Bihar Water Development Society (BWDS), the official Relief and Development Agency of Patna Archdiocese celebrated its golden jubilee in all its grandeur on 6th Dec 2017 at Sewa Kendra Patna. It was inaugurated and blessed by His Grace Most Rev. William D’Souza SJ, Chief Guest Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX (General Secretary, CBCI, New Delhi, Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura, Most Rev. Kurian Vallankandathil, Most. Rev. Cajetan Francis along with Fr. Paul Munjoly (Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India) and Mr. Kushal Neyogi (Sub Regional Director, Partnerships, CRS, South Asia).
The Archbishop William D’Souza S.J, was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist., along with the Bishops, and 40 Priests. More than 450 guests were present on this auspicious occasion. The celebration began with lighting of the lamp, welcome song by BWDS staff and release of the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of BWDS. Fr. Amal Raj, Director of BWDS warmly welcomed to all respectable guests and invitees.
The documentary Video of BWDS gave its Genesis and Progress. Bihar Water Development Society (BWDS) came into existence in the year 14th December 1967 when Bihar was hit by a terrible famine. The acute shortage of water, the life giving fluid and total crop failure that threatened the lives of millions. Keeping these and other factors in view, Bihar Water Development Society came into existence to assist poor and marginal farmers, the starving poor families with food and other relief commodities. Also, more than 1500 surface wells and tube wells in the arid areas of Rohtas district were constructed. In succeeding years, BWDS continued in water development projects and food programme with support of CRS.
Over the years, BWDS has also taken up and implemented many more projects related to Education, healthcare, women empowerment, Agriculture Program and awareness on Panchayati Raj system. Also, livelihood Interventions, Vocational Training and Charity Work with Disaster Risk Reduction awareness and measures started and developed benefiting more than 3, 00,000 poor and Dalit families across 10 districts of Bihar. These achievements boosted BWDS to complete 50 years of credible Social development services.
The Chief Guest the Most Rev. Theodore Macarenhas, Secretary General of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, addressed the gathering with high appreciation of BWDS works and achievements of social development. He lauded that starting with water development and relief works; it is creditable that BWDS has served the disadvantageous society with a variety in children education, health and women empowerment with reaching wider sections. He believed and wished BWDS to continue the golden journey with its splendid social development service in larger interest of the country.
Archbishop William D’ Souza SJ, in his Presidential speech, explained the background of BWDS establishment with adorable initiatives and significant work done by founding Fathers. He elucidated that BWDS has touched all development sectors, specially the women and community empowerment through rights and livelihood interventions. The word ‘beyond’ in the Golden Jubilee logo is quiet motivating and shows the strength which BWDS has gathered to continue its unfinished service to the humanity. He thanked and congratulated all funding agencies for believing and assisting BWDS in its holistic social development work during its golden journey. Other dignitaries also shared their views and wished BWDS a very bright future ahead.
On this occasion the Chief Guest felicitated former Directors Rev. Bro. Bernard Singh SJ and Bishop Sebastian Kallupura, present Director Rev. Fr. Amal Raj and all Governing Body members. Also, Fr. Paul, the Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India and Mr. Kushal Niyogi of CRS were facilitated for the wonderful cooperation and assistance to BWDS for completing its vast humanitarian service to the poor and deprived people of Bihar.
Awards were given to longest and best serving and best performing staff at various levels. In cultural section, awareness songs and dances, personal experiences, street plays on social issues like ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao’, etc. by our project staff and students of Supplementary Education Centers greatly entertained and appealed to the audiences.
The programme was concluded with Vote of Thanks by BWDS Secretary Rev Fr. Prem Prakash. He thanked all distinguished guests for coming and making the celebration memorable one. He also thanked all the staff and other members associated to this Golden Jubilee Program. He asserted that BWDS will continue its eternal service to humanity in the interest of the country and people of Bihar.
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