How and Why was Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha found?

The introduction of the railways - starting 1853 - by the colonial British government helped penetrate the self-sufficient rural economy. With the forced introduction of machine manufactured goods, especially finished cotton goods from the factories of Birmingham (making use of advances from the Industrial Revolution) etc., from imperial British, the domestic textile industry suffered losses. Being an important node in the rural economy, the Padmashali community also naturally felt the impact. They were displaced from their traditional occupation. This resulted in mass unemployment among the weaver community i.e. Padmashalis. In search of a livelihood there was an exodus to cities like Mumbai.

The early days for these immigrants were difficult because they lacked skills other than weaving. Getting gainfully employed & moving into the main stream society was a herculean task.

Many people from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka came in groups and started their own Sanghas and Associations in Mumbai. Mogaveera Vyavasthapaka Mandali was established in 1902 followed by Devadiga Sudharaka Sangha in 1925, Bantara yane Nadavara Sangha in 1927, Kulala Sudharaka Sangha in 1929, Billawara Association in 1932 and so on.

According to reliable sources some Padmashalis (Shettigars) started "Guru Fund" in the year 1930 and later established a "Temple Fund" in 1932, a "Thaleyara Sangha" too was established. But all these were short lived.

Around 1934-1935 India's struggle for independence was at its peak. Mahatma Gandhiji traveled all over India and aired the message of unity irrespective of language, religion and caste.

Inspired by the voice of Mahatma Gandhi, three individuals took the initiative and came forward to form a SANGHA, which was essentially a SELF-HELP group. This was the only way they could overcome the obstacles/hurdles.

The birth of Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha:

In the year 1935, three Padmashalis met in the fort area of Mumbai. After a prolonged discussion, they came to the conclusion that they too should have a Sangha to unite the Padmashalis in Mumbai and to provide education to these Padmashalis (Shettigars). With better education these Padmashalis can have a smooth transition into the mainstream society. The three Padmashalis were none other than Krishna Pundu Shettigar, Kookra Chinnu Shettigar and Annappa Basappa Shettigar. (click here to view the Photos) They moved around the fort area of Mumbai in search of Padmashalis of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and placed before them different issues faced by them. Dooma Shettigar and Hoovayya Shettigar supported them in their endeavor.

On 31-12-1935, a circular was released by K.C.Shettigar to about 30 padmashalis. On 5th of January 1936, the first meeting was held at H.M.Mehtha & Co, 105, Apollo Street, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, the work place of Dooma Shettigar. Seventeen padmashalis were present at this meeting. To promote unity, self-help and co-operation among the padmashalis, to eradicate social and other impediments, to grant scholarships for higher education etc were some of the main points discussed at this meeting. With the above intentions, this committee unanimously decided to establish "Padmashali Samajika Sangha". A managing committee consisting of 8 members was unanimously elected at this first meeting.

Thus Padmashali Samaj Seva Sangha was established in 1936 and registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act 1950 in 1953.

Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha has two funds namely Medical Relief Fund and Benevolent Fund.

Medical Relief Fund: The Sangha aids/helps to provide funds to the needy and poor members of the community in case of a Medical emergency. Our members donate as per their capacity.

It received Rs.66,133/- as donations from 31 community members towards Medical Relief Fund during 2008-2009. Currently we have Rs.3,62,327/- under Medical Relief Fund.

The Sangha granted medical aid to the tune of Rs.33,500/- to 9 members during the year.

It received Rs.41,606/- as donations from 30 community members towards Medical Relief Fund during 2007-2008. Currently we have Rs.2,96,194/- under Medical Relief Fund.

The Sangha granted medical aid to the tune of Rs.12,000/- to three members during the year.

We are aware that the help/aid extended is very little & insufficient. We receive a large number of appeals for Medical Aid from Mumbai, Dakshina Kanara, Udupi district and other places, which we find difficult to consider due to paucity of funds at our disposal.

Benevolent Fund: We received Rs.3,000/- as donations from two community members towards Benevolent Fund during the year 2008-09. Currently we have a balance of Rs.50,102/- in this fund. A sum of Rs.4,000/- was granted as Financial Aid to one community member from this fund during the year.

We received Rs.2,000/- as donations from two community members towards Benevolent Fund during the year 2007-08. Currently we have a balance of Rs.47,102/- in this fund. A sum of Rs.5,000/- was granted as Financial Aid to one community member from this fund during the year.

The associated institutions of Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha:
• The Padmashali Education Society
• Padmashali Mahila Balaga

Statutory Compliance: The Padmashali Education Society has complied with the necessary statutory requirements like filing of change reports, filing accounts with charity commissioner, IT authorities etc.

An Appeal: Ours is one of the oldest Charitable / Social Institutions functioning in Mumbai. We have several noble objectives. To make the vision a reality, we need to raise sufficient funds from large hearted donors, philanthropists and such other organizations. Padmashali/Shettigar community is a small community. Donors are requested to donate generously for the above purposes.

The associated organization – The Padmashali Education Society is registered under The Bombay Public Trusts Act 1950 and also registered under the Societies Act. All donations are exempted from Income Tax under 80G from the Commissioner of the Income Tax.

We pray to the Almighty to fulfill all our plans and dreams so that we can help in the upliftment and betterment of the under-privileged of our society in our own humble way.

PROUD TO BE A HUMAN. PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FOR BRIGHT NEEDY STUDENTS

Dear ALL,

If you have come across any bright students coming from poor financial background who have finished their 10th standard this year (April 2009) and scored more than 80%, please ask them to contact the NGO-Prerana (supported by Infosys foundation). The NGO is conducting a written test and those who clear the test will be eligible for financial help for their further studies.

Please ask the students to contact the people mentioned below to get the form:
#580, Shubhakar, 44th cross, 1st 'A' Main Road, Jayanagar, 7th block, Bangalore

Saraswati - Mobile no. 9900906338

Mr. Shivkumar - 9986630301 - Hanumanthnagar office

Ms. Bindu - 9964534667 - Yeshwantpur office

Even if you don't know anyone, please pass on this info, someone might be in need of this help desperately