#MV Bureau
Mumbai | Maharashtra Human Rights Commission chairman and former Mumbai High Court judge Justice KK Tated extolled SEAL Ashram’s ‘Before the Onset of Rain’ campaign, which aimed to rescue the marginalized living on city streets. He lauded it as a significant human rights endeavour.
He graced the valedictory session of the programme in Vashi as the chief guest, where the event was addressed by former Minority Commission vice-chairman Abraham Mathai, social activist Sasi Damodaran and industrialist Dr Ramakrishnan R. During the gathering, Carnival and Metro Vartha Group Managing Director Prashant Narayanan and Amchi Mumbai Director Premlal were felicitated.
Highlighting SEAL's transformative activities and their profound impact on society, Justice Tated said these efforts should serve as an eye-opener for many. He praised SEAL for rescuing marginalized individuals from the streets, providing them with food and shelter, offering medical treatment and reuniting them with their families, effectively granting them a new lease on life. He lauded these actions as exemplary acts of human rights and compassion.
Justice Tate said it was remarkable that Pastor KM Philip and children had also become an integral part of the mission. However, he expressed reservations about calling it a closing ceremony, emphasizing that it was an ongoing process. As a dedicated co-worker in the journey ahead, he assured his unwavering support and availability for the organization’s future endeavours.
Former Minority Commission vice-chairman Abraham Mathai reflected on his 24-year relationship with SEAL, and said, "I have engaged with numerous NGOs over the years, but SEAL stands apart. What makes it so is that it isn't merely an institution; it is a large nurturing family."
It’s a great privilege to be able to join SEAL on its journey, said industrialist Ramakrishnan, adding that he would be part of its future activities. He added that he was proud to be able to collaborate with SEAL in the construction work of Rafa, the residence for newly-rescued people.
The Rescuenite 2024 pre-monsoon campaign was carried out with the steadfast support of police commissioners, volunteers, and communities from Navi Mumbai and Thane regions. This collaborative effort helped raise awareness among the public about the vital importance of rescuing people from the streets, noted Pastor Philip.
He emphasized that such noble activities must persist, and with the continued support of government officials and the utilization of Aadhaar biometrics, even more individuals could be saved and reunited with their families. Pastor Philip expressed his hope that everyone associated with SEAL would remain dedicated to advancing this compassionate mission.
In a remarkable 30-day mission, SEAL Ashram in Panvel, alongside social and cultural organizations in the city, rescued 140 destitute lives from the streets, just a fortnight before the monsoon. The campaign, led by activist Laiji Varghese, commenced on May 22, following the success of a similar initiative in Navi Mumbai, which saved 70 individuals.
The second mission, targeting the Thane-Kalyan areas, was swiftly organized in response to a series of urgent requests from Thane, Mumbai, Kalyan, Dombivli, Mira Road and Bhayander.