Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, June 12: “Mixing with other religious communities is the need of the hour,” said Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media.
He was speaking at the Francis Danthi Memorial Sahitya Award ceremony and prize distribution of Denis D’Silva memorial literary competition organised by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R).
Walter Nandalike also unveiled the logo of decennial year of Catholic Sabha.
In his address, he said, “today our community is in a critical stage. As a community, we are facing many challenges. Organisational efforts are very much needed to come out of these challenges. Prominent being lack of political representatives from our community in political parties. More youths of Christian community should show interest in politics and join politics. We should understand that politics is power. Youths should also consider public service as a career. At least one young enthusiast member from our community should pass UPSC exams and join public service administration every year. We as parents should encourage our children in this regard."
He said, "Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh in the past 10 years has done many works for the benefit of our community. This should continue and steps should be taken to mingle with other communities. Let us appreciate and participate in the occasions, festivals of other religions too. This mixture is need of the hour. Catholic Sabha as a primer organisation should take steps in this regard also,” he said.
“Today, Catholic Sabha has done a good job by honouring Anitha Precilla Castelino, Florence Nightingale awardee. Nurses have strived utmost during the Covid times, they are doing godly service. It is a great moment that a nurse from our community was conferred with Florence Nightingale award. John M D’Souza has been awarded with Francis Danthi memorial literary award. I congratulate him and wish all the very best in all his endeavours,” he added.
John G M D’Souza was honoured with Francis Danthi memorial literary award for his literary work “Swacchandavare” - “Contribution of Christians for Indian Independence”.
A book on Christian freedom fighters written by Dr Gerald Pinto was also released on the occasion. Winners of Denis D’Silva memorial article competition were also honoured by the guests on the occasion. Anitha Precilla Castelino of Shankerpura church was honoured on the occasion for receiving Florence Nightingale Award from Government of Karnataka.
General body meeting for the year 2021-22 of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh was also held on the occasion. Olivia D’Mello, co-convener presented the report for the year 2020-21.
Gregory P K D’Souza, general secretary presented the report of 2021-22. Gerald Rodrigues, treasurer presented the budget for the year 2022-23 and also presented the Bill of expenditure of the previous year. Report of Manasa rehabilitation centre was presented by Henry Menezes, President Manasa Trust. Alice Rodrigues, Secretary presented the report of Sashakth Samuday Seva Trust.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Spiritual director said, “Catholic Sabha came into existence in the same Don Bosco club. Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh is stepping into decennial year. Much work is being done by Catholic Sabha which needs to be continued,” he said.
Various units and deanery Presidents were honoured on the occasion for their outstanding achievement in the sale of lucky draw coupons and other beneficial activities.
Alwyn Quadrous, Convener decennial year explained about the project to be undertaken for celebrating the decennial year. Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves released the annual directory.
Mary D’Souza, President Gregory PK D’Souza, general secretary Gerald Rodrigues, Treasurer Robert Menezes, ex-president Santhosh Corenelio, assigned President Walter Cyril Pinto, President Sashakth Samuday Seva Trust Ronald D’almeida, Vice President, ex-presidents Alphone D’costa, Dr Ferald Pinto, Elroy Kiran Crasto, Valerian Fernandes and Deanery Presidents were present on the occasion.
Carol Alva compered the programme. Santhosh Cornelio, assigned president welcomed the gathering.