Mother Teresa a beacon of compassion, says Bindu

“Mother Teresa was the embodiment of compassion, humanity, and motherhood, a radiant light in world history,” said R. Bindu, Minister for Social Justice, while inaugurating the State-level Mother Teresa Day celebrations organised by the department’s Orphanage Control Board in Thrissur on Tuesday.

In her address, the Minister said Mother Teresa proclaimed to the world that no one was an orphan. “When we remember her, we are embracing the residents of orphanages across the State as our own brothers and sisters,” she said, stressing that the department’s motto, ‘You are not alone, we are with you’, reflected Mother Teresa’s spirit.

The Minister noted that in an era of consumerism and individualism, the elderly were often discarded by families. “Capitalist culture urges us to use and throw away — even people. That is why institutions under the Orphanage Control Board are increasingly becoming homes for the abandoned,” she observed.

Tracing the history of the board, Dr. Bindu recalled that it was established in 1960 and had since embraced over 1,800 welfare institutions, including old-age homes, centres for persons with disabilities, women’s shelters, and child protection centres.

Together, they house over 71,000 inmates, who are provided physical and mental well-being programmes. The government extends subsidies on rations, power, water supply, and property tax exemptions. Monthly grant of ₹1,100 is given to every inmate, and steps are under way to increase the amount. The State has also appointed 40 trained counsellors to strengthen care across these homes.

At the function, District Social Justice department Senior Superintendent Joicy Stephen, retiring after 27 years of service, was felicitated.

Orphanage Control Board Chairman N. Ali Abdulla presided, with district panchayat president V.S. Prince and Collector Arjun Pandyan as guests of honour.

Cultural performances by inmates of welfare institutions added colour to the day’s celebrations.