Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Feb 17: The new building of ‘White Doves Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home’ at Niddel was inaugurated on Sunday, February 17.

Leslie Fernandes, main donor of the home, inaugurated the building.

U T Khader, district in-charge minister and minister of urban development and housing, Ivan D Souza, MLC and parliamentary secretary, T R Suresh, police commissioner, Mallanna Gowda, senior civil judge, Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, J R Lobo, former MLA, Ronald Pinto, NRI entrepreneur and Benedict Barboza were present as chief guests. 

Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop emeritus, blessed the new building and its premises.

In her welcoming speech Corrine Rasquinha, founder, White Doves, thanked the donors and supporters. “The building was completed at a cost of Rs 8 crore. Without a single penny in my hand, I had started the project. But the Almighty inspired many kind-hearted souls for his mission and I got donors from all around the world. With the help of generous people from our society, we have completed the construction of new home. There might be questions in people’s mind why such a modern building? But according to me, we all want to live in a good and modern house, then why destitute and poor cannot dream for the same? They are also human beings and children of God. We should consider them as our own.”

In his speech, U T Khader, said, “I am happy to be part of this event because ‘White Doves’ has been spreading the love of God across the society. The Rasquinha couple has done wonders in our society by taking care of destitute and mentally ill. They are the role model for all government bodies because they are doing their work with such ease. It is an inspiration for the government. I assure support to White Doves and try to sanction funds for its activities.”

Ivan D Souza said, “When we enter the Assembly, there is a board which reads – ‘Government work is God’s work’. But we all know how government departments function. But here White Dove is doing God’s work in a proper way and it is teaching governments as to how to serve the society. Corrine Rasquinha and her family are doing the work similar to that of Mother Theresa. We can see another Mother Theresa in Corrine.”

Leslie Fernandes, who spoke on behalf of all donors, said, “It is a great honour to become a part of White Doves. Whatever we have given to this institution, we will get it back spiritually. I congratulate Corrine and her family and wish all success in her future projects.”

Congratulating the management of White Doves, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, said, “By looking at the premise itself, I can say that the new building is a successful one. I salute Rasquinha couple for their social service. They are the hope of destitute and poor. Corrine is the role model for all of us. I assure my support to White Doves and my doors are open to White Doves for any assistance.'' 

In his speech J R Lobo said, “Many people have misunderstood the service done by the Christians. Without knowing facts, some blindly say that Christians are engaged in conversation. But in reality, Christians are not supporting any type of forcible conversation. This community stood for service. They never do service on the basis of caste, creed and religion. It is the time to publicize service of Christians. By this we can avoid such misunderstandings.”

“Corrine and her family are doing wonderful work and henceforth they need our support. I congratulate Corrine and her team for their humanitarian mission,” he added

Leslie Fernandes, main donor of the new building was felicitated by Bishop Aloysius Paul D Souza.

Ronald Pinto, philanthropist and managing director of Hyssna International LLC, who donated the chapel for the new Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home, was felicitated by Ivan D Souza.

Ivan D’Souza also felicitated Benedict Barboza, who donated a ward for the new building in the name of his wife late Jacintha Saldanha, London.

Gilbert D’Souza received felicitation on behalf of Michel D’ Souza, philanthropist and NRI businessman for his contribution for the new building. Nelson Rodricks, Ivan Fernandes were also felicitated by Corrine for their special sponsorship for the project.

Jerome Coelho, secretary and treasurer rendered vote of thanks.

Well-known emcee Leslie Rego compered the event.