Shubadha Society

Shubadha Trust was registered in 1978. It was founded by a group of Christian women Philanthropists, of Mangalore namely Ms Celine Aranha, Ms Olinda Pereira, and Ms Sylvia Saldanha. Its developmental story is intermingled with the lives of these committed women and many others who are entrusted with the marginalized sections of the society. Shubadha Society was registered in 1986 to respond to the specific needs of women especially the women in distress.

This institution aims at caring for women who are in situations of crisis and suffer from violence in the family and society. They are given shelter, counselling, legal aid and assistance for reconciliation with the family. Shubadha also helps to rehabilitate some of them to give them a better future.

The ultimate goal is to draw out those creative energies and capacities which lie dormant in the individual due to economic, social, physical or moral deprivations. Love is the underlying force behind Shubadha’s sustained concerns and commitment.

The process begins by identifying the distressed women either through a referral or by direct approach by the individual. Women are accommodated for a period of three to six months on an average. They are provided with accommodation and food until such time that they feel they can face life. Their progress is monitored up and occasionally they are brought together in view of affirming them and further strengthening them to face life.

The word ‘Shubadha’ stands for ‘wellbeing’ and the institution has contributed greatly for the wellbeing of women especially the women in distress.

Bethany was associated with Shubadha right from its inception. The superior of Rosa Mystica was one of the ex-officio members of the Executive Committee. However, none ever thought that Shubadha would become the project of the Bethany Congregation. It was from the year 1997 Bethany’s close association with Shubadha started with Sr Jyoti who was then the General Coordinator for Social Apostolate by attending meetings. In 1997 Sr Jyoti was the president of the Shubadha Society.

The founding members of the Society namely Ms Celine Aranha, Ms Olinda Pereira, Ms Sylvia Pais and other executive members desired that Shubadha should be revitalized.

Though Shubadha short-stay-home was discontinued, the Society had variety of developmental works for women. Repeated requests came to the Superior General of Bethany to take up the administration of Shubadha. However, Bethany did not feel competent to venture into a new project of this sort especially to start a short-stay-home for women in distress. In spite of feeling diffident, in 1997 Sr Michelle and Sr Josephine started joining hands with Shubadha’s developmental projects for women. In the year 1999 Shubadha restarted the short- stay-home for women in distress with Sr Dulcis as the directress. At the completion of her term Sr Mariola took up the responsibility and Sr. Mabel and Sr Dencilla assisted her sharing the responsibility and thereafter Sr Juliana was entrusted with responsibility as the directress.

It is worth mentioning about late Mr Paul D’Souza and his family who gave the land for this new venture at a concessional rate. His daughter Ms Tresa Pais, her son Dr Christopher Pais and family continue to support this project of Shubadha. During the past there were many problems connected with this property. Bethany Congregation highly appreciates the service rendered by Ms Celine Aranha, Ms Eunice Britto and Sr Mariola in settling the property problems and getting the land registered in the name of the Trust.

In spite of the various challenges that Shubadha project faces in terms of personnel and financial sustainability, Bethany is enriched today by networking with lay collaborators. At present the Shubadha Society consists of the members of the Congregation as well as lay people. Shubadha networks with NGOs such as Kripa Foundation, Deeds, Family Counselling Centre Roshni Nilaya, Sahodaya, Jeevandara, White Doves, Help Line, FEVOURD- K and CODP.

This home lies in the Parish of St Xavier’s Church Ferar. All parish priests have always been solicitous towards the growth of this Institute.

After Bethany Congregation has taken up Shubadha, AMA Netherlands has supported it financially for a period of three years. Manos Unidas is financing the projects of Shubadha for a period of three years. Arise Foundation has also supported the Shubadha and the localities of 800 families were reached out during Covid-19. Shubadha is grateful to them as well as to many small donors who help in financing its projects.

During the past 10 years, there were around 800 admissions to this institute. In addition to this a large number of cases were attended to by Shubadha. At present Sr Herita Monthi Mathias the Superior, Sr Christella, Sr Navya, Sr Severine, Sr Neeta, Sr Cicilia Mendonca and Sr Anna Maria are members of the community.

Shubadha appreciates the major superiors of Bethany Congregation for taking initiative to accept this noble mission and encouraging the sisters to continue their services. They constantly keep before them Jesus their model who fires them with zeal for His Kingdom with His words, “The Spirit of the Lord…” He himself says, “I came that you may have life” (Jn 10:10). Yes, life continues to flow into the sisters and from them to all those who look for life through them. May this good work bear abundant fruit for the Kingdom in the years to come.

At present Sr Lilly Pereira the President of Shubadha Trust, Sr Flavia Wilma the Secretary of Shubadha Trust, Sr Mariola BS Treasurer of Shubadha Trust and Sr Dona Sanctis and Sr Flossy are the Trustees.