KRIPA FOUNDATION AND SEVA DAAN COMBINE IN THE BATTLE OF ADDICTION RECOVERY
In the early 80’s the Archdiocese of Bombay responded to the call of Healing the Addict. A role model of a Recovered Addict, who almost became a legend, was Russel Pinto. With the help of Fr. Ronald Braganza, he began a Treatment centre called Seva-Daan on the mezzanine floor of Mt. Carmel’s Church. Within a year or two, another Recovered Alcoholic Ossie, also began working on the street cases of Addiction. Bandra was known for not only the growing menace of Addiction but also there were many groups functioning as Gangs and Chapel road was the place for such regular fights. It was with the three patients of Aasha-Daan of Mother Teresa’s Home and the many street addicts that Kripa was born. The then Municipal Commissioner Tinaikar responded to the plea of Herbert Almeida the retired IGP of Imphal to use the temporary structure behind Mt. Carmel’s Church for the purpose. After the new Church this structure had to be demolished. However, as a special favour Tinaikar granted the use of the Annex only if it was to be utilised for the Recovery of Addicts and Alcoholics.