Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Dec 13: Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh on Sunday December 13 felicitated Walter Nandalike, founder and managing director of Daijiworld Media, for the mission undertaken by Daijiworld to serve those stranded during the coronavirus lockdown, at the annual conference held at Bishop’s House, Kodialbail here.

It may be recalled that when the lockdown was suddenly imposed in the country and the state earlier this year at start of the pandemic, thousands were stranded due to lack of access to food and medicines. In a mission to help the stranded people in the coastal region, Daijiworld had launched an initiative which evoked massive response from people.

Along with Walter, Francis Maxim Moras, traffic warden, Mangaluru and Dr Cyprian Monteiro, joint director of education, Marcel Monteiro member, Planning Commission, Karnataka government, Walter D'Souza, former chairman of FIEO, were honoured at the programme in recognition of their special contribution and service to society.

The conference was inaugurated by bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha and chaired by Paul Rolfy D’Costa, president of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh.

Acknowleging the honour, Walter Nandalike said, "When we work for the society, we cannot restrict ourselves to a particular community or religion. It is our responsibility to respect and reach out to everyone without discriminating on the basis of caste, creed and religion.

"We cannot judge a community by the actions of a few and their fanatic mindsets. When we refuse to mingle and coexist with people who hail from different communities, religions and have varied thoughts, we turn fanatics as well," he said.

"When a person singles out a particular community for causing differences in society, he or she becomes communal. When the term 'society' is referred to without the inclusion of fellow communities of Hindus and Muslims, there is no essence left. The right way to live in society is by being social and honouring brotherhood," he stressed.

"Bishop of Mangaluru diocese is already known for his ‘Bandhutva’ message and in the past two years has fully emphasized dialogue between faiths and with inter-faith programmes aimed at promoting communal harmony. The members of the Catholic community should carry forward the bishop’s mission and Catholic Sabha should lead the way," he added.

In his inaugural speech, the bishop said, "Catholic Sabha is the face of our community in society. The members of Catholic Sabha are the volunteers of the Catholic community who spread virtue in the society which comes from the Catholic principle, values and morals. At the same time within the community, they are like soldiers who are always ready to help the members of the Catholic society. I appreciate Rolphie and his team for their success in leading the community. When the community faced troubled times they played a wise role and were present to render selfless service. They most definitely won the hearts of several people by their act of ‘Bandhutva’."

Antony Mariappa, IFS-DFO, Bengaluru Rural, distributed scholarships to three students, funded by Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh.

Agriculturists William Pinto, Alwyn Menezes and 85-year-old octogenarian auto driver Monthu Monteiro were also felicitated in the event.

Fr Mathew Vas spiritual director, Anthony Mariappa, Joylous D’Souza, president, Christian development committee, government of Karnataka, Marcel Monteiro, member, Karnataka government project authority, Roy Castelino, public relations officer, Mangaluru diocese, Walter D’Souza, former chairman of Export Promotion Council of India and Lancy D’Cunha, national director, AICU were present on the dais as guests of honour.