Tourism Breaking News
The annual “Neravu” distribution event, organised as part of the Asha Prakash Shetty Support Program, was held on 25 December at 3:30 PM at Goldfinch City, Mangalore. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with several dignitaries and beneficiaries coming together to make the initiative a grand success.
This year’s event was graced by Adamya Chetna Foundation chairperson, Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, who attended as the chief guest. Other prominent personalities present included Dr M Mohan Alva, President, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodabidri; Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA, Kappu; Gaurav P. Shetty, Managing Director, MRG Group; and Dr K Prakash Shetty, Founder & Chairman, MRG Group.
Over six crores in assistance was distributed to 3000 families, benefiting approximately 15,000 individuals. The beneficiaries were carefully selected following a rigorous review of applications and verification of details to ensure the support reached the most deserving individuals and organisations. This year, the initiative prioritised those with mental disabilities, long-term illnesses requiring continuous treatment, physical disabilities, cancer, and other severe conditions. Assistance was also extended to individuals excelling in academics and sports or facing challenges in continuing education.
Transport facilities for beneficiaries were arranged, with volunteers ensuring smooth execution. At the venue, 25 counters were set up for efficient distribution of assistance. Beneficiaries presented their pre-distributed tokens to receive their cheques at the counters. The well-coordinated efforts of volunteers ensured that the distribution process ran seamlessly without disruptions.
The programme also supported organisations conducting impactful, community-focused initiatives, including maintaining cleanliness, empowering women, enabling youth, skill development, and promoting social transformation. Assistance for organisations ranged from ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000, while individual beneficiaries received amounts between ₹10,000 and ₹1,00,000, depending on their specific needs.
Medical cases formed a significant portion of the applications, and each case underwent detailed scrutiny and verification before assistance was provided. Many applicants hailed from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and the border regions of Kasaragod, though in special cases, aid was extended beyond these areas on humanitarian grounds.
The transformative power of the “Neravu” initiative was evident, with numerous examples of beneficiaries achieving self-reliance and contributing back to society. The programme’s impact has grown consistently since its inception, with the first year’s distribution amount of ₹1.25 crores steadily increasing year after year. The initiative also supported efforts to restore cultural and religious heritage.
The public recognition and positive outcomes of this programme have brought immense satisfaction to the organisers and inspired a sense of purpose in the community. Many who received educational assistance through this initiative in previous years are now employed and, in a position, to help others, further showcasing the humane changes brought about by the “Neravu” programme.
The event concluded on a high note, reflecting the commitment and diligence of the organising team in implementing the programme and its mission to empower and uplift the underprivileged.
