Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 25: Around 500 people converged at Sannapadav Fajir on January 25 to participate in a rally jointly organized by CODP® Mangaluru and CEI in collaboration with Our Lady of Mercy Church, Fajir and Laudato Si Committee of the diocese on the occasion of Conservation of Environment.

Laveena Danthi, president of Sneha Maha Sangha welcomed the participants at the procession venue.

The rally was inaugurated by Jeeth Milan Roche, an eminent environmentalist by unfurling the rally flag. In his inaugural message, Jeeth Milan said that we are responsible for the degradation of our environment and hence we must protect and conserve the same.

Thereafter, accompanied by the local village band, people walked a stretch of about half kilometer from Sannapadavu and convened at Our Lady of Mercy Church hall, Fajir.

Fr John Baptist Saldanha, vicar forane of Permannur deanery, inaugurated the eco-bricks benches in Fajir and a sapling was planted by Bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.

A street play was enacted by the parishioners of Fajir church conveying the message of environment protection.

The stage programme commenced with a prayer song by the members of the choir group, Fajir. Thereafter, Fr Sunil Veigas, parish priest of Fajir church welcomed the guests on the dais and the gathering.

Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP, in his introductory speech explained about CODP’s environment protection activities. “If each of us takes a small step in this direction, then future generations will inherit a cleaner, greener and healthier planet,” he said.

In his keynote address, Kalbavi Rajendra Rao, director of Nirmithi Kendra, NITK, Surathkal spoke on 'Jal, Jameen, Jangal' (water-soil-forest). He stressed on the need to reduce the use of plastic and thereby avoid an imminent environmental disaster. He presented practical ways to protect the environment.

Mohammad Monu, president of Mangaluru taluk panchayat and chief guest of the day spoke about the rally and appreciated the organizers.

During the programme, the following persons were felicitated for their unstinted service to society:

Jeeth Milan Roche, environmentalist Mangaluru, Sheena Shetty, cleanliness ambassador and Martin Monthu D'Souza who risked his life to save four college students from drowning.

Fr John Baptist Saldanha, chief guest of the programme said that it was a matter of pride and honour to have hosted this rally in Permannur deanery. He added that it is not enough if we just plant a sapling, we should also nurture it.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha released a book titled 'Parisara Devara Vara' (Nature is a Gift of God) written by Fr Valerian Fernandes, the editor of Raknno Weekly. The Bishop said, “Nature is a gift from God. When we take care of nature it is our gift to God. Just as we protect human life, we should also protect plant life."

All the guests and rally participants took part in the oath-taking ceremony led by Fr Vincent D'Souza, designate director of CODP.

A memento was presented to all the guests on the dais by Fr Oswald Monteiroand Fr Sunil Veigas.

Thereafter, a folk dance was presented by StreeSanghatana followed by mime show by ICYM youth.

The formal stage programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Victor Monteiro, secretary of Fajir church.

The day’s programme was compered by Fr Richard D'Souza, director of Canara Communication Centre and Laudato Si Convener and Rita D'Souza, co-ordinator from CODP.

John Fernandes, secretary of St Thomas SHG, Panela compered the programme at the procession venue.