Media Release

Moodbidri, Mar 17: Samanvaya inaugurated its 15th free tailoring-cum-embroidery course for women on Thursday March 15 in memory of late Fr Bernard D’Souza at Paladka, here. A small function arranged to commence the nine-month course was presided over by the parish priest, Fr Gilbert D’Souza. The tailoring course was organized as part of centenary celebrations of the church dedicated to St Ignatius of Loyola at Paladka. 

Managing trustee of Samanvaya, Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto inaugurated the tailoring course and emphasized the need for women to create a place of their own in the family as well as in the society by making themselves economically secure and self sufficient. He also wished the students a better future.

Chief guest and director of Samanvaya, Dr Ronald Cutinha stressed on the audience that in the present times of rising prices and difficulty for survival, it is necessary that every woman plays an equal role in managing the family burden instead of depending on the male counterpart. For this, he continued, there are several options and life can be better with additional income by family women.

Sr Prema Gonsalves, BS, co-ordinator of Sahodaya Bethany Sewa Kendra, Bendore, Mangalore who is closely associated with the tailoring courses of Samanvaya felt elated to express the success of the course by which several women are able to live a better life by sharing in the family responsibilities financially. She encouraged more women to avail of the opportunity and make themselves self reliant.

Sr Mabel D’Souza, UFS, Women’s co-ordinator and superior of Angela Convent, Bejai, Mangalore  shared her experience  of the tailoring institute managed by her and gave simple tips on handling and maintenance of sewing machines and wished success to the students.

Sr Suma, Paladka parish vice president Andrew D’Souza, secretary Victor D’Souza Kadandale, and tailoring teacher Sujatha were on the dais.  President of the Women’s Association and convenor of the tailoring course Jacintha Sequeira welcomed the guests and the audience.  Secretary Clotilda Miranda proposed vote of thanks and Jyothi D’Mello compered the programme.  53 women were present on the occasion out of which 30 students have registered themselves to join the tailoring classes commencing forthwith.  Jacintha Sequeira is mainly responsible for introducing the tailoring course for the parish women.

Sewing Machines for this course are donated by Mangalore Konkans Dubai and the course is funded by Antony D’Souza and family, Qatar.  Samanvaya tailoring courses have become extremely popular and there is increasing demand from various sources for availing of this job skill.