Mangalore: Samanvaya Turns Ten - Renews Ray of Hope for Needy
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Mangalore, Dec 14: Samanvaya, a NGO started by two dynamic priests of Mangalore Diocese Rev Dr Ronald Cutinho and Rev Dr Fidelis Cutinho back in 1998, December 15 has now completed 10 glorious years in the service of the poor and needy people in and around Mangalore. Samanvaya has a huge list of achievements in the field of charity, education, and awareness programmes.
The decennial celebrations were held at the diocesan pastoral institute, Shanti Kiran, Bajjodi, here on Sunday December 14 morning.
The programme began with the prayer song and a welcome dance by the diocesan choir group.
The programme was presided over by CSI Karnataka southern diocese retired bishop Dr C L Furtado.
Udupi Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College retired principal Dr P N Narasimhamurti in his congratulatory address, said that Samanvaya has indeed brought light to many of the needy in society. The societal progress will be assured if organizations like Samanvaya begin functioning across the country. All those who benefited from Samanvaya over the years should also extend their mite when they are better placed in life, he urged.
Meanwhile Narasimhamurti conveyed his best wishes to Samanvaya to set a national mark with its social welfare, empowerment of women, creating awareness on social evils etc.
Mangalore University professor and head of Chair in Christianity and Dharma Samanvaya convener Dr John Fernandes, city based Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidhyalaya directress Brahmakumari Vishweshwari, Abu Dhabi Konkani Cultural Organization president Leo Rodrigues, eminent Kannada writer Dr Sarah Abubakar and German social worker Barbara Rebar were the chief guests of the occasion.
Leo Rodrigues, prominent NRE entrepreneur and president of KCO Abu Dhabi speaking at the occasion said that poor students and other social welfare organizations were benefited out of the yeomen service of Samanvaya. At the Information Technology era, several youth are going astray thereby bringing disgrace to society. Hence the urgent need to provide timely guidance to these youth, to enable them to lead better lives and contribute to the society.
A minutes silence was observed to pray for the departed souls of Fr Bernard D Souza and K S Shivanna both of whom had extended their valuable services to Samanvaya during their life.
The donors to Samanvaya were also presented with altar candles at the same occasion.
Dr C L Furtado also released the Samanvaya decennial bulletin and conveyed his best wishes to the future endeavor of Samanvaya.
Samanvaya director Rev Dr Ronald Coutinho read the annual report. Ursuline congregation novices rendered the decennial music.
Aloysius D'Souza compered the programme.