“Influencing the ongoing changes in the society in favor of the poor and disadvantaged sections of the society”
“Creating a society whereby all disadvantaged persons live a just and dignified life”
• To work for creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for all disadvantaged people in rural and urban areas.
• To work for the sustainable rehabilitation and development of people with disabilities.
• To promote gender equality in development.
• To strive for the improvement of mental health of people.
• To be a catalyst in the field of protection of environment and natural recourses.
• To fight for the rights of children.
• To conduct research in the field of social work and related fields.
STARS (St.Thomas Association for Rural Service) was born out of the social vision of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871), an educationalist and a social reformer of the nineteenth century South India. He entered the seminary in 1818 and was ordained a priest in 1829. St Chavara founded the congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), in 1831 with a vision to serve the marginalized and underprivileged.
This first indigenous Catholic religious congregation of India today has more than 3000 priests serving in different parts of the world. He was canonized on 23 November 2014 in Rome by Pope Francis. The CMI congregation inspired by the vision of St Chavara renders its service in educational, social, health care and other sectors aiming at the integral development of the society.
“Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” – Mother Teresa
