Community Service Day 2020
Mahatma Education Society’s Pillai Group of Institutions observed Community Service Day on 25th January, 2020 by inviting over 800 residents from various orphanages, destitute homes, old age homes and shelters for tribal and street children to their sprawling Panvel Campus where they were treated to a memorable day of food, fun and learning. The staff and students of the Pillai group curated many fun activities, competitions and games and it was heartening to see the guests enthusiastically participate in all of them. Each guest was given specially designed towels, blankets and coffee mugs as gifts. Mahatma Education Society continues to associate with these organizations and nurture them at an institutional level year after year to improve their quality of life. This unique and innovative community service program provides staff and students an opportunity to serve the underprivileged in society and sensitize them to the various problems faced by them.
This year, the day began with the release of a bunch of fifty balloons in the Campus Quadrangle amidst cheering students to symbolically depict the jubilee celebrations of Mahatma Education Society’s Pillai Group of Institutions. A tiny seed that was planted 50 years ago in 1970 by the visionary Dr. K. M Vasudevan Pillai, Founder of Mahatma Education Society, today provides shelter, sustenance and livelihoods to thousands of students and staff who have walked through its annals while changing the landscape of areas where its campuses are located. The formal inaugural ceremony had Rev. Dr. Barnabe Dsouza Sdb, Director of Salesian Facilitating Services for Strategy and Planning for Don Bosco, International as the Chief Guest for this day.
Congratulating the Pillai Group for its yeoman service to society, Fr. Barnabe said that it is initiatives such as these that will sensitise the youth towards the marginalised people in society and encourage them to work in this direction. Having worked with marginalised communities for over three decades he spoke about the challenges faced in this sector and urged everyone to be more inclusive in their approach and action.
Fun activities like Singing, Dancing, drawing, painting and sketching were organised for the younger children whereas singing and dancing programs were arranged for the elderly. Everyone enthusiastically participated and there was an air of fun and happiness. They were served tea and snacks along with a gift for everyone. The students and faculty also had a great time interacting with everyone.
By 5.30 p.m. the college buses dropped everyone to their respective destinations. This ended a fulfilling day which will remain in the hearts and minds of the guests for a long time. Our institutions will continue to stay in touch with these organisations and offer support and work towards the betterment of society.
In her inaugural welcome address, Dr. Daphne Pillai, Chairperson of Mahatma Education Society, mentioned that one of the key goals of Mahatma Education Society is to expand its community service activities on a massive scale to help reach out to many disadvantaged members of society and inculcate a sense of pride among students and faculty members in serving the less fortunate in society.
