“The Math has a long history of more than one thousand years and being a multi-dimensional institution has contributed immensely to the cause of societal advancement”
Mysore Citizens Forum – Reaching out to the distressed
Established in 2004 to provide relief to the victims of the Tsunami, that hit the coasts of eastern and southwestern India. Mysore Citizens’ Forum (MCF) is an open forum under the leadership of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, which includes prominent citizens, philanthropists, and voluntary organisations functioning in the Mysuru district. It aims at setting up a consolidated fund from the contributions of its members, organisations, and the public so that a substantial sum becomes readily available for undertaking major rehabilitation work in the target area, and the benefits of the funds reach genuine targets directly and efficiently.
Established in 2004 to provide relief to the victims of the Tsunami, that hit the coasts of eastern and southwestern India. Mysore Citizens’ Forum (MCF) is an open forum under the leadership of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, which includes prominent citizens, philanthropists, and voluntary organisations functioning in the Mysuru district. It aims at setting up a consolidated fund from the contributions of its members, organisations, and the public so that a substantial sum becomes readily available for undertaking major rehabilitation work in the target area, and the benefits of the funds reach genuine targets directly and efficiently.
Besides providing relief to the victims of the Tsunami, the Forum also gave its mite when earthquakes occurred in Latur (Maharashtra) and Bhuj (Gujarat).
The forum immediately responded to the flood situation in North Karnataka by arranging and sending necessary materials such as food, cloth, medicines, etc. Later, a total of 1,250 houses were constructed in five villages — Kotiyala in Bijapur district, Nandanuru in Bagalkot district and B.S. Beleri and Basarakonda in Gadag district.
The Forum extended its helping hand to the people of flood-hit Kodagu and Kerala. It donated a sum of Rs. 10 lakhs to Kerala and supplied food, medicine, and other essential materials to flood victims of Coorg.
During COVID-19, when the lockdown was imposed, many citizens were left in distress without work and wages. As assistance to such people, MCF distributed food grain kits to more than 8000 families in association with various philanthropists. Mysore Citizens’ Forum has always stood along with the people in times of crisis.
Vision
To rescue and rehabilitate the victims of natural disasters. It aims at working towards improving the quality of life of the victims who are in difficulty and need of help.
Tsunami- Supporters of MCF’s Rehabilitation Programme
- Sri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji, Pejawar Mutt
- Sri Ramakrishna Ashram
- Sri Ganapati Sachichidananda Swamiji, Avadhoota Datta Peetham
- Sri Raghavendra Mutt, Mantralaya
- Rotary Club
- Star of Mysore and Mysore Mitra
- Andolana Publications
- Rotary West
- ING Vyasa Bank
- AT & S, Mysore
- Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, Saragur
- Mahajana Group of Institutions
- Vidya Vikas Education Trust, Mysore
- Lions Club, Chamarajanagara
- Sri Bhramara Trust, Mysore
- Abdul Nazir Sab State Institute of Rural Development
- Tectonics, Mysore
- Tetra Valves, Mysore
- Manhattan Associates, Bangalore
- Press Club, Mysore
- Lions Club, Yelandur, etc.
Many more organizations came forward to be a part of the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
Appreciation
Dr. APJ Kalam lauded the efforts of MCF
Former President and Notable Scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam appreciated the efforts of MCF and the citizens of Mysuru who responded with unprecedented generosity in solidarity with the rescue and relief efforts of the affected communities and local authorities that gave a boost to the MCF team for their recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The Mysore Citizens’ Forum (MCF), along with other Mysoreans responded to the woes of those in distress due to floods in North Karnataka. A sum of Rs. 10 lakh was donated to the flood victims by the JSS MVP. The sum included contributions from the Suttur Veerasimhasana Math, employees of JSS MVP and citizens of Mysore.
As an immediate relief measure, food grains, medicines, clothes, and other essential things were sent.
Padayatra to help flood victims
His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, along with legislators and MPs of Mysore took out a padayatra, to collect offerings from the public, to donate to the flood victims of North Karnataka. A sum of Rs. 1.40 crore was collected from the Padayatra.
Housing Project
A total of 1,250 houses were constructed in five flood-hit villages — Kotiyala in Bijapur district, Nandanuru in Bagalkot district and B.S. Beleri and Basarakonda in Gadag district.
The members of the Mysuru Citizens Forum visited the rain-hit Kodagu District on August 22, 2018, and extended help to the people affected by the rains and instilled confidence among them. The team led by His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, included Sri K. B. Ganapathi, Editor, Mysuru Mitra, C. G. Betsurmath and Sri S.P. Manjunath, Secretary, JSS MVP, Industrialists Sri Giri, Sri Jagadish Babu, Sri Narendra, Heads of various maths and others.
The team visited the temporary relief centres established in Kushalnagara, Suntikoppa, Madapura and Madikeri and distributed essential materials to the refugees. HH Jagadguru Sri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji assured to provide free education to the children of all those families who require it.
In a meeting held at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu, on the same day to discuss the situation and developments, members of the Mysuru Citizens Forum assured to join hands with the District Administration always in such situations.
His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji solacing the rain-hit people of Kodagu District who have taken shelter in one of the temporary relief centres, on August 22, 2018. District In-charge Minister Sri Sa. Ra. Mahesh and others are seen in the picture.
His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji and Sri K. B. Ganapathi distributing necessary materials to the people of rain-hit Madikeri District who have taken shelter at one of the temporary relief centres in Kodagu. Sri Giri, Sri C.G. Betsurmath, and others are seen in the picture.