Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 10: "The modern polarised media culture separates people based on their Caste, Creed, and Religion. Christian media must go against the grain and strive for inclusivity," said Dr Sudeep Paul, director of Sandesha Foundation, on July 9 at a seminar conducted at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, on the occasion of the Konkani monthly's 15th Anniversary.

The programme began with invoking god’s blessings with a recitation of a poem by Sianna Veigas. It was followed by a video on the 15 years' journey of Naman Ballok Jesu, the monthly magazine of the Carmelites. Welcoming the guests and the gathering, Fr Ivan Dsouza pointed out that Naman Ballok Jesu has been able to make its presence due to the tremendous support it received from its readers, sponsors and writers. Dr Fr Sudeep Paul, director of Sandesha Institute was the guest of honour.

Director of the shrine, and associate editor of NBJ Fr Stifan Pereira read out the names of the writers and sales representatives and they were felicitated. Speaking on the Occasion Fr Melvin D’cunha stated that the Carmelites have been carrying out this Spiritual Ministry in media successfully for the last 15 years. Fr superior also congratulated the earlier editors and the new editor of Naman Ballok Jesu Fr Ivan Dsouza and his team for popularising the monthly magazine and encouraged them to continue the good work they have been doing in the last fifteen years.

A book 'Poli-Tickle' by author Roshu Bajpe was released by Fr Melvin Dcunha. Stany Bela gave an introduction to the book.

Fr Joseph Cyril D'Souza introduced the speaker of the day - Dr Sudeep Paul who spoke on the theme 'Church & Media'. "Christian Media have stayed isolated until now, concentrating on spreading the Good News. However, the time has now come to stand up for our rights and promote peace. Pope Francis calls us to become the 'Voice of the voiceless' and encourage people to 'embrace the power of the media', said Dr Sudeep Paul. The talk was followed by a discussion conducted by Alwyn Danti, Pernal. Richard Alvares spoke about the contribution of the previous editor of NBJ, Fr Joseph Cyril D'Souza who was then felicitated by the superior with a shawl, fruits, a flower bouquet and memento.

Two dances were beautifully performed by children of Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi under the training of Nirmala Braggs. Fr Melvin D’Cunha, superior St Joseph’s Monastery, Fr Sudeep Paul, editor Fr Ivan D'Souza, and associate editor Fr Stifan Pereira were the guests on the dais.

Leeza Rodrigues compered the programme and Fr Stephen Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.