Media Release

Udupi, Nov 4: Fr Dr Roshan D’Souza, chancellor of Udupi diocese, stated that speech is an effective platform for expressing opinions, enabling the spread of awareness on any topic. He was addressing the audience as the chief guest at the award ceremony for the diocesan-level Konkani and Kannada speech competitions, organized by the Catholic Sabha Udupi region at Anugraha Care Center, Kakkunje, on Sunday.

He emphasized that speech serves as a medium for expressing social, political, and religious perspectives, which helps nurture leadership skills in children and empowers them to speak confidently in public.

Catholic Sabha president Santosh Cornelio, who presided over the event, remarked that speech helps instill self-confidence in children, encouraging them to become leaders who can speak fearlessly in society. He added that participating in speech competitions is a valuable opportunity for personal development.

The speech competition was held in Konkani and Kannada across four categories, with prizes awarded to first, second, and third place winners. Around 60 students from five regions, who had qualified for the central level, participated in the competition.

The event was attended by Catholic Sabha Udupi Spiritual director and vicar general of the diocese, Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves; treasurer Gerald Rodrigues; president-elect Ronald D'Almeida; and former president Valerian Fernandes.

Programme coordinator Edward Larson D’Souza welcomed the gathering, while secretary Olivia D'Mello proposed the vote of thanks, and Shanti Pereira hosted the event.