Media Release

Bantwal, Mar 8: On Thursday March 8, around 1,000 people converged at BC Road Junction to participate in a rally jointly organized by CODP Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada Sahajeevana Okkoota and Namana Okkoota, Bantwal taluk, on the occasion of International Women's Day.

The rally was inaugurated by Yasmin, councilor of Bantwal town muncipality at 10 am by unfurling the rally flag.

In her inaugural message, Yasmin said that March 8 is celebrated as Women’s Day all over the world. Women play an important role in every sphere of life and hence should be treated with equal respect in order to help create a good healthy society.

Thereafter, people walked a stretch of about half kilometer from BC Road circle and convened at Sparsha Kala Mandir, BC Road.

The highlight of the day was the blood donation camp organized by CODP in collaboration with Father Muller Hospital, Mangaluru. Before commencing the stage programme Dr Chrystal from Father Muller Hospital, spoke about the blood donation camp and explained the importance and criteria of donating blood and thus saving precious lives.
On this occasion, homeopathic medicines were displayed and health cards were also distributed.

The stage programme commenced with prayer song by members of Sneha Mahasangha, Fajir. This was followed by a brief welcome to all participants and inviting the president and the chief guests to the dais.

Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP, in his welcome address congratulated and wished all women for their contribution to society. He spoke on equal rights for women and said that CODP's main focus is the empowerment of women and is working toward helping them to be self-confident and self-sustainable.

Thereafter, Fr Oswald on behalf of CODP introduced each guest and the participants once again welcomed them to the day’s programme. A patriotic song was sung and three flags of saffron, white and green were grounded in a flower pot base along with CODP’s flag, by Fr Richard Coelho, director, Father Muller Hospital, Mangaluru and three other sangha members.

Dr Rita Noronha, professor (retd), and chief guest of the day dwelt at length on role of women in establishing a healthy society. Health does not only relate to physical health, it also relates to mental and spiritual health. Only when a woman is healthy in all these three aspects, she will be able to lead a dignified life and contribute positively to society, she said.

At this juncture, winners of essay competition on 'Índian Constitution: Aspirations and Values' were presented with a memento, certificate and cash prize, by Fr Richard Coelho.

Mamata Gatti, chief guest of the day's programme, in her address to the gathering spoke on the strength of a woman as a daughter, sister, wife and mother. She encouraged the gathering to educate the girl child and to treat boys and girls with equal respect.

Fr Richard Coelho, President of the day’s rally, congratulated all women on the occasion. "When disharmony, hatred, intolerance is the norm of the day, love, peace and harmony is very essential. A ‘Woman’ is an embodiment of Peace and Tolerence and hence should be given due respect," he said. Fr Richard lauded the efforts of CODP in reaching out to women in rural areas through its self-help groups, and wished the organization every success in future.

Merlyn Gracy, inspector, construction workers department and chief guest of the day, spoke on the role of women in the family. Having an educated woman in the family is like having a mini school at home, she said. She also informed the gathering about the various schemes available to construction workers and encouraged them to avail the same for their own benefit.

During the day’s programme, the following persons were honoured for their unstinted service to society: Corine Rasquinha, Joseph Crasta, Savitha Shambur, Janardhana Kulal, Samshad and Charmadi Hasanabha.

The formal stage programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Rita Noronha, Project Co-ordinator, CODP. Thereafter, a colourful cultural programme was presented followed by lunch for the whole gathering. The day’s programme was compered by Cyril Vas and Renni. Chandrakala and Wilma compered the programme at the procession venue.