Dear Friends,

I am pleased to inform all members that on 5th August H.G. Yakob Mar Irenios
laid the foundation stone for the new project of Balagram, Prathyasa Bhavan, a
home for the aged and destitutes. Eventhough it had been continously raining
till the time of ceremony, the rains kept off during the ceremony. seems a good
sign.

The project envisages to provide non paying facilities to poor and needy old
people. The estimated cost of the building itself will be around Rs.40 lakhs.
Like all the projects of Balagram, I am sure the well wishers will support the
project with their prayers and monetary help. they will also need committed
workers - both men and women.

Just some feed back about the present activities at balagram

there are now over 100 children. all of them are scholl/ college going. the boy
who is doing his engineering is in his third year. the boy who is doing his
degree in optrometry is in his second year. there are also boys doing their
degrees in microbiology. one of the boys has joined the nursing course. may be
balagram is the only institution which supports the hgiher education of its
inmates even though it is expensive.

one of the gratifying news is that some of the ex inmates who are employed now
send in contributions from their earnings to balagram.

The eye hospital is doing a good job with a new ophthalmologist. in 2006 already
they have done over 500 iol cataract surgeries most them free. the aim is to do
1000 free surgeries in 2006.

i am sure the well wishers of balagram will continue to support it especially
the new project.

best regards
Isaac Thomas
Hyderabad