Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 22: With the initiative of Fr Austin Peris, parish priest of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, here, Edward Coelho, vice-president of the Parish Pastoral Parishad, Derebail, recently organized an inaugural meeting of the Senior Citizens Club at Derebail Church Residence Hall.

All the parishioners within the age of 60 and above were invited.

Dr Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Indian citizen of USA, first Indian District Lion Governor at Chicago, USA, a poet, orator and editor of Veez Konkani, illustrated Weekly Magazine, state Illinois, Lions and Leos Monthly Magazine, District 1A Governors Newsletter in Chicago, Dr Devaraj K, Fellow Member of All India Management Association, New Delhi and director of SDM PG Centre for Management Studies and Research, Mangalore were the chief guests.

Fr Austin Peres, Dr Austin D'Souza Prabhu, Dr Devaraj K, Edward Coelho and Lizzie Fernandes, secretary of Derebail Parish Pastoral Parishad were on the dais.

Victor Miranda conducted the prayer. Edward Coelho delivered the introduction and welcome speech. Fr Austin Peter Peris florally welcomed the chief guests. Edward Coelho introduced Dr Devaraj K and Jerald Castelino introduced Dr Austin D'Souza Prabhu to the august gathering.

Dr Devaraj while addressing the audience explained the government facilities and the various schemes available to senior citizens as well as income tax benefits. He explained how to live happily without wasting time, money and how to keep relationships alive in society. He also said that involving in physical activity, exercise, yoga and maximum participation at public functions keep senior citizens active and young. By addressing the audience Dr Austin D'Souza Prabhu shared his experience in India as well as in the USA. He said that senior citizens should be busy with writing, reading, spending time with their grandchildren and social meetings. He also said that lifestyle and eating habits should be changed. They should regularly exercise at least walk and do small jobs at home and not to depend on their children. He also explained the role of caretakers and life security of senior citizens.

In the presidential address, Fr Austin Peres balanced the information given by the speakers along with his experience. He advised not to interfere too much in the lifestyle of children in the family, to be disciplined and balanced by involving in various good habits, food habits and to be prayerful always.

In the open house discussion, participants gained more knowledge by asking questions and clarifications and sharing experiences.

Fr Austin Peres formed an Adhoc committee of seven members with Edward Coelho elected as co-ordinator. Lizzie Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded by invoking God's blessings by Fr Austin Peres.

Victor Correa compered the programme.

High tea was arranged. Participants were happy and requested to organize such meetings monthly to keep them busy and informed.