Opened in 1986, it was the first centre in Karnataka. Gundoli, in the taluk of Haliyal, is surrounded by lush fields and thick forests; indeed, a feast to the eyes. It has a mixed population comprising Marathas, who are the natives of the place, and the Siddhis, migrants from Goa. The main occupation of the people is agriculture. Transportation was by bullock cart. Poverty forced the parents to push their little children into domestic labour. Added to this, due to illiteracy the girls faced a lot of social as well as moral challenges. Today, though there are a few buses to ferry people around, the frequency is limited.

​

Initially, the sisters were living in the presbytery. They would visit the villages daily and help the people with their various needs. Meanwhile, land was donated by the Diocese of Karwar for a house for the sisters, clinic and a home for children, and some for cultivation. 

​

The presence of the sisters has helped to change the lives of the people through the services they render: home for girls, hospital (mainly for snake/insect bite cases), mobile clinic, home-based care, health education and health camps; small saving schemes and IGP for women, tailoring classes, and tuition for the children of the villages.

POSTAL ADDRESS

Shanti Dhama, P.O. Gundoli, Haliyal Taluka, Uttar Karnataka 581 329