Test Drive Santhome Mission Jun. 2014 | Page 24

Conclusion like dairy farming, poultry, goat rearing, organic farming, bamboo crafts etc are given. Support for Income Generating Activities During the last year we have supported 141 beneficiaries to begin income generating activities. Beneficiaries fof the IGAs are selected by the SHGs and it is mandatory that the beneficiary should be a member of the SHG. Slowly the family income of these people increases and they will be able to take care of the basic needs of their children. 7 disabled youth have started IGAs with the financial support from the Society. Since many of the beneficiaries have selected agro based income generating activities it would be easy to promote organic farming, biogas etc. Linkage with Government Schemes Sangli Mission Society gives priority to avail government schemes like Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana, old age pension, schemes for the disabled etc for the poor people farmers, widows etc. Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture Different activities are arranged to promote sustainable agriculture. In 27 villages of Kudal Taluka, we have launched a project called sustainable development through organic farming and allied activities. Different training programmes are given to people on organic farming and allied activities. Many people in these villages have organic farming and women in these villages, through SHGs, have started different agro based income generating activities. 24 SANTHOME MISSION Never be satisfied with maintaining status quo. We are aware that even after 25 years we are not much known in this area except in close circles. Hence, we feel that we need many more institutions of higher learning, research centers, formation hoses, retreat, centers, care units, training centers, dispensaries counseling centers etc. The main problem that holds us back in taking new initiatives is lack of resources –spiritual, human and material. We need to come out of our lethargies, to take up new ministries, especially in the light of the expansion of the regional territory. Of course in recent years we have taken the initiative to launch into new avenues and areas. Ministry among fishermen and palliative care center for cancer patients bring in fresh hope. There are still many areas and places untouched by the Gospel. Hence we need more daring people with initiatives and vision. In the jubilee year we hear a call to power ourselves through deepening our faith and enlarging the horizon of our missionary life. The Lord is inviting us to become more spiritual, more loving, more charitable, more erudite, more practical, more systematic, more efficient, other centered, …and more. We dream of a Sangli Mission that would make an impact of the Gospel on the entire Maharashtra and beyond its confines. Though the road ahead is rough and tough, trusting in the Lord, we march forward, under the shadow of His wings experiencing His benign presence, protection and love. We wish that St. Al ۜ