Media Release

Dubai, Nov 27: It was a wonderful and memorable opportunity for community leaders and Mangalore Konkans’ members to meet and interact with two of bishops, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru and Dr Henry D'Souza, bishop of Bellary, during their short visit to UAE.

Mangalore Konkans and KEL had organised a get together with the bishops at Ivory Grand Hotel Al Barsha on November 24. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was accompanied by his delegation of Institution Heads in Fr Valerian D'Souza, former Udupi Episcopal Vicar, Fr Wilfred Prakash, director of St Joseph Engineering College, Fr Richard Coelho, director of Fr Muller Hospital, Fr Prakash, campus director, St Philomena College Puttur, and Fr Antony Serra, director Catholic Vidya Board.

Both Bishops were welcomed to the dais by Mangalore Konkans president James Mendonca, and Ivan Fernandes of KEL along with Michael D'Souza. James Mendonca also welcomed the priests and the gathering. Former president of Mangalore Konkans Alwyn Pinto presented a brief report on the achievements of Mangalore Konkans in past 30 years. Ivan Fernandes presented a brief presentation on KE Global. He explained how KE Global is helping youngsters to become entrepreneurs and the different initiatives taken by KE Global to develop students.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was honoured with a shawl by Mangalore Konkans founder president Jocelyn Mascarenhas and floral bouquet presented by Michael D'Souza. Bishop Henry D'Souza was honoured with a shawl by James Mendonca and floral bouquet was presented by Lilly D'Almeida.

The winner in female category in recently concluded ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore – Season 6’ Sabitha Mathias and 2nd runner-up in male category Aenson Mathias was honoured by the bishops.

Bishop Henry in his message said, “We have to develop love towards Konkani language and culture in young generation. We are giving all modern amenities to our children. We wanted our children to be happy always, but on the other hand we are running away from our basic responsibilities of bringing up our children with authentic culture.”

While addressing to his folks Bishop Peter Paul thanked all the large hearted people of UAE. He said, “Although there are other places like USA, Australia, and England where a good number of Mangalureans are residing, our community leaders and priests visit UAE because kind Mangalurean people here are always ready to help our community projects. People from this part even today support good causes of the Church during these difficult times in economy too. He informed that he is looking at larger vision wherein he wanted to build a larger and stronger society in the next 20 years which are officially available to them to serve as leaders of the community. He has explained in detail about his latest initiative ‘Bandutva’ wherein he has succeeded to bring together, the leaders from all communities.

Both bishops answered the questions raised in the interaction session to the satisfaction of the audience.

Mangalore Konkans senior member Albert Rodrigues rendered the vote of thanks.

UAE’s popular compere Roshan D'Silva Vamanjoor compered the programme.