Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 7: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, in association with the Catholic Sabha Bondel unit, organised a Teachers' Day celebration and the 30th memorial programme of late bishop Basil D'Souza at the Bondel church hall on Sunday, September 6.

Presiding over the event, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Joachim Stany Alvares, extended his Teachers' Day greetings and said, "Our mother tongue can survive for thousands of years only if we Konkanis speak in Konkani with our children and with God."

Chief guest Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop emeritus of the diocese of Mangalore, addressed the gathering and said, "Information, formation, and transformation are three key aspects of life. Teachers must perform their duties with love and selfless service, which is one of the ways of honouring God."

During the event, state-level best teacher awardee Roshan Alexander Pinto was felicitated by the dignitaries.

Delivering a talk as the resource person, Jessy Cutinha remarked, "Teaching is a mission, not merely a job. A teacher plays multiple roles in a child's life—as a mother, a friend, and a guide. Teachers are truly blessed."

Marking the 30th death anniversary of late bishop Basil D'Souza, the dignitaries paid their respects by offering floral tributes to his portrait. Prof Stephen Quadros moderated an interactive session reflecting on the life and contributions of the late bishop with Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza and Fr Basil Vas.

Fr Basil Vas, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, and Sujay D'Silva, president of the Catholic Sabha Bondel unit, were present as guests of honour. Wilfred Alvares compered the programme.