Bengaluru: In a heartwarming initiative reflecting the values of compassion and education, the Dhyana Jyothi Trust, a Carmelite NGO, distributed scholarships worth ₹6 lakh to the children of 30 visually impaired parents at a ceremony held on 25 May 2025 at Maria Niketan High School, Bengaluru.
The event was part of the Trust’s long-standing programme, ‘Carmel Vision for the Future’, which has been supporting the education of children from visually challenged families for over eleven years.
The programme commenced with a prayer service, followed by a welcome address by Mrs. Nelly Prichardo, the project coordinator. The event was graced by Fr. Silvestre Dsouza, Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa Province, as the Chief Guest, alongside Fr. Ivan Dsouza, Director of the Dhyana Jyothi Trust.
Fr. Silvestre, in his keynote address, described the scholarship initiative as a noble Carmelite venture, acknowledging the immense desire of visually impaired parents to secure a better future for their children through education.
“Though their vision is impaired, their dreams for their children are clear and bright,” he said.
He further commended the donors and benefactors who make the initiative possible, stating that their support helps fulfil the dreams of underprivileged yet academically gifted children.
Mrs. Prichardo, highlighting the purpose behind the initiative, noted that most of the scholarship recipients come from families facing both visual and financial hardships.
“These children are exceptionally talented and perform well academically, but their families cannot afford to support their education,” she said.
She added that some of the parents suffer from complete blindness, while others have partial visual impairments, making regular employment and income generation difficult.
Dhyana Jyothi Trust, which also publishes religious and social literature such as the Bible Diary, relies heavily on public support and sponsorships to run the scholarship programme.
As the programme marked more than a decade of service, Fr. Silvestre expressed gratitude to past and present directors—Fr. Stifan Pereira, Fr. Praveen Pinto, and Fr. Ivan Dsouza—for their dedicated efforts in keeping the vision alive. He also thanked the donors, including Mr. Binoy Raphael, who have consistently contributed to this cause.
The event concluded with a community meal, symbolising unity, gratitude, and shared hope for a brighter future for the children.
Those wishing to support the initiative can do so by sponsoring a page in the 2026 Bible Diary for ₹1,000, or by donating directly to the Dhyana Jyothi Trust.
Bank Name: South Indian Bank, Cantonment Branch, Bangalore
Account Name: Dhyana Jyothi Trust
Account No.: 0009053000018429
IFSC Code: SIBL0000009
