Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 18: Renowned NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael D’Souza unveiled his ambitious Vision 2030 initiative aimed at empowering communities in the twin dioceses of Karwar and Gulbarga through sustainable shelter and education programmes. The event marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the respective bishops at Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, in the presence of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangaluru and Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi.
Michael D’Souza said that shelter and education were the most basic requirements for every human being and that living without a secure home and struggling due to lack of higher education were major obstacles to community development. He added that his family had been blessed with more than required and felt even more blessed when they began sharing with others.
He emphasised that philanthropy should be rooted in dignity, stating that charity must restore self-respect among beneficiaries and that education remained the most effective tool to empower communities. He observed that the Church was a reliable and time-tested institution capable of playing a pivotal role in this process, and noted that since 2013, the dioceses of Mangaluru and Udupi had successfully implemented comprehensive plans. He further said that a clear roadmap had been prepared under the leadership of the bishops of Gulbarga and Karwar, adding that while individuals may change, institutions and their vision endure.
The initiative builds on the success of D’Souza’s charitable efforts in Mangaluru and Udupi since 2013, with a focus on long-term community upliftment.
Advisor to the Michael D’Souza Charity Initiative, Oswald Rodrigues welcomed the gathering and presented an overview of the ongoing programmes.
Prof CA Lionel Aranha outlined the background and significance of the memorandum of understanding, while Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the function.
Vicar general of the Gulbarga diocese, Santhosh Bapu expressed gratitude on behalf of his diocese, while Bishop Duming Dais conveyed thanks on behalf of the Karwar diocese.
Michael D’Souza and his wife Flavia D’Souza were felicitated with shawls and floral bouquets by the dioceses of Karwar and Gulbarga.
Among those present were Fr Dionysus Vas SJ, provincial of Karnataka Jesuits; Fr Rajesh Rosario, rector of St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary; and Sr Naveen AC, provincial of Apostolic Carmelites. Vicar general of the Karwar diocese Richard Rodrigues also attended.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha led the gathering in prayer, invoking divine blessings on the Michael D’Souza Vision 2030 initiative.