Global market 'all open' for greeting cards from this differently-abled unit in Mangaluru

Harsha Raj Gatty | coastaldigest.com
December 26, 2018

For over five-decades now, the differently-abled trainees at the rehabilitation unit of Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital in Mangaluru are turning into 'master' artisans in greeting card and handicraft making. Their artistic endevour that comes alive especially during Christmas has not only gained them recognition far and wide in Europe, but is also aiding their financial sustainability. "We cater to 'orders' for other festivities also, but during Christmas there is a sizable order from the global market," says Sr. Rosaline D’Souza, in-charge of the rehabilitation unit of Fr Muller Medical College Hospital.

Bulk orders from Germany, France, United Kingdom, Australia, continue to pour at this rehabilitation unit, despite technological advancements in the form of email-greetings and Whatsapp forwards. "Yes, there is a popular preference to digital-technology over hard-copy greeting cards these days due to cost effectiveness and easy accessibility. But then there are also people that wish to share handmade and personalized greetings for their dear-ones during festive seasons, which is encouraging," she says.

Of the various creation by the 'differently-abled', most customers re-order for materials processed through ‘Batik-Printing’. D'Souza adds that Batik cards are a bit of a challenge to make, since it requires a combination of wax and colour dyes to give that visual imagery on the fabrics. "The fabric used to make 'Batik' greeting cards are first covered with wax and then crumpled to create fine lines. "The material is dyed with bright colours  that penetrate through these lines (while avoiding the area covered with wax) create an impression of intricate designs. Post processing the artisans scrape off the wax and the fabric is cut into greeting card sizes and stuck on paper. Later, different visuals are customised and printed on the card using ‘screen printing’ method," Sr. Dsouza says.

Priced between Rs. 24 to Rs 30, the rehabilitation unit not only receives orders from abroad but also different private organisations, corporates and students from India.

Besides cards the unit also manufactures wooden toys such as marionettes, picture blocks, memory blocks, tote bags, files, folders for conferences and conventions made out from cloth and jute, says an employee Dileep.

The rehabilitation unit began as part of 'occupational therapy' for leprosy patients by Swiss woman Heidi Dutt Zehnder at Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital in in 1965, since patients once affected by it found lesser acceptance in the mainstream society. Till date, the centre over the period has employed over 400 employees, most of them are differently-abled.

"The idea of our founder was to give necessary emotional-help, socio-economic aid and training to the differently-abled persons and make them acceptable in society, enabling them to live a life with dignity," says Sr D'Souza.

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News Network
April 22,2024

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Mangaluru: BJP candidate in Dakshina Kannada Capt Brijesh Chowta has received a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishing him victory in the election.

In the letter, which the BJP shared with the media, the PM has lauded Chowta’s exceptional services in the armed forces as a part of the Gorkha regiment, especially in counter-insurgency operations. Modi also has mentioned about Chowta’s efforts as an organiser of the Mangaluru Lit Fest and his dedication to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.

“I am certain that you will immensely contribute towards the welfare of people and the region of Dakshina Kannada. Through this letter, I would like to tell the people of your constituency that this is not an ordinary election. Families across India, especially the senior members, would remember the difficulties they have gone through in the last five to six decades. In the last 10 years, the quality of life of every section of society has improved, with many of these troubles removed. Yet, a lot more is still to be done and this election will be decisive in our mission to ensure a better life for everyone,” reads the letter. 

“Your exceptional service in the armed forces as a part of the Gorkha regiment, especially in counter-insurgency operations, is commendable. Additionally, your efforts as an organiser of the Mangaluru Lit Fest demonstrate your dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the region. I am certain that you will immensely contribute towards the welfare of people and the region of Dakshin Kannada”

“With the blessings of the people, I am confident that you will reach the Parliament. Team members like you are a great asset for me. As a team, we will leave no stone unturned for the welfare of the people of your constituency and the country. Through this letter, I would like to tell the people of your constituency that this is not an ordinary election. Families across India, especially the senior members, would remember the difficulties they have gone through in the last 5-6 decades. In the last 10 years, the quality of life of every section of society has improved, with many of these troubles removed. Yet, a lot more is still to be done and this election will be decisive in our mission to ensure a better life for everyone.

“This election is an opportunity to connect our present with a bright future. Every vote that the BJP gets will go towards forming a stable government and impart momentum in our journey to become a developed nation by 2047. The people of India themselves have made up their minds to support this vision and are leading the way in this election. I am aware that the summer heat poses problems to everyone. But this election is extremely important for the future of our nation. I appeal to the voters to cast their votes early in the morning, before the heat sets in.

“It is important that our workers motivate people to go out and vote in large numbers. Focus on winning the booth. Victory in every booth leads to success in the constituency. At the same time, I request workers of our party to take care of their health and that of other people around them. As a candidate of the BJP, I urge you to convey my assurance to each voter that every moment of my time is dedicated to the welfare of my fellow citizens. I send you my wishes for your victory in the election,” stated PM Modi in the letter.

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News Network
April 24,2024

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With the Karnataka transport department extending the deadline for the installation of High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) twice--- in November last year and February, it is no longer planning to extend the same. The department ordered for the installation of HSRP before May 31.

The transport department through a notification in August last year, had mandated the installation on all the vehicles that were registered in the state prior to April 1, 2019. According to transport officials, there are nearly two crore vehicles that are supposed to get HSRP for their vehicles.

“As of now, the state has registered only 34 lakh HSRP installations, despite extending the deadline twice. From nearly 18 lakh installations since February, the numbers have almost doubled. However, there are still a large number of vehicles that have to opt for HSRP,” said C Mallikarjuna, Additional Commissioner for Transport (Enforcement).

“We will wait till May 31 to check for the total number of vehicles that fall in line. We are expecting HSRP installations to touch 75 lakh, after which we will consider an extension as the numbers indicate that people are falling in line and if some more time is given everyone will get it done. However, if we do not reach that number before the deadline, we will request the government not to extend the deadline but urge for an enforcement,” he said.

He also stated that a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed for the first time and if vehicle owners do not fall in line, it will be Rs 1,000 later until they have installed HSRP. “We will wait till the Model Code of Conduct ends and take the government’s opinion. We are going to request the government for strict enforcement if the HSRP installations are not satisfactory,” he added.

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News Network
April 9,2024

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Mangaluru/ Bengaluru, Apr 2: Karnataka’s coastal belt some of the neighbouring areas will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on April 10, while rest of the state will witness the festival on April 11 due confusion over moon sighting. 

Muslim religious heads in twin coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on the night of April 9 declared the end of Ramadan and beginning of Shawwal following reports of sighting of crescent moon. 

With this Eid will be celebrated on April 10 in the above region. Similarly, Muslims in Bhatkal and neighbouring state of Kerala too will celebrate the festival on April 10. 

However, Muslims in other parts of Karnataka will continue to fast on April 10 and celebrate the Eid on the following day due to non-sighting of moon in their region. 

The Karnataka Moon Sighting Committee chairman Moulana Maqsood Imran formally announced that the Eid-ul-Fitr in Bengaluru and areas of Karnataka will be celebrated on Thursday April 11. 

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