Pics: Kevin Rodrigues/Justine D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jan 20: Life time achievement award was presented to John D’Silva, promoter of John D'Silva Foundation, Mumbai at ‘Samudayotsav 2020,’ the first laity convention of Diocese of Udupi organised by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R) on Sunday, January 19 at Mount Rosary Church Grounds.
Mangaluru bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha presented the awards to four persons for their notable achievements in their respective fields. John D’Souza (Mass media), Julian Danthy (Agriculture), Roshan D’Souza Belman (Social work) and Jerome Francis Andrade Kalmady (Home medicine) received awards on the occasion. Christian directors of co-operative societies, APMC directors, gazetted officers, office bearers of various Christian associations in foreign countries and many others were honoured on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said, "Everyone has unique talents. When these talents are used for the betterment of the community, the result will be unbelievable. Christian community members should show their talents to the outside world. Even though the Christians are less in number, we have contributed to the society in fields such as health, education and social work. We are a community which prefer peace and a decent life. We never react to any of the critical matters. Some are misusing this quality. Our community is depicted in negative manner. It’s our turn to be more vigilant. Our leadership should expand outside the four walls of the church premises,” he said.
MLC Ivan D’Souza speaking on the occasion said, "There are many possibilities of creating fear in our community. We need to be alert about these things. There are many leaders in our community but political leadership is decreasing. Community leaders should seriously think about this aspect,” he said.
Eight resolutions were taken up, based on the various discussions held during the convention and it was presented by the Walter Cyril Pinto.
1. Pressing the Central Government to make changes in the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Asking the government to make amendments in the Act which has anti-constitutional intent and which gives citizenship on basis of religion. To remove the factors which divide the unity in the country.
2. Removal of the controversial and problematic questionnaire in the NRC and NPR forms.
3. To build the community rather than building infrastructure in churches. Importance to be given in collecting aid for patients and education.
4. Diocese management should give permission for the collection of one Sunday's donation for the purpose of training the civil servant aspirants of Udupi diocese.
5. To reduce the unnecessary expenses in the social and cultural events of the diocese and utilize this amount for the needy.
6. To initiate a 'Youth Cell' in Catholic Sabha to continue the community welfare works of Catholic Sabha.
7. To start a 'Law cell' in Catholic Sabha which will help the community in the judicial matters in times critical situations.
8. Demanding the Karnataka state government to make arrangements for the existing Karnataka Christian Development Commission as Karnataka Christian Development Nigama.
Alwyn Quadros, president Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R) presided over the programme while Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru, Janet D’Souza, AICC member, Joylous D’Souza, president Karnataka Christian Development board, Albert D’Souza, president Model Co-operative Bank Mumbai, Anil Lobo, president MCC Bank Mangaluru, Lancy D’Cunha, AICU President, Raphael D’Souza, president Mumbai Catholic Sabha, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Jerald Rodrigues, treasurer, Robert
Menezes, assigned president, Valerian Fernandes, Fr Leslie Dsouza, Baptist Dsouza, Gerald Fernandes, Gladys Almeida, Assisi Gonsalves, Santhosh Cornelio, Iola Cornelio, Ronald D’Almeida, Herick Gonsalves and other office bearers were present on the occasion.
Inauguration of ‘Samudayotsav 2020’
The first laity convention of Udupi diocese ‘Samudayotsav 2020’ was inaugurated by Dr Gerald Isaac Lob, bishop Diocese of Udupi.
Addressing the gathering Dr Lobo said, “Without knowing the present situation if we go further, we will go in the wrong direction. Today in India, economic condition is not stable. Unemployment rate is high. People have lost purchasing power. The roots of democracy are being weakened. In this background, today we are gathered here. Compared to last 25 years, today in our diocese the number of elders are growing and number of Christians are decreasing. We are not able to produce anything from our lands. There are no leaders of our Community in larger society. Many are educated but no one takes risk to be self-employed.”
“In last 7 years, only 5 have chosen to work in government service. As a community we are third in majority in our district. We are losing our bargaining power. We are citizens of our country. We are failing to prove that we are of Indian origin. We are still depending on the Church for everything. Laity leadership is not seen among us. If we discuss these things, we will be able to build our community in a strong manner,” he added.
Chief guest of the programme Margaret Alva, who was also former governor of Uttarakhand said, “Don’t worry about the world, worry about your soul. But we need to understand what is happening in the world and nation. Udupi diocese is still in its infancy stage, but with lot of effort you have organised this convention. The Alva's hail from Udupi. Joachim Alva and Violet Alva were first couple in the Indian Parliament. Their ashes are buried in Udupi church. We need to understand what is happening in our nation. We are only 1.8% in India. We have rendered our service. No other community has served the way we have. This is a country in which we believe in secularism. Constitution has given us rights. As the government changes there are efforts to remove these rights. We need to unite and defend our nation. Stand up, speak up and be counted in the world that belongs to those who have courage,” she said.
Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R) theme song created by Wilson Olivera was released on the occasion. The song unveiled the works of Catholic Sabha. Two books written by Catholic Sabha members 'Our Constitution, Our Rights' written by Edward Larsen Pinto and 'History of Catholic Sabha' written by Dr Gerald Pinto were released on the occasion.
Alwyn Quadros, president Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R) welcomed the gathering. Anthony Mendonca, Rtd. K.A.S officer, Fr Francis Assisi D’Almeida Lawyer and director Sandesha Pratishtan, Mangalore, Gabriel Vaz, senior journalist, Bengaluru, Dr Vincent Alva, principal, Milagres College, Kallianpur, Albert D’Souza, Mumbai, Janet D’Souza, AICU secretary, Assisi Gonsalves, state president AICU RolphyD’Costa, president Caholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh, John D’silva, president John Dsilva Foundation, Fr Lesly Clifford D’Souza, parish president, Pramila D’sa, president Stree Sanghatan, Re Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, spiritual director, Elias D’Souza, Santhosh Cornelio, secretary Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Gerald Rodrigues, treasurer, Mary D’Souza, secretary, Samudayotsa 2020, and Elroy Kiran Crasta, convener were present.
A panel discussion on ‘Present situation of our community and future vision’ was also held. JR Lobo, former MLA, Anthony Mendonca, former KAS officer, Fr Francis Assisi D’Almeida, lawyer and director, Sandesha Prathistan Mangaluru, and Gabriel Vaz, senior journalist, participated in the discussion. Dr Vincent Alva, principal, Milagres College was the moderator.