Daijiworld Media Network—Mangaluru (SHS)

Mangaluru, Nov 11: Dismayed at her mother’s decision to send her to work, Mubeena kept running away from her employers’ till she ended up at Prajna Counseling Center (PCC) and got the opportunity to pursue a course in computer graphics. Now, she has turned into a good graphic designer.

Speaking at a discussion held between the district administration and beneficiaries of PCC on Tuesday November 11, Mubeena narrated her painful journey and thanked Geeta, the IT co-ordinator of the Center and Hilda Rayappan, director of the Center. “I was desperate to get and education; but my mother put me to work making hollow promises of sending me to school,” added Mubeena.

“Initially my computer teacher Geeta advised me not to take up computer graphics as I was poor in English skills. But I convinced my teacher and learnt graphics,” she added. The cover page graphic for an animated story illustration which was presented as part of the discussion, was designed by Mubeena.

As many as 30 beneficiaries from PCC shared their views with the district administration. Under the condition of anonymity, a former alcoholic who underwent counseling at Prajna De-Addiction Center, expressed how he was happy after he quit alcohol. “I went to many Hindu, Muslim and Christian shrines, but nothing worked for me and I was unable to quit alcohol,” he said.

He added that after he came to Prajna, his life transformed. He started to understand the problems caused to his family and neighbours due to his addiction. “Now I am leading a peaceful life,” he claimed.

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, addressing beneficiaries, assured that the state government and district administration will support all ventures of PCC. He added that NGOs like Prajna facilitate implementation of government schemes. The DC wished that more such NGOs would come up in the district to strengthen social security.

Superintendent of police Sharanappa asked a few general knowledge questions to the children and gave cash prizes on spot for two who gave the right answers. He lauded the efforts of Rayappan in nurturing many kids and being the backbone of the center.

Sharanappa reiterated the views of the DC and assured all government and police support to the Center.