[Associate Professor & HOD of Medical Social Work, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte. PhD, MPhil, MSW, DSD. He played a key role in starting the MSW Department at YMC Hospital and collaborating with Service organizations for extension of health services under ‘Yen Sahayog’ program. He is the founder trustee of DISHA Trust(R), Kaikamba – Mangaluru and Secretary of D.K.Parisarasaktha Okkoota(R) Mangaluru. He is an orator, trainer, freelance writer and consultant for development NGOs.]

THE ARCHITECT OF SNEHALAYA

Joseph Crasta, the architect of Snehalaya who devoted his life for the disabled. Every individual born in this society aspires to contribute something to the society regardless of their religion. But it is rare that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled. If it has to be a reality it needs strong determination, the right context, the right motivation and guidance. That’s the reason only few individuals engrave lasting impression on society and are recognised. Among such individuals Mr. Joseph Crasta, of Snehalaya stands tall today amidst us. Mr. Joseph Crasta’s introduction to me has been over a decade.

I didn’t know about Snehalaya till I visited them. I was head of the Medical Social Work department at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital. For an extension service program of Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, named “Yen-sahayog”, we had to identify a service organization to provide free health care services to patients, mentally ill, neglected, victims, elderly and children, especially being cared in center. Dr. Sunita Saldanha, of the hospital’s administrative unit, referred Snehalaya run by Mr. Joseph Crasta and requested me to cross verify. And that’s how I was introduced to Mr. Joseph and met him. It was during this visit I was convinced of his motto, the intended beneficiaries and the valuable work being done. He picked the patients from streets especially the abandoned by their families, destitute, mentally ill sheltered on street sides, bus shelters, open grounds etc. Pick them through ambulance, clean them, medicate them, feed them, shelter them and rehabilitate them is an uphill task done by Mr. Joseph. The work is truly extraordinary. I personally was excited & impressed the work which is admirable by society and pleasing to God.

Joseph personally narrated his life story and the inspiration to start Snehalaya. He hailed from a middle class family, not of being financially sound, but the richness of his heart, the generous support of friends, donors and well-wishers could make Joseph a man what he is today. I had read such service activities in the newspapers but never thought so deeply about it. I was not aware that there was such a service agency in our very neighbourhood. This bond, which began due to our work has built an attachment so strong with Snehalaya in respect of his works.

Mr. Joseph was a bus driver, an addict to alcohol, once attended a retreat at Potta, Kerala, and became a changed man thereafter. I still remember him saying that Jesus gave me a new spirit and inspired me to serve the down trodden. Later he ran an auto for livelihood. He was distracted by an incident what he saw and he lifted the victim, brought home, treated and cared. That prompted him to provide some shelter to the needy and thus Snehalaya was established. Then there was no turning back. I have seen him extending hands with the public irrespective of any religion to help him carry on the mission. We have seen the growth and development of the organisation closely. I have allotted our students for internship and to study the service provided there. That was my tiny contribution to the mighty works of Joseph. The small set up started near Thalapady, with the help of donors & well-wishers, was later shifted to the present campus at Manjeswar was rather a great adventure! But the help of donors are the strength for the works, he mentions. Although I had learnt about such services during my Master’s Degree in Social Work and later working with different organization, I believed on the principle that people should be self-reliant & make their own development possible. I was aware of how difficult it is to run a welfare programs and rehabilitation centre. That why I endorse that Mr. Joseph’s work is of great importance. In the past one decade I have observed the up & downs of Snehalaya. The Yenepoya Medical College Hospital has an understanding contract to cater service through the “Yen-Sahayog” program, which provides health care to patients

There are many DREAMS in Mr. Joseph’s mind. There is great concern for the down trodden in the society. Despite the obstacles he moves on. He is not after prize-winning awards. Joseph’s passion and determination continues whether people appreciate or raise challenges. He has been able to maintain the goodwill and charm with everyone. ‘Paths are not made on its own; they are made by walking’. This saying rightly applies to Mr. Joseph. I earnestly pray & wish to see the progeny of such achievers grow.