[Ravi Naikapu hails from Kumble, a small town in Kasaragod District. He is a multi-talented personality. A renowned journalist, social thinker, successful TV anchor, and effective writer. He has authored SNEHA GANGE on Snehalaya. He has written over a hundred articles on value-based social themes and is also an ardent supporter of Snehalaya]
ON THE SHORES OF SNEHALAYA
No one is born Noble. There are hundreds of stories, like when a wild thief turned into the Valmiki. Good deeds also do not happen overnight. There is sometimes a peculiar story behind the transformation. Even a rock is chiseled to shape into a statue. So does human development. Joseph Crasta is an ordinary man who has become an institution, a positive force, and a beacon to society. As I have been with him right from our childhood, few memories are noted here.
He hails from Seethangoli, just 2 miles away from my home, therefore I know Joseph and his mischiefs which are fresh memories in my mind. As far as I understand he did not have a happy childhood. Through the poverty, that one undergoes, one learns many lessons. And that may be the reason for his success. His dad was working at an arrack shop and taking care of his wife & three children was tough. Joseph slowly started helping his dad and assisted him in his work. There was a time when the Koraga community, considered outcasts, was not permitted to participate in any celebrations. They were kept aloof. The residual food is to be thrown at them. Joseph’s dad used to invite this tribe to his house to share whatever was at home. They were part of any ceremonies at home. This quality might have got instilled into Joseph who has happiness to embrace the least of the society. Maybe the son has exalted the virtues of a worthy father who has helped him grow with blessings. About a decade ago, one of my friends informed me about a shelter home, on the border of Kerala Karnataka at Talapady, a centre for the mentally ill. When we stepped I recalled the
looks, long kurta and simple pants no foot wares, but glow on face, and smile and I was surprised when I heard that he was the founder of this home. I felt that I am next to a saint. After a walk through the centre, we sat down to hear him. On hearing his life story and transformation we became devoted to the man. The qualities in a man have made him grow to great heights. During my career, I visited Snehalaya frequently and interacted with inmates. It was an experience par excellence. Though they are mentally ill and rejected by society I have seen wonderful talents in them. The people of high profile, award winners, and addicts to bad elements getting recovered because of love and care is a divine work. As a social responsibility, I have written articles, and reports in many periodicals. 10 years of achievements are beyond imagination. The service is not restricted only to mental rehabilitation but the distribution of food, dress, medicines housing and many more. All deeds of love and compassion. If the vast activities are not documented, I thought my journalism is meaningless. Therefore a small service by publishing ‘Snehagange” I feel contended.
Rehabilitation of the mentally destitute, Manna meals, housing for the poor and so on activities are flowing from Snehalaya, a worth praising & is truly awe-inspiring service. All this is possible only through the generous gift of the donors. Joseph humbles himself saying, I am a small instrument and that’s his greatness. We have forgotten to live in a world of accumulating wealth throughout life. No one has ever become poor by helping others. What you give you earn, and what you accumulate goes to other as a share.
My regular visit to the Snehalaya has strengthened our Friendship and the cordial gestures from a journalist make me proud; writing good things and spreading their yeomen service is the only contribution I can offer.
