Rev. Dr. Fr.
Robin Victor D'Souza
B. Ed, M. Phil., MBA,
President
Rev. Dr. Fr.
Paul Melwyn D osuza B.A;M.A; Ph.D
Vice President
Rev. Fr.
Maxim Dsilva
B.A; B.Ed; M.Ed
Secretary
Rev. Fr.
Vijesh Loyed Menezes
B.Com; MBA
Treasurer
Rev. Fr. Joywin Dias
B.Com
Member
Rev. Fr. Arun
Lobo B.A; PGDHRM;M.S.W
Member
Rev. Dr. Fr. Sathish Fernandes
B.A; M.Sc; PGDHRM; M.A; M.S.W
Member
Rev. Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, B.A;L.L.B;M.A; M.S.W
Member
Rev. Fr. Vincent D souza
B.A;M.A; M.S.W
Member
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“A
Lifeline in Every Drop: Fr. Sathish Fernandes Honored for 77 Blood Donations”: VOLUNTARY
HIGHEST BLOOD DONATION - 2025
Fr. Sathish Fernandes has been honored with the Voluntary Highest Blood Donation
award -2025 for his remarkable 77 times of blood donation, freely given to save
the lives of the poor and the needy — especially in emergency situations. His
noble contributions include: 7 times during accident emergencies, 9 times during
childbirth cases, 6 times during major operations, 55 times through organized
blood donation camps A true act of compassion and humanity — “A Simple drop of
BLOOD can make a huge DIFFERENCE!
Her
Voice, Her Right: Vimukti 225 Girls March for Equality and Protection: “When
you stand for the girl child, you stand for humanity.”
Vimukti Pothnal, organized a powerful awareness rally with the participation of
225 adolescent girls from nearby villages. Holding colorful placards and
chanting strong slogans, the girls marched through the streets of Pothnal town,
spreading messages on protecting the girl child, ensuring her rights, safety,
and dignity. The rally aimed to remind the community of its responsibility to
safeguard every girl from discrimination, violence, and child marriage, and to
promote equal opportunities in education and development. The enthusiastic
participation of the girls drew the attention of local residents, shopkeepers,
and passers-by, who paused to applaud their spirited effort. Community leaders
and Vimukti staff accompanied the march, encouraging the girls to continue being
voices of change in their villages. The rally concluded at the Vimukti campus
with motivational words and a pledge to work together for a society where every
girl can live with freedom, respect, and confidence.
Educate,
Empower, and Protect: Vimukti Marks Girl Child Day with Legal Awareness: Vimukti
Pothnal "Empower
the girl child today—build a stronger nation tomorrow."
Vimukti Charitable Trust®, Pothnal, organized a vibrant celebration to mark
International Girl Child Day with the participation of over 225 adolescent girls
from nearby villages. The program aimed to highlight the importance of girl
child education, safety, and empowerment. The event began with a short inaugural
ceremony followed by inspiring talks on the theme “Empower Girls – Empower the
Nation.” Resource persons conducted an engaging legal awareness session focusing
on child rights, laws related to child marriage, human trafficking, and the
protection of women and children from abuse and exploitation. The session
encouraged the girls to speak up for their rights and to become confident
leaders in their communities. Interactive games, cultural performances, and
group discussions added color and enthusiasm to the celebration. At the end of
the program, each participant received small tokens of love—travel kits, pens,
and sweets—symbolizing care and encouragement. The day concluded with words of
motivation from the Vimukti team, reminding the participants that every girl
deserves equal opportunities, respect, and the freedom to dream big. The program
not only created awareness but also rekindled hope and confidence among young
girls to stand up for themselves and shape a brighter future.
Fr.
Sathish Fernandes OFM Cap Receives Samaja Seva Rathna District Award 2025 Fr.
Sathish Fernandes, a Capuchin priest, has been recognized with the Samaja Seva
Rathna District Award 2025 for his outstanding service to the poor and
marginalized. Known for his deep compassion and commitment, Fr. Sathish has
tirelessly worked for the empowerment of disadvantaged children and families in
Raichur District for over fourteen years. His ministry reflects the spirit of
the Good Shepherd—proclaiming the Good News not only in words but through
concrete deeds of love, justice, and social transformation. His dedication to
child rights, education, and the care of orphans, semi-orphans, persons with
disabilities, and those affected by HIV/AIDS has earned him several state-level
recognitions. The award was presented on October 16th, 2025, at Ranga Mandira
Auditorium, Raichur, by the Royal Vani Journalist Voice®. The dignitaries and
audience of over a thousand people applauded the remarkable efforts and impact
of Vimukti Charitable Trust. We, the Vimukti Staff, warmly congratulate Fr.
Sathish Fernandes on this well-deserved honour and wish him continued
inspiration to lead others in building a better and safer world for children and
youth.
Gender
Equality: A Step Toward a Healthy Society: Vimukti pothnal Vimukti
Pothnal organized a two-day Leadership and Self-Protection Workshop for
Adolescent Girls to empower young girls with knowledge, confidence, and
leadership skills. In her welcome address, Ms. Jayashree Dotharbandi,
Coordinator of Vimukti Pothnal, explained that the program aims to educate girls
aged 12–18 on leadership and self-protection, encouraging them to express their
views freely in a safe and supportive environment. Mr. Sudarshan, ChildLine
coordinator Raichur, spoke about child rights, Childline 1098, and the POCSO
Act, helping participants understand laws that safeguard children from abuse.
Mr. Venkanagouda Vatagal, retired teacher and thinker, inspired the girls
through poems and interactive activities on leadership and responsible use of
social media, motivating them to use their voices positively. Mrs. Channabasamma,
lecturer at Government PU College, Gonwar, delivered an engaging session on
gender equality, encouraging girls to break barriers, pursue higher education,
and become leaders in society. In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Sathish
Fernandes, Director of Vimukti and CWC Member, emphasized that a healthy society
can only emerge when gender discrimination ends and women are empowered to lead
with equality and dignity. The event, attended by Vimukti staff and around 200
adolescent girls, was coordinated by Mrs. Jecintha Muddanagudi, who welcomed and
thanked everyone. The workshop concluded with renewed enthusiasm and
determination among the participants — a strong step toward creating a just and
gender-equal society.
Report
on Child Rights Training: Vimukti Pothnal A
training session on Child Rights was conducted with the active participation of
150 children from our tuition centers. The program aimed to create awareness
among children about their fundamental rights and responsibilities, empowering
them to recognize their dignity and potential. During the sessions, children
were introduced to the four core rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child (CRC):
1. Right to Survival – access to healthcare, nutrition, and a safe environment.
2. Right to Development – education, play, leisure, and cultural activities.
3. Right to Protection – safeguarding children from abuse, exploitation, and
neglect.
4. Right to Participation – the freedom to express opinions, be heard, and take
part in decisions affecting their lives.
The training also emphasized the implications of these rights in their daily
lives: ensuring equal opportunities for education, protecting them from early
marriage and child labor, fostering self-confidence, and enabling active
participation in school and community decisions. By the end of the program,
children not only understood their rights but also felt motivated to respect the
rights of others and to be ambassadors of change within their families and
villages. The smiles of these children truly reflect God’s love in action,
reminding us that their happiness and wellbeing are the foundation of a just and
compassionate society.
click on the image to read the report
Click on the image for an enlarged view
Click on the image for an enlarged view
Knowledge indeed transforms the children
but the proper environment and the basic facilities in imparting the education
enables the children all the more to be the best.
Vimukti Trust Pothnal is making a
difference by prioritizing in support of the children to obtain a decent
education with the right environment.
COME LET S JOIN OUR HANDS FOR THIS
GREAT CAUSE BY BRINGING SMILES UPON THEIR FACES MAKING THEM OUR OWN CHILDREN IN
SUPPORT OF THEM.
Let
us march forward to awaken the humanity to restore the worth of human dignity:
Vimukti Pothnal
The Vimukti Charitable Trust requesting to help a disabled parent s family
from sindanuru, Raichur District with four kids who are in a dire need of the
financial support both for the daily sustenance and to have a decent house to
live in. Their disability has deprived them to have hardly one meal for the day.
Will you be a help to this needy family? You may not have plenty but give from
your little available resources. Even the one or two rupees that you contribute
to this family is worth. Therefore march forward to awaken the humanity to
restore the worth of human dignity. Inspire others by sharing it. Contact:
9448335778. May God Bless you all!
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click on the image for an enlarged view
click on the image for an enlarged view
click on the image to read the report
click on the image for an enlarged view
click on
the image for an enlarged view
Extending our hands to the poor and needy during
Covid-19
During this period of struggle, the Vimukti Charitable Trust team extended our
concern and solidarity for the poor and the neediest around us. This was a
moment of witnessing the real Franciscan spirit.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Capuchin Friars in Solidarity
Holy Trinity Province Karnataka
We thank all our friars, communities,
coordinators, volunteers, support staff and
others who are connected with the pandemic
initiatives and responses. Let us pray for the
humanity and help the needy. God bless us all.
ABOUT US VIMUKTI
CHARITABLE TRUST is a social action unit of the Capuchin Franciscan of
Karnataka Province, Registered under the Trust Act bearing number,
Trust/718/10A/Vol-II/V-299/2000-2001 Dated 01.05.2000. VIMUKTI is
integral liberation as understood popularly and it undertakes and
executes socio-economic empowerment activities among the disadvantage
and the vulnerable sections of the society. As the activities of the
province became widespread, Vimukti came into existence in 1999 to
co-ordinate, document, monitor, review and evaluate the social work
intervention activities to ensure greater efficiency and increased
accountability towards the same.
STATUTES The
Karnataka Capuchin Province has established a registered trust called,
Vimukti Charitable Trust for social service and developmental activities
in the Province. The goals and objectives of this trust are to be
attained in a systematic and cohesive manner. For this purpose the
Province shall establish in a suitable place a well furnished central
office to plan, coordinate and supervise all the programmes and the
activities. The Statutes are applicable to all the Friars of the
Province who are involved in this ministry. So that all the Programmes
function effectively and achieve the expected goals and objectives.
These Statutes are to be read along with the Constitutions of the Order
and also the Statutes of the Province.
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“A
Lifeline in Every Drop: Fr. Sathish Fernandes Honored for 77 Blood Donations”:.JPG)
VOLUNTARY
HIGHEST BLOOD DONATION - 2025 .JPG)
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“When
you stand for the girl child, you stand for humanity.”
"Empower
the girl child today—build a stronger nation tomorrow."
.JPG)
Fr.
Sathish Fernandes, a Capuchin priest, has been recognized with the Samaja Seva
Rathna District Award 2025 for his outstanding service to the poor and
marginalized. Known for his deep compassion and commitment, Fr. Sathish has
tirelessly worked for the empowerment of disadvantaged children and families in
Raichur District for over fourteen years. His ministry reflects the spirit of
the Good Shepherd—proclaiming the Good News not only in words but through
concrete deeds of love, justice, and social transformation. His dedication to
child rights, education, and the care of orphans, semi-orphans, persons with
disabilities, and those affected by HIV/AIDS has earned him several state-level
recognitions. The award was presented on October 16th, 2025, at Ranga Mandira
Auditorium, Raichur, by the Royal Vani Journalist Voice®. The dignitaries and
audience of over a thousand people applauded the remarkable efforts and impact
of Vimukti Charitable Trust. We, the Vimukti Staff, warmly congratulate Fr.
Sathish Fernandes on this well-deserved honour and wish him continued
inspiration to lead others in building a better and safer world for children and
youth.
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.JPG)
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Vimukti
Pothnal organized a two-day Leadership and Self-Protection Workshop for
Adolescent Girls to empower young girls with knowledge, confidence, and
leadership skills. In her welcome address, Ms. Jayashree Dotharbandi,
Coordinator of Vimukti Pothnal, explained that the program aims to educate girls
aged 12–18 on leadership and self-protection, encouraging them to express their
views freely in a safe and supportive environment. Mr. Sudarshan, ChildLine
coordinator Raichur, spoke about child rights, Childline 1098, and the POCSO
Act, helping participants understand laws that safeguard children from abuse.
Mr. Venkanagouda Vatagal, retired teacher and thinker, inspired the girls
through poems and interactive activities on leadership and responsible use of
social media, motivating them to use their voices positively. Mrs. Channabasamma,
lecturer at Government PU College, Gonwar, delivered an engaging session on
gender equality, encouraging girls to break barriers, pursue higher education,
and become leaders in society. In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Sathish
Fernandes, Director of Vimukti and CWC Member, emphasized that a healthy society
can only emerge when gender discrimination ends and women are empowered to lead
with equality and dignity. The event, attended by Vimukti staff and around 200
adolescent girls, was coordinated by Mrs. Jecintha Muddanagudi, who welcomed and
thanked everyone. The workshop concluded with renewed enthusiasm and
determination among the participants — a strong step toward creating a just and
gender-equal society.
A
training session on Child Rights was conducted with the active participation of
150 children from our tuition centers. The program aimed to create awareness
among children about their fundamental rights and responsibilities, empowering
them to recognize their dignity and potential. During the sessions, children
were introduced to the four core rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child (CRC):
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VIMUKTI
CHARITABLE TRUST is a social action unit of the Capuchin Franciscan of
Karnataka Province, Registered under the Trust Act bearing number,
Trust/718/10A/Vol-II/V-299/2000-2001 Dated 01.05.2000. VIMUKTI is
integral liberation as understood popularly and it undertakes and
executes socio-economic empowerment activities among the disadvantage
and the vulnerable sections of the society. As the activities of the
province became widespread, Vimukti came into existence in 1999 to
co-ordinate, document, monitor, review and evaluate the social work
intervention activities to ensure greater efficiency and increased
accountability towards the same.
The
Karnataka Capuchin Province has established a registered trust called,
Vimukti Charitable Trust for social service and developmental activities
in the Province. The goals and objectives of this trust are to be
attained in a systematic and cohesive manner. For this purpose the
Province shall establish in a suitable place a well furnished central
office to plan, coordinate and supervise all the programmes and the
activities. The Statutes are applicable to all the Friars of the
Province who are involved in this ministry. So that all the Programmes
function effectively and achieve the expected goals and objectives.
These Statutes are to be read along with the Constitutions of the Order
and also the Statutes of the Province.