Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Feb 10: 'Man with a Mission' is a biography of Joseph Crasta, the founder and executive director of Snehalaya Charitable Trust which is written and compiled by Geo D'Silva and Swarup V Amin. The book was released on Wednesday, February 10 by the bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha in a modest ceremony held at the bishop's house in Kodialbail, Mangaluru.
The author Geo D'Silva, welcomed the dignitaries and presented the keynote address. "A layman from an extremely ordinary social background was chosen by God to do his noble work. Joseph has sacrificed all worldly luxuries and dedicated his life for the downtrodden, the last and lost brethren. His missionary work, his life and challenges are documented in the book 'Man with a Mission'," he said.
Releasing the book Bishop said, "It is a great joy to release this book. I learned about Joseph many years back because of his social work. It is not imperative that our names are engraved on the marble but rather in the hearts of people. This requires sacrifice and love. Joseph is walking on the path of Mother Theresa and may he continue to do so."
The bishop also mentioned that he had an opportunity to go through the content of the book, and lauded the excellent narration. The bishop also honoured Joseph by felicitating him with a shawl.
Roy Castelino, public relation officer, Mangalore diocese was the guest of honour at the event. Addressing the gathering he said, "Joseph's work can not be documented because every minute he creates something new. At the age of 50, writing a biography may be too early but the authors need to continue with successive parts for the biography as Joseph is indulged several projects. His works are inspirational. The key activities in his life and works are very well presented in the book. I extend my congratulation to the authors."
Felcy Lobo, a writer, poet and educator at St Aloysius High School spoke about the book.
Swarup Amin was felicitated during the event for his work, given the fact that it was his first literary work.
Joseph Crasta thanked the dignitaries and the writers. He expressed special thanks to the authors who made efforts to gather information and translate them into a document.
All the invitees, writers and guests were presented with a memento as a token of remembrance.
Rafiq Master, a renowned social worker and patron of Snehalaya Charitable Trust for the past decade, was the comperer of the programme.
The book has been published by Snehalaya Charitable Trust. It contains 20 valuable articles and photo albums.