Tools to petty traders, street vendors, self-employed presented to help them regain their lost livelihoods
Freemasons of Telangana have presented Tools/ implements to women who work from home, petty traders, street vendors, and self-employed to help them regain their lost livelihoods. These were presented under their novel initiative 'Gift-a-Livelihood' on Tuesday at Goshamahal, Nampally. This was the 8th round.
Mayo Lodge No. 19, a primary unit of Freemasonry financed the project. This project was taken up on the eve of the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of May Lodge No. 19. May Lodge is the oldest Freemasonry wing or branch in Telangana. It was founded on May 02, 1872.
The Grand Master, who is called the head of Freemasonry in India, Mr Anish Kumar; VG Madhusudhan, South India head of Freemasonry; Mohan Babu Sompalli, Naresh Yadav, Worshipful Master of Mayo Lodge; it members Minoo R. Pilcher, Lenny Emmanuel, Herman Papali, Ramana Gudipati, Praful Sahgal, SP Chandu and others graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Anish Kumar lauded the efforts of the Freemasons. Looking at the impact the project created in the local communities, the project is being replicated by Freemasons across 150 towns. Impressed by the beneficiaries' overwhelming response, Mr Anish Kumar announced rupees one lakh donation from Grand Lodge of India and rupees ten thousand on his behalf as a contribution to the Gift-A-Livelihood Project
It is the need of the hour project. We appreciate Freemasons of Telangana, said Mr VG Madhusudhan.
The project coordinator of 'Gift-A-Livelihood', D. Ramchandram informed the gathering that 220 people benefitted through his project. Our target is to help 500 people. The balance of 280 people will be helped in a couple of months. He urged corporates, and philanthropic individuals to come forward to help petty traders, and street vendors buy tools, and implements for better service and more dignified earnings.
Six women and four men were helped. These include one woman with istri box (Iron box--electrical one), five women were given away sewing machines; one electrician, one scooter mechanic, one carpenter and one pushcart (street vendor)
According to D. Ramchandram, the next leg of Gift-a-Livelihood' will be held in June, where 50 to 100 petty traders, self-employed professionals, and street vendors who are in dire need of tools, and implements will be helped and provided free of cost. The beneficiaries have to be needy and deserving people.
The needy may apply through WhatsApp on 9848042020 with a copy of the photo, aadhar card, name, contact number, and list of tools/implements they need. Each beneficiary will be given tools worth rupees 5000/- maximum. It is requested not to call on the phone; they need to just send WhatsApp only.
Individuals, organizations, philanthropists may join hands