RFLI, an organisation for life
“When
you do something, do it with love. It is not the outcome that is important; it
is the love you put into it that counts,” said Sr. M Annunciata, Secretary cum
Treasurer Respect for Life India (RFLI).
Respect
for life India (RFLI) is a non-profit, secular organisation run by the Good
Shepherd Sisters. RFLI started in August 6, 1986, with its secretariat
established in Bangalore. Their main aim is to promote, protect and foster
human life at all stages and to act against all that would lessen human
dignity. They believe that every human is precious and unique in the eyes of
God and the human family. The organisation is concerned with issues like
abortion, child labour, drug addiction, alcoholism, suicide, battered wives, dowry
deaths, plight of disabled, euthanasia and HIV/AIDS. It focuses on issues from
conception to natural death, and to act against all that would demean human
dignity because every human is precious and unique in the eyes of God and the
human family.
RFLI
for the past 12 years have been visiting colleges like, St. Joseph’s College
(Arts and Science), St. Joseph’s Evening College, Christ University and Mount
Carmel College to conduct seminar or for to give awareness programme. Sr. Annunciata
is the current director of the RFLI centre in Good Shepherd Convent campus.
RFLI
conducts awareness programmes, pro-life sessions at different schools and
colleges, and programmes for women and resource person at churches, slums,
juvenile homes and so on. They also hold National Convention once in two years
in different cities. RFLI have centres in different places in India like in Karwar,
Shillong, Goa, Agra, Erode and Chennai.
One
of the ministries that RFLI organisation have take up is rescuing girls who are
forced to work like sex workers and bring about a better life for the girls
working at brothels and the red-light areas. These sex workers were promised
good jobs before they were bought by their owners but they ended up selling
their body to earn livelihood. Sr. Annunciata said that while the woman or mother is selling
her body, the children will be kept outside the house or their children are left on the streets all by
themselves. Therefore, RFLI takes these children to a home, educate them, give them
food and shelter, taught to pray, draw, also taught yoga and karate and train
them to be better life. By doing so, Sr. Annunciata said that at least the
children will not be abused and at least they will be freed from the same
trade.
To
run NGO or any institutions or organisations, money is needed. RFLI receives
money from schools they have in Good Shepherd Convent campus. They also receive
funds from people who support the institution. Currently there are three staffs
taking care at the institution. RFLI also receives volunteers from time to time
in order to carry out the mission.
They
have various publications, like newsletters, brochures, information folders
books, and also have library of books and audio visual library which are used
as research centres and also hold exhibitions. Charts about various issues like
abortion, child labour, drug addiction, alcoholism, suicide, battered wives,
dowry deaths, plight of disabled, euthanasia and HIV/AIDS are displayed from
time to time.
RFLI
has different centres in different places. Some of them are Chaitanya, centre for the homeless, Abala Ashraya Sanga, centre for women on
the streets where they are provided with counselling and shelter for a week or
two. St. Micheal’s Home, centre for
unwed women and Marian Ville, hostel
for working women in Good Shepherd Convent. In all the works we do, do it
joyfully and happily and the fruit of happiness will come. St. Ignatius of
Loyola said, “Love ought to manifest itself more in deeds than in words.”
Sr
Annunciata
Respect
for Life India
Good
Shepherd Convent, Museum Road.
Bangalore,
Karnataka, India 560025
Phone
no.: 91-080-22246806
91-9844129904
Website: respectforlifeindia.org
