Media Release
Udupi, Jun 8: Sampada Udupi, the diocesan socio-economic organization founded on June 7, 2014, celebrated ten years of service to society in the Udupi diocese. The decennial celebration took place on June 7, at Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, Santhekatte.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi and managing trustee of Sampada Udupi, presided over the programme. Fr Vincent D’Souza, secretary of CODP, Mangaluru, was the chief guest. Other notable guests included Usha Vasanth of Baidashree Self Help Group (SHG), Thonse, Kallianpur; Treeza Cardoza of Kanti SHG, Belman; Sunayna of Shine SHG, Bailoor; and Victor D’Souza of Udaya SHG, Karkala town.
A brief prayer service was conducted by Sr Veera, during which passages from the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible were read by the staff members of Sampada.
Following the welcome address by Fr Reginald Pinto, executive director of Sampada Udupi, Irene presented a brief history of the organization, highlighting its mission, vision, and activities in various fields such as education, health, political awareness, environmental protection, women's empowerment, water conservation, formation of self-help groups (SHGs) for women and men, the establishment of an all-women’s bank, and organic farming.
The celebration featured the felicitation of various individuals associated with Sampada Udupi. Guests on the dais, past and present trustees, members of the board of directors, presidents and secretaries of major organizations under Sampada's patronage, and staff members were honoured with shawls, saplings, mementos, and certificates. Additionally, Treeza Cardoza, Sunayna, Victor D’Souza, and Usha Vasanth shared their experiences with SHGs.
A significant part of the celebration was the recognition of 24 achievers from Udupi district, including 19 women, four of whom are physically challenged, and five men. Two student achievers who received financial assistance from ICDP were also felicitated.
To commemorate the occasion, Sampada Udupi released a souvenir, unveiled by Fr Vincent D’Souza. In his message, Fr Vincent D’Souza praised Sampada Udupi's work over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of empowering women through SHGs. He commended Fr Reginald Pinto for his exemplary leadership.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his address, explained that 'Sampada' means peace and prosperity in Sanskrit. He noted that Sampada Udupi was established to serve the Udupi diocese in educational, health, political, social, economic, and cultural matters, aiming to uplift the poor and marginalized through education, training, and awareness of government schemes. The organization has provided interest-free loans for students, financial assistance for medical expenses, and support for small businesses through SHGs.
Fr Reginald Pinto was honoured for his dedicated leadership over the past ten years. Other dignitaries present included Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese; Fr Valerian Mendonca, Rector of Milagres Cathedral; Fr Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi Deanery; Fr Vincent Crasta, Secretary of CESU; Fr Wilson D’Souza; Fr Alwyn, Editor of Uzwaad; Fr Stephen Fernandes; and Leslie Auroza, Director of the Family Commission.
Jannet proposed the vote of thanks, and Stanley Fernandes compered the programme.