Karunalaya Social Service Society is a voluntary organization working for the protection and rehabilitation of Street and working children for the past 15 years, and more particularly Karunalaya is one of the successes of the Salesians’ Presence in Chennai for the youth. Karunalaya was started and being run by the leaders of the Don Bosco Youth Center Broadway. The Principle office bearers of the organization are the following.Mr. S. John Bosco – President
Mr. B. Ravikumar David – Vice President
Dr. N. Paul Sunder Singh – Secretary / Director
We have been successful in our works with the blessings of the LORD and various Salesian priests who have been our mentor and guide all these years in the service of the poor and destitute children. Karunalaya’s mission has been touched by many Salesians one of whom is our beloved (late) Rev. Fr. Harrie Kanters. Ever since Fr. Harrie Kanters started his first Group Journey in the year 2000 to Chennai, he has associated Karunalaya with the programme of Commisse SAMEN (Salesian Mission in the Netherlands) of the Don Bosco House, Amsterdam.
The Dutch Volunteers from Fr. Harrie Kanters have been helpful to the upliftment of Street Children in our programmes, as in Don Bosco Anbu Illams. The sad and shocking news of the sudden demise of Fr. Harrie Kanters in Kampala, Uganda, broke every body’s heart and caused inconsolable grief.
Fr. Harrie Kanters has left a lasting mission and a memorable relationship with everyone of those who have met him. In order to lay a permanent remembrance for Fr. Harrie Kanters at Karunalaya, we planned to Unveil his portrait and conduct a meeting to share memories with Fr. Harrie on his birthday the 25th November 2010. We invite all the salesians and specially some Great Salesian Priests who had experienced the warmth of Fr. Harrie Kanters to grace the occasion at Karunalaya.
Rev. Fr. Bellarmine Fernando,Former Provincial, Salesian Province of Chennai and Srilanka
Rev. Fr. Joe Andrew, Vice Provincial, Salesian Province of Chennai
Rev. Fr. N. Gerard, Rector, Don Bosco Wisdom Town, Redhills
Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier, Director, Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Kavarapet
Rev. Fr. Gregory Devarajan, Headmaster, St. Bede's A.I.H.S.School, Santhome
Rev. Fr. Sundararaj Francis, Rector, Don Bosco Youth Centre, Broadway
Mr. Henk Krabben, CEO, Honicel Group, The Netherlands
Graced the Occasion with their sharing of experience and thoughts with Fr.Harrie Kanters. Rev. Fr. Bellarmine Fernando blessed the Portrait and Rev. Fr. Joe Andrew Unveiled the Portrait of Fr. Harrie Kanters. The programme started with an invocation followed by an introduction and presentation about Fr. Harrie Kanters by Mr. Paul Sunder Singh. Mr. S. John Bosco, President, Karunalaya presented with a memento to all the Guests as part of thansk giving for the occasion. Mr. Ravikumar David, Vice President, Karunalaya was also present during the occasion.
The programme was attended by children, friends, wellwishes and community representatives who have experienced the presence of Fr.Harrie Kanters at Karunalaya.
