Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 2: The Konkani Catholic Lawyers’ Guild celebrated the 77th Republic Day with patriotic fervour at the St Antony Ashram Museum Hall, Jeppu, on Sunday, February 1. The programme began by invoking God’s blessings, setting a solemn and meaningful tone for the celebration.
The event was presided over by Sushanth C A Saldanha, president of the Konkani Catholic Lawyers’ Guild. The chief guests on the occasion were Pradeep D’Souza, deputy director Empowerment of Youth and Sports Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru and Shalet Pinto, chairperson Karnataka Eco tourism development board, while Fr J B Crasta spiritual director of the guild graced the programme as the guest of honour. Guild vice president Richard D’Costa and Aloysius Lobo were also present on the dais.
The programme was formally inaugurated by the lighting of the lamp, followed by a floral tribute to the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar, acknowledging their immense contribution to the nation.
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour senior advocate Clarence Pais, acknowledging his long-standing service and various contributions for the Christian community. Shalet Pinto on being appointed as chairperson of Karnatak eco-tourism development board and Aloysius Lobo on being elected as president of Beltangady Bar Association. The awardees expressed their heartfelt gratitude and shared their experiences with the gathering.
Recognition to various achievers
Members who had made achievements in various field were recognized and felicitated.
1. Merwyn Johnson Lobo- president Moodabidre constituency congress legal n human rights cell
2. Naveen Santhosh Pais- president Mangalore north congress legal and human rights cell
3. Roshan D’Souza - secretary St Joseph Vas Church Mudipu parish council
4. Deepak D’Souza - vice president Holy Spirit Church Bajal parish council
5. Ancita Olivia Pinto - 10th rank in LLB conducted by KSLU
6. Fr Ryan Teeshan Pinto - rank in environmental law conducted by KSLU.
7. Reshal Bretny Fernandes - Desh Ratna Award 2025 at Bharat Mandapam New Delhi for book Bharat at 2047 role of youth. Tagore Kala and Sahitya Parishad Award 2025 and prestigious Kittur Rani Chennamma Award 2025 by govt of Karnataka for literary contribution.
8. Zita Priya moras vice president Congress legal cell.
In his address, Pradeep D’Souza highlighted the vast opportunities available in the government sector, encouraging young legal professionals to explore public service as a meaningful career path.
Fr J B Crasta, in his message, reflected on ethical responsibility, and the role of lawyers in upholding justice and equality.
Presidential address was delivered by Sushanth C A Saldanha, who congratulated the achievers for thier achievements and emphasized that as leaders all shall join together for strengthening community and that advocates have greater role to play and also thanked everyone for their support and sought to work together with other organizations and thereby build a strong community.
The programme was compered by Deona L D’Souza. Reshma Priya D’Souza welcomed the gathering, while Roshan D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
The celebration concluded on a successful note, reinforcing patriotism, unity, and commitment to constitutional values among the members of the Konkani Catholic Lawyers’ Guild.