Caddlegunj, Feb 19: In order to achieve its objective of “access to Justice to all”, SURABI – Andaman, an NGO, located at Caddlegunj , in collaboration with Wooden House society inaugurated a legal aid cell at Caddlegunj, Ferrargunj Tehsil on 17th February 2013. This is the first such legal aid cell in rural areas to be started at any of the blocks of Ferrargunj Tehesil.
Established by SURABI- Andaman in collaboration with Wooden house society, Port Blair, the Legal Aid Cell was inaugurated by Mr. Thomas Rajkumar, Director of HCDI, Pune, in the presence of Fr. Sahayaraj, the Finance head of Don Bosco Institutions, Mr. Murguganantham, the inventor of Low cost sanitary napkin machines, Mrs. Bhvneshwari Devi, advocate and president of Wooden House society, Fr. Bosco, the councilor of Chennai Don Bosco Institutions, Fr. Jesu Manickam, Director of SURABI.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajkumar expressed his appreciation for the efforts of SURABI- Andaman in bringing accessibility of justice to all, particularly the rural people. “Empowerment is complete only when holistic development is achieved.” He said, HCDI, Pune which is a partner of KNH, Germany, strives to bring holistic development in the rural society by empowering the women and children. “To this end, HCDI, Pune, supported SURABI for past 5 years in the formation of Self help groups and children parliaments. Efforts put in five years are yielding fruits now through the creative and hard work of Fr. Jesu Manickam, the director of SURABI,” he added.
Fr. Jesu Manickam told that aim of this Legal Aid Cell is to provide an inexpensive aid for rendering legal service of basic nature like legal advice, drafting of petition, notices, replies, application and other documents and also for resolving the dispute of the people in the locality so as to prevent the dispute from maturing into litigation.
Mrs. Bhvneshwari informed the gathering that The Legal Aid Cell will be manned by para legal volunteers who have been imparted special training. The legal aid cell will function every Monday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. A lawyer designated as coordinator will be visiting the cell regularly for guidance and advice.
Mr. Murganantham, Indian president awardee, was also honoured for his achievement of inventing the low cost sanitary napkin machines. According the Surabi office source, he will impart training to our women in making sanitary napkins at sanitary napkin manufacturing unit, located at Don Bosco, Chouldari from 18th to 20th February 2013.
The production of sanitary napkins would start in the first week of Mach 2013. A total of 200 people attended the inaugural function. Ms. Sarita welcomed the gathering while Suchitra proposed vote of thanks.
