Caritas India, the social arm of the Catholic Church in India has seen an incredibly exponential growth responding to the changing times. The Diakonia ministry is vividly seen in the actions of Caritas India in Tamil Nadu. On 5^th of October, 2020, to commemorate the 58^th Foundation Day, the Development agencies in Tamil Nadu gathered in the virtual platform as a family to celebrate the spirit of love, compassion and human values Caritas India stands for. While delivering the Foundation Day Message, Caritas India Executive Director Fr.Paul Moonjely said that the sheer strength and commitment within us propel to reach out to vulnerable people. It beckons us to strengthen our leadership and commitment towards the poor and underprivileged. “Let our service give solace and respite for the poor and most marginalized people,” he said.

In his Presidential address, Most.Rev.Thomas Aquinas, President of TNBC, JPD Commission,  said that we come to public ministry mainly to serve the poor and underprivileged.

He highlighted that whenever disasters occur, Caritas India reaches out to the affected people much before the Government officials could commence the rescue operation. He observed that a lot of disasters occur nowadays due to deforestation and other ecological exploitations. Right to a dignified life is negated to the poor. He insisted that children in schools should be taught to live in harmony with nature. He appreciated the idea of  Caritas India Manager- Dr. John Arokiaraj in initiating nutrition garden promotion under Ezhuvom Iyakkam – Cancer Care Campaign to commemorate the 58^th  Foundation Day and wished all the Diocesan Directors for their interest and co-operation under the leadership of TASOSS Directors. He inaugurated the campaign by symbolically distributing the first set of fruit saplings and vegetable seeds to Fr.Arun, Director of Coimbatore Multipurpose Social Service Society.

The nuclei of social development in Tamil Nadu Church are the Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSSs). The Diocesan Directors are the torch bearers and they all play an indispensable role in the empowerment of people through their selfless services. Each of these 27 partners will be identifying families of 58 cancer-affected persons in their operational area and support them with seeds and saplings. Under this campaign, a minimum of 1566 families will be maintaining a nutrition garden. DSSSs are also encouraged to reach a greater number of households. This will be in addition to the already covered 2497 families. The idea is to promote nutrition garden with multispecies vegetables, herbal plants and fruit trees and make the households (cancer patients) consume healthy food and save money. In addition, they will enjoy increased physical activity, improved mental and physical health and enhanced feeling of self-worth.

The staff of DSSSs who steer the development work at the grassroots have already started identifying cancer patients. Cancer detection camps and tie-up with cancer treatment centres enable them to reach out to cancer patients who require accompaniment. On 23/10/2020, CEEMA , Erode conducted campaign at Erode Cancer Centre (ECC) that was attended by 60 patients.

Dr.Velava, Managing Director, ECC spoke on the importance of consuming nutritious food and urged them to develop ‘Nutrition Garden’ in every house.  He also explained about the benefits of cultivating chemical-free fruits and vegetables. The participants were distributed fruit and vegetable saplings along with nutrition pack containing dry fruits and nuts.

Kottar SSS conducted a cancer awareness programme at Vaniyakudi village on 25/10/2020. A total of 53 cancer patients and volunteers participated. Since Kanyakumari district is blessed with innumerable varieties of herbal plants, Fr. Michael Raj, Director of KSSS explained the significance of consuming homegrown nutritious food and maintaining the herbal garden as well in every household. The participants have distributed 12 varieties of vegetable seeds and herbal saplings.

In order to make this campaign more inclusive, on the observation of Caritas India’s Foundation day, Bishop of Dharmapuri and President of Dharmapuri SSS, Most. Rev. Lawrence Pius distributed Grow bags, manure and 10 varieties of vegetable seeds to 120 persons comprising of cancer affected and widows. 1060 SHG members who have been identified as disadvantaged women are also assisted with the same package. “This small initiative of ours should lead to food security and healthy living of poor families and I am happy that our Bishop is rendering his fullest support,” says Fr.Jesudass, Director of Dharmapuri SSS. This momentum is picking up in all the districts of Tamil Nadu.