Outlined below are the distinct benefits and advantages available to SNMS Life Members and Patrons.
The period starting from March 2020 starting with the lockdown on account Coorona virus (COVID 19) Pandemic has been a trying period for the Samiti (SNMS) and its members and the general public. The SNMS management has risen to the occasion to help its members and the general public with daily necessities and medical help to the extent possible form its limited resources. These included free distribution of food material kits consisting of basic food items like grocery, condiments and spices valued about Rs. 1000 each. About 900 such kits were distributed through the regional units of SNMS to deserving families. In addition, SNMS partnered with Tata Institute of Social Sciences and other social service organizations to operate a community kitchen in Chembur M ward to feed about 3000 families on a daily basis. SNMS also initiated a Corona Relief Fund which partially funded these humanitarian initiatives with the help of generous donation from Members and well wishers.
Another important initiative is the starting of a 24x7 Emergency helpline service operated by hundreds of young members (YUVA) of SNMS in the name “YUVA Corona Saviours”. The YUVA members formed dedicated teams to provide specialised services to the general public affected by the Pandemic on call at any time of the day. They included medical professionals and other experts capable of handling emergency situations. These teams handled hundreds of cases by providing medical consultation, ambulance service, hospitalisation, procurement of rare medicines, counseling,etc. These services are still continuing with high level of commitment of YUVA members and full support and guidance of senior members of SNMS.
Given below are certain specific Advantages to be enjoyed by becoming SNMS Members:
1. SNMS Membership provides social security being part of a 16000 member family and provides a traditional cultural atmosphere.
2. Wide reach to Members and families through 41 regional centres.
3. Linguistic Minority status granted to SNMS by the Maharashtra Govt. brings a lot of advantages to members and families.
4. SNMS is operating several educational institutions providing education to more than 7000 students from nursery to postgraduate levels. Admission for members' children in educational institutions is almost guaranteed.
5. Extensive infrastructure such as open grounds, public halls, synthetic turf, other games / sports facilities at a large complex at Chembur, Nerul international centre, temple complexes and Guru centers which are accessible to Members. Discount of 20% from normal charges available to members for hall/ground bookings at SNMS facilities
6. Founders’ Memorial Merit Scholarships of Rs. 25000 each granted to Children of Members pursuing postgraduate studies. Eight such scholarships are granted every year. Other merit scholarships ,awards and educational assistance provided on sponsorship basis.
7. Educational merit awards are also given to children of Members every year being top scorers from SSC, through degree to postgraduate levels.
8. Medical assistance to deserving persons for hospital treatment . Financial assistance also provided in very genuine cases.
9. Marriage counseling by experts for our next generation (Open to all).
10. Marriage Alliance Meet organized every six months. Marriage Alliance Bureau functioning regularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
11. Patrika for marriages and marriage certificates are issued.
12. Availability of an exclusive “thantri” for handling “Marananathara kriya”.
13. A very active Women’s Wing providing effective services in all the units. Guidance being given for a successful family life based on the teachings of Guru. Many value based programs organized for the social and economic empowerment of women. Self employment and entrepreneurship are also promoted among women.
14. “Kudumbayogam” is organized in all units regularly to provide opportunities for members to meet and interact.
15. “Pithrubeli” and other poojas are organized on special occasions. “Gurujayanthi” and “theerthadanam” functions are organized regularly with large participation of members and families.
16. A very active “Balavedi” under the guidance of senior members takes care of upbringing of children from tender age to be good human beings conversant with the Guru’s teachings and philosophy.
17. Residential camps are also organized for children to facilitate personality development and lead a value based life..
18. Textbook on “Life and Teachings of Sree Narayana Guru” published to inculcate ethical, moral and cultural values in our children and students of SNMS institutions..
19. Programs for Globalisation of Guru’s teachings and philosophy undertaken in association with renowned philosophers under the umbrella of “Metaphysics and Politics” which give opportunity for Members to participate and interact.
20. Cultural wing organizes regular programs and discourses spreading the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru with a view to restoring values and morality in the society.
21. Sports Meet organized to explore talents among children and the youth.
22. Cultural competitions/festivals organized to discover and promote creativity among youngsters.
23. A vibrant Youth Wing (YUVA) is very active with its own programs and supporting other S SNMS activities. YUVA Kalatharangam is a performing cultural group formed by the youth wing to promote cultural talents among them. They at are organising cultural events at various levels in Samiti Functions and elsewhere. They are also active on Facebook. They have also started a Youtube Channel and Instagram account by name “YUVA infotainment” and hosting regular programs. They also organised the 24hr Emergency Helpline to provide voluntary services to the general public during the Coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic by way of urgent medical consultation, ambulance service, hospitalisation, procurement of rare medicines, counseling, etc.
22. SNMS publishes a quarterly magazine called Gururatnam. Members and children can contribute articles, poems, cartoons, news etc.and enhance their creativity. SNMS also maintains websites (snms.co.in, sreenarayanaguru.com, sngcollege.com, sngbedcollege.com, snghighshool.com, sngcentralschool.com, snginternationalschool.com) to provide up to date information on its activities.
23. Legal Awareness programs: Members are updated on latest happenings in the country about their rights and privileges and how to enjoy them ( like RTI, Legal services Authority seminars, etc. )
24. Members get employment opportunities through our institutions. To support the cause further, our businessmen patrons are offering jobs to our members.
25. SNMS provides moral/social/ financial supports in case anything happens to the bread earner of the family.
26. In case of emergency, immediate assistance/help/support and co-operation available from any part of the city and suburbs as our active Members/Patrons/Council members/Unit Secretaries are spread all over.
26. Through Bachat ghat and other financial schemes, financial assistance is extended to deserving members for exigencies.
27. Self employment programs are promoted through self help groups, and guidance counseling.
28. Donations received by SNMS from Members, Patron, businessmen, corporates and well wishers are effectively utilized for augmenting infrastructure and humanitarian programs so as to widen our reach among the poor and needy fellow beings, thereby working towards our Vision based on Sree Narayana Guru’s ideals.