Serving the poor to `live the life'

Showry Ongole: In his pursuit for achieving satisfaction in life, a businessman found solace in serving the poor. He spread out such activities by establishing a service organisation eight years back. DV Manohar of Pamur, in Prakasam district, believes that serving the poor makes life meaningful. He is a successful businessman associated with construction of high-rise structures and commercial activities in Pamur mandal. A prominent person of the town, Manohar owned a garment shop, 'Mommy Daddy Dresses'. The locality became 'Mommy Daddy Centre', reflecting the shop's popularity. His ``search for achieving satisfaction in life''made him start Surya Chandra Seva Samiti, a voluntary organisation, to serve the poor. Unlike others, who usually name their organisations after somebody close or themselves, Manohar chose to accommodate the sun and the moon in the name. This is to send a message to the needy to avail themselves of its services round the clock.

His mission to serve the poor began with the construction of a water tank, which is the chief source of drinking water for residents of the town. He was instrumental in making the town green, when the organisation took up tree plantation drive. The Surya Chandra Seva Samiti took up a Rs 1-crore project to develop local crematorium helped by the elite. It organised blood donation camps in villages near Pamur in coordination with the Red Cross Society and saved many lives. Its free eye camps also helped many patients. The beneficiaries include disabled, poor students and the aged. Payment of an equal sum of Rs 200, as monthly pension given to some beneficiaries by the State, is another popular activity. The tree plantation taken up a decade back helped in making Sivalayam in Pamur a suitable destination for devotees to enjoy community lunch on various auspicious days. The big park in the town reminds visitors of his generous nature. Many people who witnessed Manohar's service activities hope the more needy would benefit if he enters politics.