Profile
The Founder
The idea of The Project Vision was conceived by Fr. George Kannanthanam, Catholic Priest and Social Worker. He has been involved with various social programs for the marginalised groups since 25 years. He founded the HOPE Society in 1988 to work among alcoholics and drug addicts. He lived with the leprosy affected persons at the Sumanahalli Centre for 12 years. He initiated SUPPORT centres in Bangalore and Belgaum to provide HIV affected destitute persons care and rehabilitation.
With a Masters in Social Work and Doctorate in Sociology, Fr George has written the book named THE EMPTY NEST, on the rehabilitation model for leprosy. He was conferred National Award from Government of India which was received from President Abdul Kalam in 2003, Mother Award for selfless service in 2012 and Best Citizen of Bangalore Award from Namma Bengaluru Foundation in 2013.
Founder Members
The Project Vision is a global idea since blindness is a global issue. About 50 persons from varied backgrounds have committed themselves to be the Founder Members, who will pool their ideas, strengths and resources to realise the dream of The Project Vision. Having divided into eight different sub committees for operational betterment, the following are the Founder Members.
Patrons
Two very eminent persons are the Patrons of The Project Vision. They provide us with guidance and leadership. His Grace Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Art of Living
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Art of Living
His Grace Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore
Mentors
Rev. Dr. James Kannanthanam, Provincial, Claretians and ShriLukoseVellatharai, IAS are the mentors of The Project Vision. Being closely associated with the program, they guide us through their suggestions and support.
Rev Dr James Kannanthanam, Provincial, Claretians
Shri Lukose Vellatharai, IAS
HOPE registered society (No. 423/90-91) provides the legal framework for The Project Vision. HOPE was founded in the year 1988 and registered in 1990. It has Income Tax registration as well as tax exception under 80G.The PAN number is AAATH3621G. HOPE has the permission to receive foreign contribution under FCRA (094420868). ‘Dias and Associates’ are the auditors of the Society.
The other projects of the HOPE Society are:
HOPE Recovery Centre, Belgaum: A50 bedded treatment facility for the alcoholics and drug addicts based at Piranwadi, Belgaum, established in 1999.
SUPPPORT, Bangalore: Bangalore: Care centre for the HIV/AIDS affected persons.