oriented training of good quality. This scheme is funded by IGSSS, New Delhi. Those students who avail this loan facility repay the loan amount on instalment basis as soon as they get job opportunity. Since 1994 about 427 students got benefited from this programme and they became professionally qualified.
(vii) SC and ST Developmental Programmes:
The SCs and STs together constitute more than 24% of the India’s population. The Christian Dalits form 60% of the total Christians in India. They form 1.3% of the total population in India. The S.S.S.S creates awareness among the depressed Dalit Christians in the diocese by conducting many motivation programmes. Nammakkal district was chosen as target area. Along with the other supportive system through credit unions, an awareness education was given to analyse their own situation and understand the forces which are operating against their development. They are also guided and motivated to receive the benefits of government programmes, which are exclusively meant for them.
They are encouraged to educate their children in order to improve the social and economic status of the younger generation. Every year SC/ST students who pursue professional education are given scholarship by the Diocese .The details regarding the number of beneficiaries and the amount spent between 1996 and 200113 are given below.
Year No. of Beneficiaries Amount
1996-1997 65 28,400.00
1997-1998 41 21,200.00
1998-1999 63 31,500.00
1999-2000 75 40,000.00
2000-2001 78 43,000.00
Total 322 1,35,700.00

(VIII) Social Service Centre at Dharmapuri :
Dharmapuri District was formed in 1965. As it was declared as a backward district, the diocese gave special attention to its development in all spheres. To meet the needs of the people of Dharmapuri a separate social service centre was established on Ist December 1982. The collector appreciated the involvement of the church in organizing the people and serving them as a link between the people and the government. After the bifurcation of Dharmapuri Diocese on 28th Feb, 1997, Dharamapuri Social Service Society became independent for its activities and is now working for the uplift of the economically backward people of Dharmapuri.
(IX) Donor Agencies:
The donor agencies concern and sense of solidarity has enabled the diocese to share the joy and hopes of the marginalized and has resulted in bringing out a just social order. From 1985 to 1999 Salem Social Service Society handled 135 projects from different donor agencies besides LACIM, the regular main donor. The other generous Donor Agencies are CRS, CARITAS India CEBEMO, I,G.S.S.S, ANDHERI, HILFE, MANOS VNIDAS and MISEREOR. But for these agencies, the diocese could not have reached out to the weaker section of the population of Salem.
(2) Social Service Activities of the Religious Congregations:
The religious congregations are also involved in rendering social service to both men and women with 90 religious houses serving the diocese in many forms of ministries. Many religious congregations are actively engaged in social ministry. The services they render and the training they impartto the orphans, handicapped, mentally retarded and rag pickers are very much part of their social apostolate.
(a) Don Bosco Anbu Illam - A light on the Street :
Anbu Illam, an asylum for thousands of street and working children was started by the Salesian priests at Mulwadigate, Salem in 1988. The boys who are neglected by the society and those who have no place to stay and no body to love are invited to stay in this centre. This centre is a home for such unfortunate children where they are protected from the exploitation of anti-social elements. The rescued children are rehabilitated and prepared to lead self-reliant life.
The Corporation of Salem has permitted Anbu Illam to operate a ‘Guidance Cell’ for the children at bus stands. The guidance centre identifies and rescues these children from the anti-social elements and child trafficking.
As soon as a boy is brought from the street, he is placed in a shelter at the Yercaud foot hills. This is also a special school where basic education is promoted at primary level. It is a kind of bridge course by which they are prepared to enter the regular school for education. Around 35 students belonging to this centre go to CSI Hr.Sec.School, Salem. for further education. In the evening they are provided with extra tuitions. Thus the right of children to education is made a reality by Salesian Priests of Anbu Illam. Hence this Anbu Illam is rendering an admirable service to the cause of providing basic education to the neglected children, which is not an easy task to be reached even by a welfare state.
After the schooling the boys are placed to learn a trade later they are placed to work and save the money. As per need Anbu Illam arranges for loan to start their own business. Gradually they are led to join the mainstream of the society. Fifty boys have reached this stage. There are drivers, owners of auto- rickshahs, electricians and many who run small business for their livelihood. Hence the social service done by the Anbu Illam is praiseworthy.
(b) HOLY CROSS RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE :
The Congregation of Holy Cross Brothers that laid its foundation in the diocese of Salem in January 1960 is now 42 years old. They involve actively in educational and social welfare ministries. The Rural Development Centre was established by the brothers in 1968. It is located at Holy Cross School premises, Ammapet, Salem-14. Bro.Trembly, a Holy Cross Brother from Canada who was a trained nurse and who was working among leprosy patients in Salem, moved to the Holy Cross campus and started “Holy Cross Dispensary for the medical needs of the poor living in the villages around the school. In 1978 under the direction of Fr.Yvon Martin, a Canadian Holy Cross priest, the Holy Cross Adult Education Centre was set up on the school campus primarily to impart education to the rural adults. Subsequently, Holy Cross School, under the guidance of Bro.Madore, Bro.Aurele Tessier and other brothers developed an Audio Visual Centre. This Audio Visual Research and Production Centre aimed at producing and distributing audio visual aids for the education of rural masses and for training personnel of other voluntary organizations in the use of audio visual aids in spreading literacy among village people. Though Bro.Trembly and Fr. Yvon Martin passed away, the noble work they started continues to serve the rural masses of Salem through the Brothers of Holy Cross:
Since its inception the centre caters to the needs of the poor sections of the society. It comprises various units that are involved in carrying out various forms of social services such as
1. Organizing kindergarten schools in villages [Balwadis]
2. Conducting tuition classes, type writing, tailoring and computer training for village girls and boys
3. Animating women’s organizations [Madar Sangams], production of Audio-Visual aids for the education of the masses etc.,
i) Tailoring :
This course is arranged mainly for the village girls to help them to be self sufficient and self dependent. There are about 52 students undergoing training in tailoring. A batch of 45 students attend typewriting course to prepare themselves to appear for government examination. The rural students who are unable to continue their education after 10th standard join this centre and pursue their technical education for obtaining job opportunities.
ii) Balwadis :
There are a great number of children in remote villages of Salem who do not have adequate facilities to attend Pre.K.G. schools to mould them for better school carrier. Keeping in mind the miserable condition of the village children, the Holy Cross brothers have started 6 balwadis to offer them basic knowledge during their rudimentary stage without collecting any fees for these classes. Following are the places at which the balwadis centres are located.
1. HCRDC, Ammapet, (Main Centre)
2. Athikaripatty
3. Karipatty
4. Kottathupatty
5. Uddayapatti
6. Neermullikuttai
There are about 214 children getting direct benefits through these balwadi centres.
iii) Free Tuition Classes :
Free tuition classes are also conducted at these centres for the poor village students who are weak in studies. There are about 250 students in the free tuition classes.
iv) Mathar Sangam :
The brothers have established Mathar Sangam in four villages namely kootathupatty, Achangkuttapatty, Karipatty and Neermullikuttai.Through this sangam they are trying to conscientise the women folk in villages about the importance of small savings and proper management of family affairs.
v) Computer Centre:
A computer centre was started in 1999 to cater to the educational needs of the village students. The centre is well equipped with all the facilities and offers courses free of cost to the young boys and girls belonging to the economically marginalized classes of the society. Thus the brothers of Holy Cross take an active part in various forms of their social welfare activities for the uplift of the weaker section in the society and strive hard to transform their mission into a reality.
( C ) IDHYALAYA JUVENILE HOME FOR GIRLS :
For over a century the Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary have been serving for the cause of education and especially for the betterment of the orphans, sick and the aged. They also work for the liberation of women. The sisters focus their attention on the sad plight of the neglected children of Salem region who are seriously affected due to neglect of the parents, broken homes and socio-economic situations. Besides the female children who runway from their homes and even become social evils are given priority. Such group of miserable and problematic children are picked by the police and sent to juvenile reformation centre run by the Franciscan Sisters at Nethimedu, Salem, for protection and rehabilitation.
The sisters worked fearlessly and in consultation with the Government of Social Defence and finally succeeded in establishing Idhayala Juvenile Home for girls – a rehabilitation centre at Nethimedu for the vagabond girl children on 21.12.1998. Department of social defence sends a batch of neglected girls periodically to this centre for proper care and protection. The strength of this home has been steadily increasing and at present there are 105 cheerful contented inmates.24
All of them are made to pursue their studies in the near by Jayarani Girls Primary and High School as an integral part of their rehabilitation process.25 The total number of students in primary level is 55 and the number of students who have entered into high schools is 50. The pass percentage of the above students both in primary and high school in the academic year 1999 to 2002 was about 98%. It shows that these children fair as good as the normal children of their age group as a conducive atmosphere is created for the inmates by the sisters in their centre.
Many girls are taking keen interest in drama and dance and bag prizes in the various competitions. In order to foster the value of spirituality, seminar, retreat and prayers are conducted regularly. Yoga and meditations are conducted daily in the morning. Medical check up is conducted once a month. Eye camps are also organized regularly with the help of eminent doctors.
The students of this home do not lag behind in any field. They grow up steadily imbibing moral values for their life. This centre caters to the needs of Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Ooty, Namakkal and Salem districts. Juvenile girls from Andhrapradesh, Karanataka and Delhi are admitted here. The Franciscan Sisters fulfill their charisma by bringing the Good News of Christ to these unfortunate children. Their centre serves as a ray of hope for their bright future
(D) Services of the Sisters of Missionaries of Charity:
The Congregation of Missionaries of Charity Sisters was founded by Mother Teresa in 1950 in India.26 Its branch was established in Salem on the feast of our Lady of Carmel on 16th July 1985. Ever since the sisters continue to serve the poorest of the poor in Salem region. They render their selfless service to the dying destitute. From the interview with the Mother Superior dated 24.04.2002 it was revealed that there were about 115 orphans, 15 new born babies and 30 spastic children under their loving care.27 They also render medical help to the poor, the sick and the needy living in many parts of Salem Diocese. They run a free sewing centre where currently 20 girls are profiting. Apart from this 100 families are given rations and about 11 mobile dispensaries cater to the medical needs of rural people.
II ) Medical Services :
Health does not refer to the mere absence of disease. On the other hand, it includes the physical mental, social and spiritual well being of the people. Health is neither an independent problem not the problem of individuals rather it is a social problem created by economic, political and cultural forces.28 In 1978 the Indian Catholic Bishops emphasized that the religious medical service should cover the primary health care of the masses especially the people of the villages and slums.29 According to the World Health Organization’s Report of 1995, poverty has been identified as the major cause of suffering for many ailments. In many parts of Salem, the public health care system has not been reached out fully to the poor and destitute. Hence the Salem diocesan clergy and the other religious communities involving in health care ministry ensure the total liberation of every poor person from the clutches of dreadful diseases. They have the common objectives of ensuring total health of masses particularly the oppressed. They make consistent efforts to create awareness through their medical service centres that health is the fundamental right of the people and they should fight for it relentlessly. For the benefit of the under privileged the religious of Salem diocese have set up great number of health care centres such as hospitals, dispensaries, leprosy eradication centres, polio centres, asylum for mentally retarded, orphanages, home for aged and refugee camps for women.30
To its credit Salem Diocese runs 8 Hospitals 24 Dispensaries, 20 Hostels, 1 Polio centre, 3 Asylums for mentally retarded, 2 Leprosy eradication centre, 3 Homes for aged, 3 Orphanages and 35 other social service centres for the welfare of the poor section of the society. These institutions are conducted by most part by nuns.
These institutions are expressions of the teachings and examples of Christ. The people generally prefer to be treated in the hospitals run by the religious for they are fondly touched by the kindness and gentleness of religious sisters and brothers.
Following are some of the important hospitals and health centres of the religious serving the various regions of diocese of Salem.
1. St. Mary’s General Hospital Arisipalyam, Salem-9 [1931]
2. St. Mary Magdelane Hospital, Settipatti [1966]
3. St. Joseph’s Hospitals, Attur [1925]
4. St. Mary Magadelane Polio centre, Mathiampatty [1993]
5. St. Luke Hospitals, Sadayampalyam [1975]
6. Arul Jothi Hospital, Nammakkal [1974]
7. Charles Health Centre, Tharamangalam [1974]
8. Providence Dispensary, Yercaud [1929]
9. St. Michael Health Care Centre, Thumbal [1975]
10. St. Lourdes Hospitals, Perunkurchi [1976]
11. St. Mary’s Dispensary, Agraharam [1971]
12. Fatima Dispensary, Gugai, Salem [1968]
13. St. Thomas Dispensary, Saveriar Palayam.
14. St. Joseph’s Dispensary Koneripatty [1970]
15. St. Lourdes Hospitals , Perunkurchi [1970]
Objectives :
The objectives of Health care centres functioning in the diocese of Salem are as follows
1. Health education is given to the people to make them aware that the root causes of diseases are traced to socio-economic political and cultural problems.31
2. Campaign for environmental regeneration
3. Concentration on primary health care in order to reach out the masses giving priority to the poor.
4. Prevention and control of infectious diseases.
5. To strengthen Diocese Health Care Units through diocesan level planning to make greater use of indigenous medicines such as Siddha, Nature Cure, Ayurvedic, Herbal medicines and to create herbal garden.32
(a) St. Mary Magdelene Polio Centre and Its Services :
The Sisters of the Congregation of Immaculate Conception have three convents; one among them is situated at Mathiampatty with which a polio centre is attached. A need based survey revealed that Venandur block was rampant with polio affected children.33 In order to give relief to polio victims, a massive programme was launched at the initiative of the then Bishop of Salem. To materialise the project, Hope International Agency came forward to motivate school children to donate generously towards setting up a polio centre. Bishop Michael Duraisamy inaugurated this polio centre on 10th January 1993.34
Services :
This centre caters to the needs of polio-affected children of the villages in and around Mathiampatty and other regions of Salem. The school children are given physiotherapy exercises at this centre after their school hours. Those children who need special equipments are taken to the centre for treatment. They are taken back to their homes by a mobile van owned by the polio centre. Government Scholarships are also obtained for these unfortunate children through the polio centre.

Sl.No Scholarship- Central Government Agency Year No. of beneficiaries
1. Scholarship – Central Government 1996-97-98 8-13-8
2. Scholar ship – State Government 1999 23-28-35
3. Assistance from Rotary and Lions Club 2000 8-6-8
4. Surgery 2001 16-20-14
5. Caliphers 2002 12-16-20
6. Tricycle 2003 14-7-10
The doctors who have philanthropic concern willingly contribute their co-operation in this venture. The International Handicapped Day is observed on 10th December of every year at District Rehabilitation Centre, Salem. On this occasion various competitions are conducted for handicapped children and prizes are given to them to boost up their morale.35 Many children have benefited through this polio centre run by the Sisters of Immaculate Conception. Under the able guidance and assistance of the diocese the thrust and vision of the polio centre is geared up towards community rehabilitation programme educating the parents, family and neighbourhood.36 The children who have benefited through this programme have gained self-confidence and self-esteem.
(b) Works of the Leprosy Relief Rural Centre:
This centre is situated at Settypatty and run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery under the guidance of the Diocese. In accordance with a plan given by Miss.Denis, a French Social worker, the Leprosy Relief Centre was started at Settipatty as a unit of the Salem diocese in 1955.37 In 1958, the first dispensary was inaugurated. In 1970, a well equipped modern 100 bed hospital building was built with operation theatre, an X-ray plant, a clinical laboratory and physiotherapy department. At present, the centre works in the lines prescribed by the national leprosy control programme of the Government of India. Around 22 mobile clinics are conducted in several places throughout the year. Orthopedic and prothetic workshops have also been started. Emphasis has been laid on occupational therapy and rehabilitation. This hospital is a boon in disguise for the leprosy patients of Salem District.
(c) St. Mary’s General Hospital and Leprosy Eradication Centre:
A small dispensary was born at Arisipalayam on 31st May 1931 when the Society of Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate was started in Salem38. During this time the sisters realized that leprosy was widespread in and around Salem. Treatment of leprosy was started in a small room attached to the dispensary. The rush of leprosy patients to the newly started clinic forced the sisters to put up a separate building in 1964 for treating the ever increasing patients.
Main objectives of St. Mary’s Health Care Centre are:
1. Rehabilitation of Leprosy Patients
2. Care of women and Children in Distress
3. Care of the terminally ill and those with stigmatized diseases.
4. Empowerment on the marginalized of the Society.
The sisters got donation from the Damien foundation, Belgium and Misereor to develop health care centres. In the beginning health extension work was limited to 9 sub-centres rendering medical services to 7, 125 patients.39 Thrust is given on early detection and complete treatment through mass education, door-to-door health education and skin camps.40
The busiest departments in St. Mary’s Hospital are the Obstetrics and Gynaecology. On an average 400 deliveries take place here every month. About 300 patients attend the out patient department daily. More than half of these patients are coming from the villages far and near41. Besides treating leprosy patients this hospital also treats sexually transmitted infectious cases. There is also a residential course conducted for training the nursing assistants.
The sisters of SMMI have been serving the diocese of Salem for about 70 years. They are fully committed to respond to the needs of the poor and downtrodden of the society through their health care ministry and other welfare activities. They have registered a Trust called D.T.M.C [ Doctor Tiphygne Memorial Charitable Trust] to plan and monitor their charitable activities in the diocese. This Trust is named after Dr. Tiphygne, a dedicated French doctor who served St. Mary’s Hospital for nearly 50 years and who was also a shining example of commitment to the poor. The SMMI Sisters are indebted to her for initiating the leprosy eradication activities in Salem way back in the 1960s and bringing it up to the present stature.
(C) Diocesan Health Association :
This association operates in the diocese under the guidance of a diocesan priest to create awareness among the people of Diocese about the importance of health care. Seminars and workshops are conducted frequently to impart information to the participants about the dire need for promoting physical and mental health.42 Resource persons in this sphere are also invited to share their experience and knowledge with the participants.
When the churches and the religious congregations grew in strength, the clergy and the religious felt the need for providing socio-medical services as a main part of their mission activities. The services rendered by them for the uplift of the society are innumerable. When social stigma such as poverty, illiteracy, economic inequalities and ill health are scaling new heights in our time, the diocese through its social welfare measures attempts to alleviate poverty in the rural areas and brings relief to the rural masses. Likewise a great many religious of both men and women engage in social welfare activities in Salem diocese. The Franciscan sisters serve in 15 dioceses in India including Salem through their pastoral ministries. They give a special thrust to the domestic and feminine youth who are subjected to various atrocities at all levels. Importance is given to the working women of the lower strata of the society who seek refuge and security in the working women hostel run by the congregation wherein their basic amenities are met with.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Bon Scours spread in 18 dioceses of India including the diocese of Salem. The Sisters are involved in mission work, running dispensaries and taking care of orphans and aged. The Sisters of Good Shepherd Congregation have involved in healing the broken hearted, saving the abandoned and fighting for social justice and bringing new hope in the lives of the marginalized especially girls and women folk in the diocese. Similarly the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco have started a tailoring section, type writing institute and coaching classes for poor students. St. Monfort Brothers take care of the blind and the deaf and educate them in their technical school exclusively started for the unfortunate children. Hence, the Diocesan priests, men and women religious of various congregations are actively involved in rendering the social and medical services to the large section of the people irrespective of caste creed and religion with missionary zeal and vigour.