“Our focus is on well-being of those at the bottom of the society”

In 2001 Anthony Cruz shifted to DLF Phase -3 Gurgaon, he came across a group of tribal population. On further enquiry it was discovered that they had migrated from tribal regions of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha in search of livelihood for themselves and for their family members back home in their native villages. At present there are about 125 such families living in Nathupur village, near DLF Phase- III, Gurgaon Haryana.

Livelihood :

These tribal’s back home are marginal farmers or farm labourers. Most of them are school dropout. Women work as house maids and men are employed as unskilled workers in unorganised sector. Socially and economically weak, they prefer to live in a cluster of one room tenements in a village Nathupur, near DLF Phase-3 Gurgaon in the state of Haryana, India which gives them a sense of security in an alien land.

Mr. Cruz associated very well with them. He discussed with them his intention to register a Society so that they had an identity. He registered a Society called ASSUNTA TRIBAL WELFARE SOCIETY. Mr. Cruz formally approached local donors/church authorities for assistance. St Vincent De Paul Society, Kenhai parish. Gurgaon came forward to help them both in cash and kind. P.T. Abraham one of the parishioners was an ardent supporter of these tribal’s.

But Anthony Cruz continues concentrated on Assunta Tribal Welfare Society (ATWS). The new team of executive Members were formed in 2014 since then the ATWS has grown excellently well.

ATWS has introduced monthly support fund of Rs. 100 which is non refundable. This year ATWS will start supporting 3/4 students Tuition fee of children.

ATWS youth wing was created in 2022 with 10 of them joining. Within a year’s time, the youth is independently managing the secretariat and accounts. During the AGM 2023 (annual general meeting) the youth managed the entire event.

New lap top was purchased in 2022 in order to Youth to make entries and at present each and every account is updated in consultation with ATWS chartered accountant.

Youth outreach program was held on 05 February 2022 to explore the Delhi University programs.

The youth also attended the training session at YWCA on 26 June 2023 the counsellor explained the courses available at YWCA after 12 standards.

Caritas India

During COVID-19, ATWS distributed dry rations to all members of the society; to some extent we did receive support from CARITAS INDIA as well.

We have received a message from Fr. Sushil Modi, Administrator, CARITAS INDIA that to support and help one Gladwin Kujur who had lost his leg due to accident in Sardana in Meerut, UP Accordingly ATWS team visited the Gladwin house in Aya Nagar New Delhi and began the investigation. After thorough investigation EM were informed and requested to sanction Rs. 10000/- as a grant for medical expenses. EM has agreed to the proposal and grant Rs. 10000/- to Gladwin.