The twin programmes were presided over by Fr Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese. Other dignitaries on the dais included the Sampada board of directors- Shanthi Pereira, Shaila D’Souza and Jannet Barboza, resource person Dr Soni D’Costa (BAMS) and president of Sugamya Zilla Okkuta Pramila D’Sa.
Following the prayer and welcome address by Judith D’Souza-coordinator of Sampada, Bishop Gerald Lobo along with other dignitaries inaugurated the twin programme by lighting the lamp.
In her address, Shanthi Pereira highlighted the origin and significance of International Women’s Day and pointed out the progress made and challenges faced by women throughout the world.
In his introductory remarks, Fr Reginald Pinto, director of Sampada traced the progress made by women of the Udupi diocese in self-help movement and also pointed out the importance of hair donation to meet the needs of women cancer patients. He also outlined the significance of the ‘Laudato Si: Save the Mother Earth’ competition in commemoration of the completion of five years of the Encyclical 'Laudato Si' issued by Pope Francis on May 15, 2015.
Bishop Gerald Lobo unveiled the poster and released the handbill of ‘Laudato Si-Save the Mother Earth’ Competition. In his inaugural message, Bishop Gerald Lobo said that the Udupi diocese through Sampada has taken a significant step in promoting environmental protection through the competition in which families, wards and institutions can take part irrespective of religious affiliation. It is an inclusive competition. Bishop Gerald Lobo said that the main objective of ‘Laudato Si’ Encyclical has been to preserve, protect and promote the environment. He further said that it is not necessary to carry on large scale projects to achieve these goals. Each individual and families can contribute in simple ways and acts to preserve, protect and promote the environment such as not wasting water and electricity, non-use of plastic, conservation of water, reduction in the use of combustible vehicles, etc.
As many as 27 volunteers from different parishes donated their hair. Among them, seven were school children, the youngest being Greena Nazareth of Kanajar studying in the third standard. Six hairdressers from Impress Spa and Beauty Parlour-Udupi, Pearl Beauty Care-Barkur, Jyothi Beauty Parlour-Shankarpura, Beauty Zone-Kanajar, Professional Beauty Parlous-Bailur, Karkala and Maria Beauty Parlour-Kalmady helped in cutting the hair.
As the hair donation drive was in progress, the resource person of the programme Dr Soni D’Costa in her cancer awareness speech pointed out various types of cancer, causes of cancer and its symptoms. She further said that excessive use of cosmetics, erratic food habits, dangerous habits such as smoking, consumption of tobacco in various forms, alcohol and excessive processed food, lack of immunity, stress, etc are some of the causes of cancer. Persons who experience hardened tissues such as a tumour, repetitive coughing, bleeding disorder, loose motion, excessive sweating, etc should consult the doctors and get themselves checked for cancer.
The hairdressers, as well as hair donors, were honoured by Bishop Gerald Lobo and Fr Reginald Pinto by giving them certificates and mementoes respectively.
Stanley Fernandes coordinator of Sampada proposed the vote of thanks and Lilly D’Souza compered the programme.
‘Laudato Si’: ‘Save the Mother Earth’ competition
Sampada, the social development unit of the diocese of Udupi, has had, along with women-empowerment, ecology as one of its priorities. Rainwater harvesting, small pits, vegetable garden, medicinal garden, etc have been carried out in order to save the environment of Udupi. Over the years these activities have become a part and parcel of the lives of our people.
Those who have a competitive spirit have been requested to help save the ecology in Udupi. ‘Laudato Si, Save the Mother Earth Competition’ has been organized to protect our environment. ‘Laudato Si’, the encyclical by Pope Francis is the inspiration behind this competition.
The competition will be held in 3 categories:
1. Laudato Si family: Any family living in Udupi district may participate in this category.
2. Laudato Si ward: A group of 10 to 30 families living in one geographical area or in the flats of a building can participate. Here the ‘Leader’ of this group has to give in writing the names of the families participating in the competition.
3. Laudato Si institution: Any unit of national/international organization, schools/colleges; clubs/societies may participate.
Rules and Regulations:
1. Entry fee of Rs 205 is to be deposited in our bank account through NEFT/DD/cash against a receipt in our office.
2. All the participants are required to register a mobile number that has a WhatsApp facility.
3. Each category has 3 prizes: Rs 10,000 trophy and a certificate, Rs 7,500 a trophy and a certificate, Rs 5,000 a trophy and a certificate. All the participants will receive certificates of participation.
The prize distribution ceremony will be held in April 2022. The competition will be held from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
Every month we will concentrate on one aspect. The participants need to carry out activities like rainwater harvesting; save water; say ‘no’ to plastic, etc. The leader has to report to us, through WhatsApp, the implemented projects with supporting photos. Our social workers/staff will visit the locations of the participants to check the progress of the projects, evaluate and assign marks based on the activities, their impact on ecology, the continuity of the activities, creativity, etc. "Have you have taken care of nature in your vicinity and how much benefit have you reaped?" is our concern. Let us protect the ‘mother earth’ in the Udupi district, and hand her over to our next generation better than we found it. Any organization or person who wants to join us in our mission is welcome."
You may contact -- 9448158852 (Fr Reginald Pinto)/ 9480023549 (Stanley Fernandes)
Address -- Director, Sampada, Udupi, Bishop’s House,
Mother of Sorrows Church Campus,
Udupi-576101.