Media Release
Mangalore, Mar 11: Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra and Sahodaya Bethany Mahila Okkuta, the social service wings of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany jointly organized the Women’s day celebration on March 9 from 10 am to 3: 30 pm at Puahpaya Hall at Bethany Convent, Mangalore.
The programme commenced with the Janapada songs competition for the women of Self-Help groups of Sahodaya. The inaugural function was held at 1130 am. Nalini G Shetty the president of Bethany Mahila Okkuta welcomed Sr Assumpta the director of Sahodaya and the general coordinator for Pastoral and Socio-Medical Apostolate and all the guests on the dais.
Sr Christine , the procurator general inaugurated the International Women’s Day programme by unfolding the ‘Pingara’ blossoms, symbolizing women’s growth in coming out of their own self to give life to others. She appreciated the women for their wholehearted cooperation in Bethany’s venture to empower them. Sr Roshni and Sr Jyothi Mary were the judges for the Janapada songs competitions.
Irene Rebello the resource person of the programme addressed the women on how to identify their own capacity towards their growth and all round development. She clarified that women need to assert themselves at various stages of their life. Highlighting the examples, she encouraged them to visualize different direction they need to see, in order to build self confidence and to empower themselves with right attitudes to become agents of change in the society. Renny D’ Souza the director of PADI, another speaker, highlighted the right to “Protection of children from Sexual Assault -2012”.
He explained in brief the different situations and persons in which children experience the sexual assault and the way to identify the problem. He shared the seriousness of understanding this right so that we can be a strong support in our respective areas to promote right values and protect the rights of children.
Nanda Pais the president of District women’s Forum who was the chief guest of the programme appreciated the great contribution of Bethany Sisters in empowering the women especially in rural areas, following the footsteps of the founder, Servant of God Raymond F C Mascarenhas.
She also invited the women to participate actively in the development of rights based society. Sr. Assumpta who presided over the programme, appreciated the empowered presence of women and invited them to stand united in all their struggles and fight for justice.
Sr Canisia the general councillor, Sr Michelle the coordinator of Sahodaya, Nalini G. Shetty the president of Mahila Okkuta were present on the dais. The programme was compered by Manjula and Sunita, Mulki.
The prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions that were held at various zones of Bethany Self Help groups. The cultural programme that followed united the women from the nook and corner of Mangalore Taluk together to give expression to their talents the whole afternoon. Anita Sornad thanked one and all and the programme was concluded singing the National Anthem.