authorof‘Padanidhi’,theveryfirstever Kannada thesaurus and very well knownforhiscolumn‘Chakitachitta’in Udayavani Kannada Daily. The India TodayWeekly,in2008,selectedhimas one of the ’50 Pioneers of change in India’aprestigiousaward
About Fr Prashant Madtha (FromDaijiWorldweb)
Konkani and Kannada people world over, have a unique place for Fr Prashant Madtha, a Jesuit of Mangaluru, more widely known in Karnataka.Amongcountlessworksin Kannada and Konkani, 'Padanidhi', theveryfirsteverKannadaThesaurus, is one more crowning glory for this lover of Kannada.
He also brought out Konkani Thesar which is a treasure for Konkani literature.Heisknownas'Wordsmith' 'Second Kittel' and ‘Roget of Kannada'.
Apart from his literary work, Fr Prashant Madtha is a great orator known for his wit and humour. Fr Prashant Madtha holds a master's degreeinKannadawithfirstrankand 3 gold medals. He has served as lecturer, principal and director at St AloysiusCollegeinMangaluruandSt Joseph’s College in Bengaluru. He is
also a noted author and columnist in Kannada and Konkani. As a gifted, creative and prolific writer, Fr Prashant Madtha’s contribution has enriched Konkani and Kannada literature.
In2008,IndiaTodayweeklymagazine recognized Fr Prashant Madtha as
one of the '50 Pioneers of Change'. Fr Prashanth Madtha and literature
BorninSullia,FrPrashantMadthahad his early education at Board High School, Sullia and PUC at St Aloysius College,Mangaluru.Hethenearneda degree with Kannada major and Sanskrit at University College, Mangaluru, Philosophy Theology from Jnana Deepa Vidya Peet, Pune, MastersinKannadawithfirstrankand 3 gold medals from Bangalore University.
Fr Prashant Madtha introduced Konkani as the second language for degreecoursesinStAloysiusCollege. Mangalore University granted affiliation to the subject on July 24, 1996.StAloysiusbecamethefirstand the only college in Karnataka to introduce Konkani as a subject and exams were conducted by the Mangalore University. Special scholarships were provided to the students who took Konkani literature astheirsecondlanguage.
Team Winter Tone Bantwal Wins
Prestigious ‘Gloria-2024’
Carol Singing Competition
Mangaluru:TeamWinterTonefrom Bantwal clinched the first prize in the highly anticipated carol singing competition Gloria-2024 , held on Saturday, November 30, at Infant Jesus Shrine, Carme; Hill. The event was jointly organized by Daijiworld 24x7 TV and Infant Jesus Shrine, drawing widespread participation andenthusiasticcrowds.
The competition was inaugurated with a ceremonial unveiling of the trophies by notable dignitaries, including Mr. Walter Nandalike, Managing Director of Daijiworld Media; Rev. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha, SuperiorofSt.Joseph'sMonastery.
Director of Infant Jesus Shrine; and Mr.VictorD'Souza.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. WalterNandalikeremarked,“Gloria2024hasreceivedanoverwhelming response, highlighting the joy and unity carol singing brings while spreadingthemessageofpeace
and goodwill. Organizingthisevent at the Infant Jesus Shrine adds a deeper sense of devotion to the celebration.”
Rev. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha urged participants to embrace a spirit of sportsmanship, irrespective of the results,andemphasizedtheirroleas
messengers of Christmas peace throughtheirsongs.
The competition featured three categories: School Level, Parish Level, and Open to All. The winners were:
- School Category: - LourdesCentralSchool
(Resonance)
- Voices) secured the first prize and Mount Carmel Central Schoolasrunners-up.
- Parish Category: Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi, took the top honors,whileOurLadyof -
Mercy Church, Manjeshwar, wererunners-up.
- Open to All Category: Team Winter Tone, Bantwal, emerged victorious for the second consecutive year, with Angelic Echoes, Mangaluru, as runners-up.
The event also marked the release of the book “WhenICannotPray” , authored by Rev. Fr. Rudolph D’Souza, OCD, currently serving in Canada. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Dance Stars Studio from Adyar Padav delivered a captivatingperformance,
enthralling the audience with their moves.
Mr. Stany Bela, Program Coordinatorfor Daijiworld
commended the participants, saying, “Gloria-2024hasusheredin the Christmas season for coastal Karnataka, uniting communities
through music and spreading the message of peace and harmony.”
Rev. Fr. Stifan Perera expressed gratitude to the donors, participants, and all who contributed to the success of the event.TheCarmelHillwasalivewith festivecheer,featuringvibrantstalls
offering games, food, and promotionalactivities.
Ms. Shiny Anjelore expertly comperedtheprogram,ensuringits seamless execution. The grand event left attendees with cherished memories and a renewed sense of Christmasspirit.
Fish Curry Recipe: Fish curry is a popular and flavorful dish enjoyed in many cuisines worldwide. It typicallyfeaturesfishsimmeredina
spiced curry sauce made from a variety of aromatic ingredients. Here's a basic recipe for delicious fishcurry:Ingredients:
500g white fish fillets (like tilapia, cod,oranyfirmfish)
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or coconutoil)
1largeonion,finelychopped
2-3garliccloves,minced 1-inchpieceofginger,grated
2tomatoes,chopped
1-2 green chilies, slit (optional, for heat)
1teaspoongroundturmeric
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1teaspooncuminpowder
1teaspoongarammasala
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional,forheat)
1 cup coconutmilk (or use tomatobasedsauceforvariation)
1/2 cup of water (or more for desiredconsistency)
Salttotaste
FreshcilantroforgarnishingJuiceof
1/2 lime or lemon (optional, for a tangykick)
Instructions: Prepare the Fish: Cut the fish into pieces and set aside. If youuseskinlessfillets,youcanalso marinate the fish in a little salt and turmericforabout10-15minutesto enhance the flavor. Make the Curry Base: Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until
they turn soft and golden brown (about5-7minutes).Addthegarlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the Spices: Add the turmeric, coriander, cumin, garammasala,andredchilipowder to the pan. Stir well for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a sauce (about5minutes).AddtheCoconut MilkandWater:Pourinthecoconut milk and water (adjust for your preferred curry consistency). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.Addsalttotaste.Cook the Fish: Gently add the fish pieces tothecurrysauce.Becarefulnotto stir too much, as the fish can break apart. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and tender. Final Touches: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice into the curry for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve: Serve the fish curry hot with steamedrice,naan,oranysidedish of your choice. Enjoy your homemade fish curry, bursting with richspicesandcreamytexture!
Courtesy:OurGoa on Facebook
Mangaluru: Veteran Forest Technocrat,
Scholar Lindsay Harold Anthony Rego
Passes Away at 96
Daijiworld Media NetworkMangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 5: Lindsay Harold Anthony Rego, a distinguished foresttechnocrat,seniorbureaucrat, and adjudicator, passed away on Tuesday, December3, at the age of 96duetoage-relatedailments.
Rego’s illustrious career spanned multiple fields, beginning as a scientistinforestryandculminating in his role as a member of the Central Administrative Tribunal, whereheheldthestatusequivalent toaHighCourtjudge.
A revered member of the Indian Forest Service, Rego reached the pinnacle of his career as Inspector GeneralofForests,the highestpost in India’s forestry domain. Concurrently,heservedassecretary to the Government of India in the Department of Environment and Forests,contributingsignificantlyto national environmental policies. His work included landmark reforms such as the revision of the National Forest Policy and the integration of forestryresearchandeducationinto aunifiedcouncil.
Rego was also instrumental in pioneeringnatureconservationand wildlife management in Maharashtra as its first Director. He laid the groundwork for social forestry in the state, earning national and international acclaim. In 1967, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recognized its outstanding contributionstoforestry.
An avid scholar and writer, Rego authored numerous works on forestry, includingNational Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra,AHandbookofSocial Conservation and Afforestation , andVanaki Marga Darshika , a Marathi guide for forestry staff. His trilogy,releasedin2007,showcased his intellectual depth and literary prowess:
1.Nature's Beauty and Bountyexplored the diverse facets of nature through a kaleidoscopic lens.
2. Silver Themes and Golden Thoughtspresented essays infused withhumorandpositivity.
3. FromSublimetotheDivinedelved into spiritual themes, offering profoundinsights. His service extended beyond his professional domain. For his contributions to the Catholic
Church, he was conferred the Papal decorationPro Ecclesia et Pontificein1980.
He was thehusband of the late Patsy Rego. He leaves behindhis children Vernon, Elaine, Loy Fernandes of Bengaluru, Dr Vilma/Giovanni Mascarenhas, Iona/Dr Kevin Pereira, and Sarita/Martin Nazareth of USA, grandchildren Rahul, Ranjan, Alan, Conrad, Karen, Nicole, Andrew, Calvin and Tricia and great grandchildEric.
Rego’s legacy as a pioneer in forestry, a scholar, and a devout servant of the community will be rememberedandcelebrated.
Religious Commitment Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Religious Profession of Sr. Neeta Alva, Sr. Sujata D’Sa, Sr. Cicily K and Sr. Mary Jose, the senior sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross (Indian
origin - Hazaribagh), South Province, Bangalore who served for thecongregationandthesocietyat largeforover50 years,washeldon 1st December 2024 at Holy Cross Institute and Convent, Kothanur Bangalore.
the main celebrant at the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration. Fr. Anil Joyel Prasad (Kross Institute, Bangalore) and Fr. George (Darjeeling) were the cocelebrants.
Provincial Sr. Archana Padikara, Former Provincials, Councilors, Sisters from across South Province werepresent.
D’Sa) was the Provincial and Sr. Neeta(daughterofthelateThomas Alva and the late Maria Castelino) was the Asst. Provincial of Holy Cross Sisters, South Province. Both arebornandbroughtupinPangala
Parish of present Udupi Diocese, joinedthecongregationin1969and took first vows in December 1974. They served in Hazaribagh,
Bihar (now in Jarkhand), Maharashtra and various places of Karnataka.
Sr. Sujata (daughter of Coses NoronhaandthelateLawrence
At present Sr. Neeta is the Founder and Principal of Holy Cross Special School, Vijayapura (Bijapur) and Sr. Sujata, Superior of Holy Cross Convent,Neermarga,Mangalore.
Mr. Albert W. DSouza (Chairman of Aldel Education Trust, Palghar, Printania and Model Bank, Mumbai), Dr. Kevin Noronha (Professor & HoD, EXTC, St Francis Engineering College, Borivli, Mumbai), Vincent Castelino (Ex RailwayOfficial,Mumbai),H.R.Alva, Columnist (Mangalore), Concepta Fernandes, IBPS, Ex All India Radio (Bangalore), Lawrence Alva (Mumbai), Helen Mathias, (Mudarangady), Jacintha Alva, (Shankerpura), Benedicta D’Sa and Donald Mahaado (Udyavar), Family membersandwell-wishersofallthe jubilarian sisters and others participatedinlargenumbers.
The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross is an international congregation founded in Ingenbohl, Switzerland by Fr. Theodosius Florentini, OFM, Cap and Mother Maria Theresa Scherer in 1856. The congregation follows the Rule of the Third order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi. Papal Approbation was granted in 1897.The members of this congregation workin almostallthe continents, Europe, America (North & South), Asia and Africa. Present Mother House is situated at Ingenbohl,Brunnen,Switzerland.
The Congregation of Sisters of the MercyofHolyCrosswasfoundedby Fr.Theodosius Florentini OFM Cap and Blessed Maria Theresa Scherer. Vast numbers of people had been plunged into poverty and misery with the onset of the Industrial Revolution in Europe. Orphaned
and neglected children roamed on theroads,thesickanddestitutehad no one to give them proper care, industrial workers were exploited, and the educational system was badly in need of reform. Into this situation, God called and sent two great personalities, Fr. Theodosius Florentini, OFM Capuchin and Mother Maria Theresa Scherer who founded the Congregation in 1856 at Ingenbohl, Switzerland. They weregiftedwithextraordinarysocial awareness.
Holy Cross Sisters on Indian Soil
The long-cherished dream of Holy CrossSisterswasrealizedinIndiain 1894, with the arrival of four Holy CrossSistersasthefirstmissionaries in Bettiah, North Bihar on 18th November 1894. It was a milestone tomarktheopeningof a new chapter in Indian soil. On this day, first missionaries Sr. Lamberta Flamm, Sr. Patrona Bichler, Sr. Michelina Schrott and Sr. Chrysogona Thoma landed in Bombay and travelled farther to Northeast and arrived at Bettiah on 22nd November 1894. They were invitedbyTheTyrolianCapuchinsto take care of an orphanage in Bettiah.
Unfortunately, in July 1896, cholera broke out in Bettiah. Despite the intense care given by the sisters to theorphans,fifteenchildrendiedin acoupleofweeks.Thenthetragedy struck the sisters. Within four days, three sisters one after another died by the killer disease. Sr. Crysogona the youngest among them was the onlysurvivor!Ifshehadreturnedto Europewithabrokenspiritprobably therewouldnothavebeenanyHoly Cross Sister in India today! Her health might have been weak but not her spirit! With fervent
missionary zeal she went back to Europe and brought five more missionariesin1896tocontinuethe Indian mission. Since then, the missionariesplayedapivotalrolein establishing the congregation not onlyinNorthBiharbutalsoinSouth Bihar (present Jharkhand), in the remote tribal belts of Chotanagpur andSanthalPargana.Lateron,their involvement expanded to Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and to the SouthernstatesofIndia.
Livingcloselywiththesisters,oneof the local girls from Bettiah, Francisca Thakur, expressed her desire to become a Holy Cross Sister. After her novitiate in Ingenbohl, she returned to Bettiah in 1902 as “Sr. Theodosia Thakur”
the first Indian Holy cross Sister. She diedin 1936.
DeclarationofTheIndian Province
In 1970 the Holy Cross Mission in India was given the status of a Province. Sr. M. Sigrid Voggel was the first Provincial of the IndianProvince.Shewasassistedby Sr. Johanna Brandstaetter, Sr. FrancesCherian,Sr.LaetitiaPauvath andSr.AnneTeteascouncilors.
By then the Holy Cross province in India spread from Sikkim in the North to Kerala in the South, from West Bengal in the East to Maharashtra in the West. Several new stations mushroomed in a quick succession in various parts of India under the able and efficient guidanceofSr.M.Sigrid.Duringher leadership more than 30 new stationswereestablished.
Aftercompletingherterm,Sr.Sigrid handed over the administration to Sr. Julia Erni in 1979. With her simplicity and openness, she too contributed her best to the growth of the Indian Province. During her period 18 new stations were opened. In 1983 the decision to wear uniform sari as religious dress forthesistersinIndianProvincewas accepted with a view of better adaptation of Indian culture and effectivenessinapostolate.
• The first Holy Cross Sisters arrived from Ingenbohl as missionaries to India in Bettiah
• TheIndianMissionoftheHolyCross Sisters was raised to the status of a Province by the Holy See on 3rd March 1970.
• The Province was divided into five regions on 3rd October 1983.
• Intheyear1991theIndianProvince branched out into three provinces –Central Province, Northeast Province and South Province.
• The Central Province was restructured again into two provinces – Central province and Mid India Province on 14th September 2015.
Provinces inIndia
Province Mid-India
Province North-East India
Province South India
Province Central India
Province India East
(Details about the Congregation are taken from the Website)
Secretary to British King Charles
A Kasargod Descendant
Kanara: that is from Kasargod to Karwar, Arabian Sea to the Western Ghats, with a hoary history and legacy on people originating from this well marked region, whatever theirbackground,language,faithor reputation, many have often excelledindifferentwaysand fields in different spots all over the globe since generations. One can come acrossall kinds of feats and achievements by natives of this cultured, intelligent and accomplished region in almost every field documented. There is not only no holding them back or limiting them in any sense of the word. Inmorethan190countriesof the world today one can find citizens with roots from Kanara. Kasargod has been a part of Kerala in the linguistic states scheme, the Northernmosttip of the land. In ancient times it was Malabar too,though Malayalam language has always held sway in the area, languagesused around are prominently from Kanara. Tipu SultanandtheMysoreKingsruledit
at one time. In British times from 1800 to 1947 it was a part of South Kanara under the Madras Presidency.
Shamsuddin, a Kasaragod native, serves as Assistant Private Secretary to King Charles III. She supervises his official programmes and accompanies him on foreign trips. ABritishdiplomat,Munawas appointedtothisrolelastyearwhile working at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in London. She joined the British Foreign Services after graduating in Mathematics and Engineering from the University of Nottingham in Britain. She has served as the Consulate General in Jerusalem and as the Deputy Head of Mission in Karachi, Pakistan. Her husband, David, is a UN official. Muna and her colleagues are responsible for overseeing the
Muna
officialprogrammesofKingCharles. They are also expected to accompany the King on foreign trips. Muna is the daughter of late Dr Puthyapurayil Shamsuddin and Shahnaz alias Sayedunnisa of Hashim Street in Talankara Theruvath. Muna's father, Dr. Shamsuddin,wasthesonofthelate
P. Ahmed, a prominent lawyer in Kasaragod,andlateZainababi.After working in the US, UK and Saudi Arabia, Muna's father returned to Britain and lived with his family in Birmingham.
King
Charles III (L), Muna Shamsuddin....
Muna had visited Kasaragod 10 years ago and earlier was a regular visitor. Her relative, Muhammed Sameer Puthyapur, told ETV Bharat that she used to visit Kasaragod everyyearwithherfamilyasachild. Sameer also mentioned that they hope to welcome her back to Kasaragod after the busy
period. CA Abdulla, Mangalore/California says, "She is my first cousin. She is in the British ForeignService(IFSinIndiawhoare the top rank holders in IAS examinations). Ours is a very accomplished and very highly educated family. She is the late
Kannada Writer Ms Sara Aboobacker'sniece.Herfatherwas a world-famous surgeon who had amputatedthelegofaBritishactor Martyn Green in New York in 1959 with the help of a policeman's pen knife and saved his life. His leg was stuck in a lift. Later, he completed FRCS in Edinburgh in 1966. It was world news then. Our grandfather, late P. Ahmad, was a very learned and extremely famous lawyer in Kasaragod. Our youngest uncle Captain Mohammed Hashim volunteered to go to the front and
famed
fight and was martyred in action in the 1965 war with enemy Pakistan. Another first cousin Nagma Mallick (IFS)isIndianambassadortoPoland now.Thus,itshouldmakeallIndians proudthatMs.Munaisapartofthis land."
Kasaragod: Oneofthe14districts in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Its northern border, Thalappady, is located just 10 km south to Mangalore in Karnataka, which is the southernmost portion ofthemajorportcity. Kasaragodis the northernmost district of Kerala andisalsoknownasSapthaBhasha Sangama Bhoomi (The place where Seven languages meet). The district issituatedontherichbiodiversityof the Western Ghats. It also remains the last formed district of Kerala to date, 1984. The district is bounded byDakshina Kannadadistricttothe north, Western Ghats to the
northeast, Kodagu district to the southeast, Kannur district to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. Kasaragod district has the maximum number of rivers in Kerala, counting twelve.
Kasaragod town is located on the estuarywheretheChandragiriRiver, whichisalsothelongestriverinthe district, empties into Arabian Sea. Kasaragod is home to several forts which include Arikady Fort, Bekal Fort,ChandragiriFort,and Hosdurg Fort. Bekal Fort is also the largest fort in Kerala. The historic hill of Ezhimalaislocatedonthesouthern portion of Kavvayi Backwaters of Nileshwaram. Talakaveri, which is home to Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary where the 805 km long Kaveri River originates, is located not too far off. Robert Caldwell describes the extent of Malayalam inthelate19thcenturyasextending
from Chandragiri fort and Chandragiri River in the north to Neyyar river beyond Thiruvananthapuram in the south.
Tulunadu,whereTuluistraditionally spoken, is said to be bound on the south by the Chandragiri River and fort, thus including Kasaragod city within the Tulunad region. Historian N. Shyam Bhat statesthatatpresent,theTulunadu can linguistically be said to extend to the south up to the river Chandragiri or Payaswini, and culturally up to the Kavvayi river in the south, as the region between the Chandragiri and Kavai (Kavvayi) riverspresentsthecharacteristicsof a twilight zone between the Malayalam and Tulu speakingareas. Kasargod is also the first district inIndi ato have
FrancisBuchanan,thefamilydoctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasaragod in 1800. In his travelogue, he recorded information; On 19 January 1801, Francis speaks of visiting a Siva temple at Pulla (Pallikere), beyond which, the country rises into open rising lands, all the way to Chandragiri River and Chandragiri fort, which he describes as the northernborderoftheMalayala.He saysthatthecountryonthenorthof the Chandragiri fort and river is calledbyHindusasTuluva,theTulu country. According to Stuart (1895) “The Kasargod taluk originally formed the southern portion of the ancient Tulua kingdom and was separated from the kingdom of Kerala by the Chandragiri River which was formerly called
“Perumpula”; the river on which the fort stands is shallow but very wide and formed the southern boundary of the ancient Tulva kingdom. The nayarsandtheotherfemalesofthe KasargodtalukofsouthCanara,are prohibited from crossing the river.” In 1763, Hyder Ali raided Bedanoor(Bidnur),thecapitalofthe Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan raided much of Malabar region in Kerala. As per the Treaty of Seringapatam of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar. The British occupied Kanara only after the
death of Tippu Sultan in 1799. In contemporary times the occupants are estimated as Hindus 56%, Islam 38%, Christianity 7%, Others 0.24% and so on. This very civilised and culturally great region has contributed greatly to the world arena in every sphere and is renowned for several contributions since ancient times too. The achievements of Ms. Muna Shamsuddin, Kith and kin are noteworthy to follow and a matter torejoice.
-Compiled By: Ivan SaldanhaShet.
Slippery Slope
-By: Molly Pinto.
The only person you can control, is you
The only person you can convince, is you
We're living in different world's, all at once
We're energy being manipulated, and need to be ultra alert
The Spiritual World is seeking to find it's connection to the universe
Spirituality sees no boundaries but infinity at its best
One fact is certain, religion is not spirituality
Religious practices seek control of their herd, by conditioning
The only person who can decide, is you
The only person who knows the truth, is you
We're in difficult times, a world like no other before
Determined and controlled by Three different worlds
The virtual world, where truth is twisted to a point of no return
Reaching people and places from all walks of life
Destroying old beliefs and ways of life, with a tap of a key
Leaving the Physical in a tangled mess of contradictions
-By Molly Pinto. Mangalore.
Thrilled to announce that the Rajajinagar Konkani Catholic Welfare Association Bangalore is organizing Maxim Nite 15, an evening filled with melodious songs, rib-tickling comedy, and captivating dance performances. The event will take place on the 21st of December 2024, at the Indian Institute of Spirituality in
Rajajinagar, Bangalore, starting promptly at 6:30 pm. We have an exciting line-up for the night, featuring the mesmerising music of Band Gmajor, a unit of Glorious, and the hilarious comedy of Memory Mangalore. It promises to be an unforgettable evening for all Konkani music lovers in Bangalore. Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy a night full of entertainment and joy. We look forward to seeing you all there!
CHILIPILI SEASON 1: A Celebration of Talent and Joy
The Young Catholic Students (YCS) of Mangalore Diocese, in collaboration with St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Campus, Mangalore, organized CHILIPILI SEASON1on1stDecember2024.
The day began with Holy Mass at 8:00 am at St. Aloysius Chapel. Around 9:00 am, the inaugural
program was presided over by Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangalore. The Chief Guest for the event was Sri Ivan D'Souza, Member of the Legislative Council, Government of Karnataka. Guests of Honour included Fr. Lourd Raj, Secretary of theKarnatakaRegionalYouth
Commission; Fr. Ashwin Cardoza, SecretaryoftheYouthCommission, Mangalore; Fr. Roshan D'Cunha, Director of YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese; Ms. Janet Pinto, CoOrdinator of YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese; Mr. Ruben D'Souza, Animator of YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese; the PROs of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) College, Ms. Shilpa and Ms. Shanti; and Mr. Deyon Saldanha, President of YCS Mangalore Diocese, who were all presentonthedais.
CHILIPILISEASON1wasagrand
celebrationofcreativityandjoy.The event brought together performers and audiences in a vibrant atmosphere, with the stage coming alivewithmusic,dance,andcolorful performances. The energy of the participants was infectious, and each act showcased talent, passion, and dedication. The audience responded with cheers and applause, which made the event evenmorespecial.
The teams for the variety competition came from six deaneriesoftheMangalore
Diocese,andfortheBattleofBands, there were four teams from the Diocese. Workshops and activities added to the excitement, with YCS members expressing their creativity and enthusiasm throughout the day.
The Diocesan Executive Council performed a flash mob, adding a funandlivelyelementtotheevent.
The Valedictory Program was presided over by Rev. Fr. Melwin J. PintoSJ,RectorofSt.Aloysius
Institutions, Mangalore. The Chief Guest was Mr. Vishwas Rebimbus. The Guests of Honour included Mr. AnsonNazareth, NationalPresident of YCS/YSM India; Mr. Richard Alvares; Fr. Roshan D'Cunha, Director of YCS/YSM Mangalore
Diocese; Ms. Janet Pinto, Coordinator of YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese; Mr. Ruben D'Souza, Animator of YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese; PROs of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) College, Ms.ShilpaandMs.Shanti;andMr.
Deyon Saldanha, President of YCS Mangalore Diocese. These dignitaries accompanied the guests on the dais. The winners of various events were felicitated by the dignitaries.
IntheReelMakingCompetition,the first place was secured by Team Bela, the second place by Team Permannur, and the third place by TeamAGG.
IntheVarietyCompetition,thefirst
place went to
Episcopal City Deanery, while the second place
The event created memories that will last a lifetime. It celebrated not just talent but also unity and joy. CHILIPILI SEASON 1 was truly an unforgettable experience for everyoneinvolved.
~YCS/YSMMangalore Diocese
ChristmasKuswar
“Christmas” and “Kuswar” are two words that go hand in hand. When you live outside of India, often, you only remember the good old days where parents, grandparents, children, neighbours all came together to prepare Kuswar during the yuletide season. Karaval Konkans Australia (KKA) therefore decidedtobreakawayfromthisand bringthosememoriesbacktolifein Melbourne, Australia.
MaiSoKuswar–auniqueworkshop was organised by Karaval Konkans Australia on 23 Nov 2024 at Melbourne, Australia. This was a one-day event, completely free of charges, with the primary focus of teachingchildrenandadultsaliketo live those beautiful memories, learn new recipes, prepare Kuswar togetherasonebigfamily,andthus build a bond that is based on love
and caring for each other.
Theeventbeganwithasmallprayer from the Spiritual Director, Rev Fr. Jacob Alvares. The chief guest for the day was Mira D’Silva - An entrepreneur and the first Mangalorean Catholic to venture into Australian politics, Mira is a
passionateadvocatefortheKonkani language and community. Mira
kneaded the first dough for the day with flour and coconut milk to
Symbolically commence the
workshop. This was followed by
formally giving the first chef apron for the day to Mrs. Celine D’Souza
(CellyBai/Aunty) under whose stewardship the entire workshop was conducted.
Following this was a traditional
home-made breakfast of gollibaje and chutney, that had every attendee wanting more. During the first half of the day, all attendees learnt recipes, basic ingredients, kneading dough and beginning to prepare traditional Kuswar – Gullio, Kidi,Nevryo,Chaklyoamongothers. It was so wonderful to see kids as young as three also immersed in making these sweets. Despite it being a hot day, the non-stop supply of bhiindam and limbo sharbatkepteveryonehydratedand happy.Asimplehomecookedlunch was prepared and served to all presentandhadeveryonereturning for more helpings.
While Kuswar preparation continued after lunch, some of the attendees moved to fry the ready Kuswar. The success of the workshop was demonstrated by over a hundred attendees most of
who stayed on for the whole day despite having other plans and priorities. This workshop was a precursor to the ‘Ek Nathlaanchi Saanz” that will be held on 15 December2024.Kuswarpreparedat the workshop will be distributed to all attending families as a symbolic gesture of love, sharing and family.
Kids and parents alike have voiced their joy and happiness at this uniqueevent.Kidswerehappytobe involved in the entire sweet making processandparentsexpressed their tremendous appreciation to the KKA Committee for making sure that children learn the value of our language, heritage, culture and traditions despite being assimilated in the Aussie culture. Given the response to this event, the committee is already committed to repeating this event next year and have more people involved.
This event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and well-wishers who have contributed with their presence,financialassistanceandso many individuals behind the scenes to make this successful. The committee expresses its thanks to everyonewhoattendedtheeventas well all sponsors and well-wishers for making this a very successful event.
Karaval Konkans Australia is an organisation that has been created to keep Konkani and its traditions alive in Australia from our generations to the next. There are no membership fees for joining this organisation rather the committee wants people to be connected to the motive of their work and existence – enrich and nurture the love for Konkani, language, culture and heritage.
