Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 3: The Fuddar Prathisttan (R), in collaboration with the Community Empowerment Trust and under the aegis of MCC Bank Ltd., organised ‘Shathivonth Yuvazan, Bolvonth Samaaz’ — a day of youth empowerment — at the Surathkal Church auditorium on Sunday.
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp by Fr Austin Peres, Vicar Forane, St Mother Teresa Deanery, Surathkal, marking the formal inauguration.
Distinguished guests included Anil Lobo, chairman, MCC Bank Ltd; Nigel Pereira, president, Fuddar Prathisttan (R); Vivid D’Souza, secretary, Fuddar Prathisttan (R); Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld Media Pvt. Ltd; Fr Anil Fernandes, director, Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore Diocese; Leslie Aroza, secretary, Family Commission, Karnataka region; and Celestine D’Souza, managing trustee, Community Empowerment Trust.
In his inaugural address, Fr Austin Peres congratulated Fuddar Prathisttan on completing 20 years of service and for uniting the youth of the deanery through an inspiring initiative. “The youth must have a clear goal in life and work with dedication towards it, drawing inspiration from the visionaries who have shaped our community,” he said.
Anil Lobo, in his address, encouraged the young participants to pursue entrepreneurship and civil services with perseverance. “Never stop until you reach your goal,” he advised. “Take part in community programmes — they exist to strengthen and empower you,” he added.
Delivering a powerful message, Walter Nandalike emphasised the presence and potential of Catholic youth in the government sector, highlighting the long-term benefits of securing public positions. “Our youth must enter government service with confidence and commitment — that’s where influence and the opportunity to make change truly lie,” he remarked.
In the second session, Leslie Aroza spoke passionately about upholding family values and Catholic faith, sharing personal experiences and real-life examples to help the youth realise that faith and family remain the cornerstones of a meaningful life.
The concluding session, led by Fr Anil Fernandes, focused on artificial intelligence and digital wellness. He provided practical insights on cyber safety, the misuse of social media and the growing importance of awareness in the digital age.
“Technology must serve humanity, not enslave it,” Fr Fernandes cautioned.
The event was smoothly compered by Melisha Menezes.
Maxim Cutinha and Clemex D’Souza led the opening prayer, invoking God’s blessings. Nigel Pereira welcomed the gathering, Vivid D’Souza introduced the resource persons, while Cheryl Pinto and Hazel Menezes managed registrations. Celestine D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
Nearly 90 enthusiastic youth participants attended the day-long programme, gaining valuable insights, motivation and a renewed sense of purpose. The event concluded with a sumptuous lunch, rounding off a day filled with learning, faith and fellowship.