Media Release
Pics: Shine studio Moodubelle
Udupi, Oct 17: First ever Udupi District Federation of Men’s Self-help Groups was inaugurated by Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi on Sunday October 16.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Gerald Issac Lobo said, “Udupi diocese just completed ten years of its existence on October 15. Since its inception, Udupi diocese has made a lot of progress in various fields especially in the sphere of the empowerment of women through the guidance and help from Sampada led by its director. Fr Reginald Pinto. The Women’s Self-Help Group has achieved great success and also is on the verge of starting their own bank. The Women’s has become a model for all the dioceses of India. Out of 508 wards in the Udupi Diocese Women’s Self-Help Groups have spread in 456 wards. In a recently held conference, the Stree Sanghatan of the Udupi district has been adjudged as the best among 167 dioceses in India. The Stree Sanghatan of the Udupi Diocese has become a model to other dioceses to follow in the empowerment of women. The establishment is also the first-of-its-kind in India." He complimented the men of different parishes who have come together to form the Self Help Groups that would foster a sense of belonging and support to each other. However, he cautioned the members to go slow in registering their federation. He said that the women had taken seven years to organize themselves into a strong organization and they have achieved considerable success. Their turnover is around Rs 27 crore.”
Prior to the inauguration, a Holy Eucharistic celebration and training session was also organized for the members. Fr Reginald Pinto, director, Sampada conducted the session.
Stanley Fernandes, co-ordinator of the programme introduced the office bearers.
Alton Rebeiro, president welcomed the gathering, Naveen Fernandes, vice president proposed the vote of thanks and Edwin Mendonca, secretary compered the programme. Nelson Machado, treasurer John Mendonca, Vincent D'Souza, Stanely Menezes, Kiran lewis, Pascal Nazareth and board of directors of the federation were present on the occasion.