Women’s hostel celebrates 75th anniversary

Mangaluru: The Sri Ramakrishna Vidyarthini Bhavan, a women’s hostel, that was started with the intention of building social harmony and women empowerment is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The year-long celebrations kicked off on Saturday.
This is one of the oldest institutions run by the Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathr Sangha. The hostel was established in 1948 with six girls and now provides a safe and comfortable stay to over 260 girls and working women.
Shalini Shetty, a retired banker and convenor of the hostel, said the hostel began functioning near Light House Hill in 1941 and in 1948, the hostel started functioning at Lalbhag. This is the first hostel in the region that is open to all women irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The vision was women’s empowerment and education. A lot of women who stayed in the hostel have climbed greater heights in society and are spread across the globe. They are likely to visit during the 75th-anniversary celebrations.
As a part of the celebrations, various cultural and other programmes are lined up throughout the year. There is also a proposal to start a women’s cooperative society, self-help groups, and a skill development programme for women.
The facilities at the hostel include a state-of-the-art kitchen, an open well, water storage, spacious rooms and dormitories, veg and non-veg food, and other amenities.