Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 13: 'Aatidonji Dhina' a cultural celebration of Tulunaadu (DK and Udupi districts) was organized on August 11 by Kamadhenu and Kalpavriksha SHG Federations under the aegis of Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP)®.
Sandya, president of Kalpaverksha Mahasangha welcomed the gathering.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr Prasanna Kumar, professor Alva's Homeopathy College, Mijar by untying a coconut flower. In his inaugural speech he explained that this cultural festival is celebrated by the people of Tulunadu since the bygone days. He explained that nature is universal. Nobody can withstand the fury of nature. However, nature is also kind and protective. He explained the importance of Aati festival and various herbal medicines available in nature during this season.
Ravi Kumar Crasta, coordinator from CODP congratulated the self help group members and Kala Girish, animator of CODP spoke on the unique features of Aati festival.
Fr Vincent D'Souza, designate director of CODP urged the SHG members to recall the ancient good practices of Aati season at their houses during the festival days so that our new generation may come to know some of the ancient good practices. After his speech, Fr Vincent felicitated the two social workers of locality namely, Suresh Shetty former cooperator and Maxim Moras, traffic warden for their committed social service to society.
Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP presided over the programme. He explained the objectives of CODP to reach out to the poor and marginalized of society and to promote good aspects of the different cultures. He then distributed 300 mosquito nets to the SHG members which were sponsored by Mangaluru City Corporation. He appreciated the relentless services of Maxim Moras as traffic warden at Padavu junction who voluntarily controls traffic in rain and blazing sun so that public may have smooth vehicular movement. He also lauded Suresh Shetty who voluntarily created awareness in Mangaluru on mosquito-borne diseases.
Sandya, president of Kalpavriksha Mahasangha and Shailaja, president of Kamadhenu Mahasanga were present on the dais.
Sarasvathi, member of SHG compered the day’s programme while Poornima proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme ended with a delicious lunch of traditional dishes, prepared and brought by various SHG members.
There were about 222 SHG members who participated in the programme.