ವೀಜ್ ಕೊಂಕಣಿ 408 & Veez English

ಆಸ್ಸ? Is human cloning possible?

? King James Version, Gideons, New English version?'' ಹಾಾ

(primary osteoarthritis)

Mangalore’s Most Charming

Surgeon Said ‘I Do’

It’s a bittersweet moment for the young single ladies of the Mangalorean Catholic community where word is out that the city’s most admired vascular virtuoso, known as much for his medical brillianceasforhisdazzlingsmile,is officiallyoffthemarket.

Dr.Lenon Jason D’Souza is a highly regarded vascular specialist, endovascular surgeon, and

interventional radiologist based in Mangalore, holding a key position at Father Muller Medical College andtheVascularCenter,hastiedthe knotwithDr.LisaJ.D’Souza,leaving hearts swooning and social feeds buzzing. Dr. Lisa is a skilled and compassionate dermatologist from Udupi, known for her expertise and gentleapproachtoskincare.

Born in Kuwait, Dr. Lenon D’Souza carrieswithhimanauraofelegance, humility, and a smile that has touched countless lives. He is the son of Mr. Ronald D’Souza, a native of Nakre in Karkala Taluk, and Mrs. Gracy D’Souza from Bajpe. After retiring in 2016, his parents have sincemadetheirhomeintheserene surroundings of Shivabagh Road, Mangalore.

Dr. Lenon spent his formative years in Qatar, where he completed his schooling. His passion for medicine led him to pursue higher education at Father Muller Medical College, followed by advanced training at the prestigious King Edward MemorialHospital. His academic excellence was recognized when he was awarded theGoldMedalinRadiologybythe Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences,wherehegraduatedasthe

university topper across Karnataka. He further pursued a fellowship in Vascular and Interventional

Radiology at the esteemed KEM Hospital and Seth GS Medical CollegeinMumbai. Dr.Lenon specializesindiagnosing

and treating diseases of the blood vessels,includingarteriesandveins.

He performs minimally invasive proceduresusingadvancedimaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound. These images help guide instruments inside the body to treat various conditions such as varicose veins, blocked arteries,bloodclots,tumors,thyroid nodules, liver cancer, and uterine fibroids.Thisapproachoftenavoids the need for traditional open surgery.

Studying and training for this specialization is very challenging. There are only a few surgeons like him in South Asia. It is a proud achievementthatDr.Lenonisoneof theseexperts.

Despite his outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Lenon is remarkably humble, soft-spoken, and gracious. His patients hold him in high esteem and deeply appreciatehiskindness.

Holding a position of such responsibility is no easy task. It demands immense patience, deep understanding, and unwavering dedication to healing patients.

Many procedures carry inherent risks, requiring both skill and composure.

One particularly complex case involved a 27-year-old woman, pregnant for the first time at 26 weeks, who was diagnosed with a rare placenta tumor. Dr. Lenon promptly took charge of the situation, successfully blocking the tumor and reducing the swelling of the fetus. By his efforts and God’s grace,thepatientwentontodeliver ahealthybaby.

In another testimonial, a patient praised Dr. Lenon’s gentle and professional manner during a nearpainless kidney biopsy, highlighting hiscompassionateapproachtocare.

On average, Dr. Lenon ensures that his patients require only a short hospital stay of about one to two days, thanks to the efficiency and minimally invasive nature of his procedures. Since 2013, Dr. Lenon has performed more than a thousand procedures, including severalcomplexandhigh-riskcases. Hisextensiveexperiencespansboth routine and major operations, reflecting his precision, skill, and

unwavering commitment to patient care.

Beyond his medical career, he has a keen interest in music and takes pleasure in playing the guitar and writinginsightfulblogs.

Dr. Lenon shares a close bond with hisonlysibling,LuvlynD’Souza,who is married to Lester D’Souza. Luvlyn serves as the Director of Infrastructure Modernization at Niveus Solutions. The brother-sister duo is known for their deep connectionandunwaveringsupport foreachother.

One of Dr. Lenon’s key inspirations in pursuing medicine is Dr. Charles Dotter, widely regarded as the “FatherofInterventionalRadiology.” Renowned for performing the first angioplasty in 1964, Dr. Dotter brought transformative change to multiple areas of medicine, including Cardiology, Interventional Radiology, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery. Deeply inspired by his work, Dr. Lenon continues to study his life and pioneering theorieswithgreatadmiration. Whilehismedicalexpertiseiswidely recognized,itisDr.LenonD’Souza’s

genuine kindness and humility that truly set him apart. People who speak with him often leave the conversation feeling uplifted and respected. His calm voice, polite behavior, and genuine interest in otherscreateasenseofcomfortand trust. Whether speaking with a patient, a colleague, or a friend, he listens with care and responds with kindness. These qualities make every interaction meaningful and haveearnedhimdeeprespectand admirationinbothhisprofessional andpersonalcircles.

The following write-up is a joint effort by Leeza Rodrigues and PrinsonD’lima.

Leeza Rodrigues is one of Mangalore’s most popular MCs,

podcasthosts,andauthors,admired for her engaging presence and storytelling.

PrinsonD’lima is an alumnus from Aloysius Institute of Business Management, Mangalore and currently residing in Doha-Qatar, with 17 years of experience in the field of advertising media in India andQatar.

FIFTY YEARS LATER….

TODAY, EMERGENCY RULES!

*-Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ

It was fifty years ago! The nation will and should never forget that dark, infamous night of 25/26 June 1975,when,thethenPrimeMinister Indira Gandhi, declared a state of emergency all over the country, citing internal and external disturbances! That terrible chapter of the country’s history lasted for a fulltwenty-one-monthperiodtill21 March 1977. During that time, all civil liberties were suspended, freedom of speech and expression wasmuzzled,politicalopponentsof the Government and those who protested the emergency, were imprisoned and human rights violations by those in power, were the order of the day! The spontaneous and obvious response

forthepeopleofIndiawastosay(in the words of the world’s people, in the aftermath of the horrors of the Nazi regime) “neveragain!”and to ensure that those dark days would never visit the country, at any time in future. Ironically and tragically, fifty years later…today, emergencystillrules!

Fifty years later…today, emergency still rules! In a tweet Prime Minister Modi says, “No Indianwilleverforgetthewaythe spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament muzzled,andattemptsweremade to control the courts. The 42nd Amendmentisaprimeexampleof their shenanigans. The poor,

marginalised and downtrodden wereparticularlytargeted,including their dignity insulted.” Strangely enough, the Prime Minister should realisethatunderhimandunderhis fascist regime, the people of India are living in an ‘undeclared’ emergency. Today more than ever the poor, marginalised and downtrodden, the minorities, the small farmers, the casual labourers, themigrant workersareparticularly targeted, including their dignity insulted. Wonder if he has the couragetositinamediaconference and face direct questions with today’sfactsandfigures!

Fifty years later…today emergencystillrules!Interestingly, in a public meeting the Home Minister Amit Shah said during emergency the governments formedbasedonpeople'smandate were toppled overnight by trampling the spirit of the constitution. The people of the

country and especially the young generation should never forget what happens when the dictatorial qualities of a person come to the fore. He said that today I ask those who invoke the constitution whether the consent of the Parliament was taken before declaringtheemergency,whethera cabinetmeetingwascalled,whether thecountrymen andtheopposition weretakenintoconfidence.Hesaid thatthesearethepeopleassociated with the same party who instead of playing the role of protector of democracy, acted as destroyers of democracy. He will certainly not have an answer as to why his party has taken in so many of those former Congressmen and even rewarded them with ministerial posts and/or dropped serious charges/criminalcasesagainstthem once they subscribed to the party ideology. Or for that matter, when theHindutvabrigadehaveframeda new constitution for the country –why hasn’t he unequivocally condemnedit?

Fifty years later…. today, emergencystillrules! Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees

thefundamentalrighttofreedomof speech and expression, along with other freedoms. But this right is being systematically throttled today! India is still ranked at a pathetic151outof180countries,in the World Press Freedom Index 2025, published early in May. The index, in its India section, analyses the state of media in the country stating, “India’s media has fallen into an “unofficial state of emergency”sinceNarendraModi came to power in 2014 and engineered a spectacular rapprochementbetweenhisparty, the BJP, and the big families dominating the media. Reliance Industriesgroup’smagnateMukesh Ambani,aclosefriendoftheprime minister,ownsmorethan70media outletsthatarefollowedbyatleast 800 million Indians. The NDTV channel’sacquisitionattheendof 2022byGautamAdani,atycoon whoisalsoclosetoModi,signalled the end of pluralism in the mainstream media. Recent years have also seen the rise of “Godi media”(aplayonModi'snameand thewordfor“lapdogs”) – media outletsthatmixpopulismandproBJPpropaganda.Throughpressure

andinfluence,theIndianmodelofa pluralistpressisbeingcalledinto question.Theprimeministerdoes notholdpressconferences,grants interviewsonlytojournalistswho arefavourabletohimandishighly criticalofthosewhodonotshow allegiance. Indian journalists who areverycriticalofthegovernment are subjected to harassment campaignsbyBJP-backedtrolls”.

Fifty years later…. today, emergency still rules! It is an undisputablefact,thattodayalarge section of the Indian media is spineless, godified and corrupt! They spew out falsities and halftruths, platitudes and hollowness, fedtothembytheirpoliticalbosses.

Most of the media is owned and controlled by some corporate houses which toe the line of the ruling regime for their own selfinterests. The electronic media get their TRPs through debates indulginginshouting,shriekingand slanging; their anchors clearly ‘chamchas’ of the powers. If any journalist dares question the ‘staus quo’ , it will mean the end of one’s career. Media, in general, is co-

optedandcompromised.Manyjust ignore realities for fear of reprisals. Even the suffering people of Gaza do not get the necessary coverage. Alternative media is hounded and harassed as never before! Authenticity and impartiality, to reportfreelyandfearlesslytheplain truth, is no longer the core competencyofthemediatoday.

Fifty years later…. today, emergency still rules! The right to dissent is fundamental to a vibrant democracy, as it allows citizens to express disagreement with government policies, actions, or decisions. In a democratic society, the freedom of speech and expression, guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution ofIndia,providesthefoundationfor this right. Dissent is essential for ensuring that a pluralistic society thrives, allowing for diverse opinions and checks on power. Without the freedom to express dissent, democracy becomes autocratic, as the government would not be held accountable by its citizen. In Parliament, the

opposition is not allowed to speak freely: they are shouted down, or the mike is muted. The current regime brooks no dissent. Citizens in Delhi and Bombay are arrested for their pro-Palestine stand! Ask a questionorforfactsonPahelgam –

and one becomes ‘anti-national’! In Ahmedabad, there is a general imposition of Section 144 which prohibits any public demonstration – unless permission is granted. The imprisonment and the institutional murder of Fr Stan Swamy on 5 July 2021–isacaseinpoint.Besideshim there were fifteen others illegally incarceratedintheBhima-Koregaon conspiracy case. The National

InvestigationAgency(NIA)hasbeen used selectively to quell every form of dissent. Since September 2020, JNU scholar Umar Khalid has been languishing in jail on trumped up charges. Today (26 June) is the ‘International Day in Support of Victims of Torture’. Torture is a convenient way to quell dissent, to silence opposition. At a Media Conference in Geneva yesterday, India’s leadinghumanrightsactivist Advocate Henri Tiphagne strongly stated that India has “zero accountability” where cases of police brutality and deaths in custody,areconcerned.

Fifty years later…. today, emergency still rules! There is a serious lack of political will to address systemic burning issues which have gripped the nation. Therearehurried,biasedlegislation andprejudicedpolicies(all carefully designed to decimate the Constitution)like the National Education Policy, the Citizenship Amendment Act, the anticonversion laws, the anti-farmer laws, the four labour codes, the Universal Civil Code, the ‘One

Nation, One Election’, the Waqf Bill, the Imposition of Hindi as the national language, the delimitation plan,thedelistingoftribals/adivasis who have accepted Christianity or Islam, Constitutional and quasi bodies like the Election Commission, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the NIA, the police and some in the judiciary are compromised; they have become ‘Caged Parrots’; they simply follow the‘diktats’oftheregime.

Fifty years later…. today, emergencystillrules!IntheGlobal Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, India is ranked 105 out of 127 countries, withascoreof27.3,whichindicates a "serious" level of hunger. This score reflects ongoing challenges with food insecurity and malnutrition in the country. Whilst India boasts of producing some of therichestpersonsintheworld,the fact is that vast sections of the society still do not have access to roti- kapda- makaan (foodclothing-shelter) and the other basic amenities of life, many still below the poverty line. The gap

between the rich and the poor grows wider every day! The Adivasis/Tribals (indigenous people), who constitute a sizable section of India’s population are denied their jal- jungle- jameen (water-forests-land) and other legitimate rights. Thousands of them are displaced because of mega- projects. Primary education intheremotetribalvillagesisnonexistent and so is Medicare for them; a large percentage of tribals mustmigratetourbanareas/other States in search of employment. Besides them, most migrant workers, continue to be excluded and exploited! The plight of the Dalits, the OBCs leave much to be desired; untouchability is practiced everywhere;manualscavengingstill exists; the reality of the safai kamdars (those who clean the sewagetanks)ispathetic.Theseand other vulnerable sections of society aretestimonytothefactthattoday, isworsethanthe‘emergency!

Fifty years later…. today, emergency still rules! The current regime seems to be determined on destroying our fragile ecosystems! On the 2024 Environmental

Performance Index (EPI), India is rankedatapatheticallylowposition of176outof180countries.Thelow ranking is due to poor air quality, high projected emissions and low biodiversity scores. The EPI uses 58 indicators to assess a country's environmental performance. Indicators, include biodiversity, air pollution, air and water quality, waste management, emission growth rates, projected emissions, etc., under the three main heads of ecosystem vitality, environmental health and climate change. To assess how well countries are safeguardingtheirnaturaltreasures, the EPI added a new category this year: biodiversity and habitat. This category revealed a worrying trend – many protected areas are being overtaken by buildings and agriculture.India'sheavyrelianceon coal is a key factor hindering its environmental performance across multiple indicators. Coal use not only fuels high greenhouse gas emissions but also contributes significantly to India's severe air pollution problem. The regime is in nexus with the mining mafia, only

interested in profiteering. This is reflectedinIndia'srankings:177for air quality (above only Pakistan, Bangladesh,andNepal).

Fifty years later…. today, emergencystillrules!InitsAnnual Report2024,theUSCommissionon International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)hasrecommendedthatthe U.S. Department of State designate

India as a ‘Country of Particular

Concern’ or CPC, or engaging in systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom. The very incisive report details how throughout 2024, individuals have been killed, beaten, and lynched by vigilante groups, religious leaders have been arbitrarily arrested, and homes and places of worship have been demolished. These events constitute particularly severe violations of religious freedom. It describestheuseofmisinformation and disinformation, including hate

speech, by government officials to incite violent attacks against religiousminoritiesandtheirplaces of worship. It further describes changes to and enforcement of India’s legal framework to target and disenfranchise religious minorities,includingtheCitizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and several statelevel anti-conversion and cow slaughter laws. It is no secret that, ever since the Modi-regime, assumed power in 2014, there has been incessant attacks on the minorities of India particularly on the Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. Hate speeches denigrating and demonising minorities are the rule of the day even during the election campaign speeches of Modi! Some governments have policies which are blatantly anti- minority. ‘Bulldozer justice’ is meted out to minorities; regularly in the State of UP and recently over 8.000 homes of Muslims were razed around Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad. Minorities are also denied employment opportunities in the Government. According to a recent

report released by an Advocacy group,thereareatleasttwoattacks per day on Christians and their institutions.

Fifty years later…. today, emergency still rules! For more than two years now, since 3 May 2023, tribals (who are mainly

Christian) in the State of Manipur have been at the receiving end of a vicious Government! Even today, the violence continues unabated: many are killed and many more are injured; thousands (particularly the Kuki-Zo people) are living as refugees elsewhere. Their houses

and places of worship are destroyed. Their land has been taken away from them! That the State and Central Governments are responsible for the ongoing violence in Manipur, leaves no one in doubt.Thattheyhave shownnot an iota of political will to quell the violence and restore law and order in Manipur is a clear proof that, today, is worse than the ‘emergency!’

Fifty years later…. today, emergency still rules! Transparency International ranked India 96 out of 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI).Corruptionismainstreamedin the country; practically nothing can bedonewithoutgreasingthepalms of those in power. Politicians from oppositionpartiesareeasilybought up. The ruling regime has made mindboggling amounts of money through demonetisation and the sale of electoral bonds (EB). Corruptionhasbecomenewnormal in India. The massive and unprecedented scam of the Electoral Bonds rocked the nation a short while ago! What about the

Delhi Judge who had tonnes of money stashed up in a room in his house, which caught fire recently? People are bought up before the elections. The BJP regime must be themostcorruptamongsttheworld democraciestoday!

Fifty years later…. today, emergency still rules! On every parameter, the current regime has provedtobefascistandnotintune withtheexpectationsofthepeople. Yes, they do win elections because they rig electoral rolls, tamper with selectiveEVMsandevenusemoney to buy up voters and opposing candidates and of course have the Election Commission doing their bidding. The big joke today is that the Government observes 25 June as'SamvidhaanHatyaDiwas',which loosely translates to 'the day the

Constitution was killed'. Pathetic indeed! Some time ago, BJP senior leaderSubramanianSwamy,wrotea detailed article 'The Unlearnt Lessons of Emergency'(The Hindu on 13 June 2000). In that he revealed how several leaders (including Atal Bihari Vajpayee) from the RSS and Jan Sangh had engagedinsecretnegotiationswith IndiraGandhiandagreedtotoeher line- and were released on parole. Theyhavereachedtodayalowlevel offascismthattheyareunableeven to think rationally, factually and objectively! Of course, they are also not willing to see and acknowledge of how they are destroying the sanctityoftheConstitutiontoday.

In his path-breaking book, ‘India’s Undeclared Emergency’ (Constitutionalism and the Politics of Resistance), Bangalore- based legal luminaire, Arvind Narrain, presents an incisive and accurate analysis of how the Modi- regime has ushered in, through direct and subtle ways, an undeclared emergency! In his final Chapter ‘What is to be done?’ Narrain gives usa cue when hestates,“howdoes

oneconfrontanauthoritarianState thatopenlyusesrepressivelawsto shutdowndissent?Andwhatifthe Stateisnotjustauthoritarianbut also potentially has totalitarian ambitions?Thatsucharegimeisin power in India today makes the insistentLeninistquestion’Whatis tobedone?’veryimportanttoask andverydifficulttoanswer.Insome ways,theanswermustbegathered fromwhatisalreadybeingdone. There is dissatisfaction with the actionsoftheregime,andithas foundavoiceinactsofresistance, bothbigandsmall,spanningevery field-fromculturetolawtopolitics. Such resistance could draw sustenance both from contemporaryformsofactivismas wellasglobalhistoriesofdissent, and be nourished by a deeper historical, cultural and political understanding.Butthisisessential: astrongandunitedresistancemust emerge!”

Narran’s words find resonance with what Dr. B.R.Ambedkar saidto the Constituent Assembly on 25

November 1949, “If we wish to preservetheConstitutioninwhich we have sought to enshrine the principle of Government of the people,forthepeopleandbythe people,letusresolvenottobetardy intherecognitionoftheevilsthatlie acrossourpathandwhichinduce peopletopreferGovernmentfor thepeopletoGovernmentbythe people, nor to be weak in our initiativetoremovethem.Thatisthe onlywaytoservethecountry.I knowofnobetter.”

Yes, it is fifty years since the emergency declared by Indira Gandhi! But today, we all need to wake up, heed the call of Narrain and Ambedkar by demonstrating unflinching courage and resistance to the terrible reality of an ‘undeclared’emergencytoday! 25/26June2025

*(Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer. Contact:cedricprakash@gmail.com)

ALAN MACHADO PRABHU's Premium Works on Kanara History

One dedicated current modern researcher with years of contributions and prolific writer in English of serious books mainly on facets of Kanara Konkani History thatneedstobeconstantlyinfocus for every Konkani Kanara son-ofthe-soil at home and overseas, without doubt is ALAN MACHADO PRABHU and his writing, his work has been phenomenal and worth attention. His first three major books: 'Sarasvati's Children', (1998), 'ShadeswithinShadows'(2011)and 'Slaves of Sultans' (2015) are premier (other books too) and by now every Konkani Catholic Kanarite and Goan should have surveyed some. Most of our Konkani Catholics have an idea of our heritage as we have heard our parents and grandparents, my first exposurewassuchandthe1784-99 captivity by Tipu Sultan always held me captive and unsatiated. I am convinced of the vitality of Alan Machado Bab's research writings that always create interest and

capture the human mind. Books cannot always please, however good,Mindsarenotevercravingfor their food.

ALAN MACHADO PRABHU, is a descendant of a branch of the Machado (Prabhu) family. He is the fifth of eleven children of Harold andVeramarriedatMilagreschurch in January 1943. An engineer by profession, his research and books are engineered with precision and careforthediscerningreader. Alan hasworked inAustraliaandthe UK, now lives in Bangalore. A passionate investigator of his community’s past and related history, his first book, Sarasvati’s Children, is a history of the community from pre-conversion times to immediately after the Captivity. Dr. Michael Lobo, the untiring historian and Genealogist, (aboutwhomWillcomebacksoon), Alan’s contemporary have something in common. Machado traces the civilization that

progressed along the ancient alive river Sarasvati. Alan consistently worksonmajorhistoricalbooksand articles on the 'Captivity and Mangalore Konkani Catholics' and related subjects, sourcing a wealth of information dated and documented from firm historical evidence,thatpromisesincisiveand accurate interpretations on this traumatic episode in the community’s history and the aftermath that extends to this day. He indicates his first 3 books are being reprinted now after revisions, this indeed is a good omen for the future.

Note: Alan Bab, lives in Bangalore with his wife Zina. Their three children, Akil, Zara and Alpa are all abroad. He can be contacted onalan.machado3@gmail.com. Let'slookathispremierbooksfora better understanding and awareness. Be sure of the following threeBooks are being revised and reprinted:

serious attempt to explore the history of Mangalore's Catholic

1. Sarasvati's Children:

'Sarasvati's Children' is Alan's first

community which will really appeal to simple reading. It takes us through the traditions of the migrations of the Saraswat BrahmanstoGoa,theconversionof sections of their community to Christianity, their further migration to Kanara, and their deportation to SrirangapatnabyTipu.TheCaptivity of 1784: Re-appraising Causes and Conclusionsisabookthatexamines Tipu's motives in ordering the

Keyaspectsofthebook: Historical Focus: The book delves into the history of Mangalorean Christians, tracing their origins and development. Mangalorean Catholic Community: It specifically examines the history of this community within the broader context of Karnataka. Portuguese Influence: The book explores the impact of Portuguese colonization on the Mangalorean Catholic community, including cultural and religious changes.

The Konkani-speaking Christians of Mangalore form a small but for its size, a remarkably prominent community in India and pockets of theglobe.Amongthemareeminent personalitiesfromallwalksofpublic life.Derivingfromtheirefforts,there

existtodaypioneeringcontributions in education, health care, coffee plantations, and the tile industry medicine and more. More remarkable is their achievement when viewed in the context of their exile from their homeland and near extinction as a separate community barely 200 years ago (1784-99). Today's community owes its existence largely to those who suffered in captivity of Tipu Sultan for 15 years.

Foreword to the book by Dr Michael Lobo, Ph.D. (abridged): Sarasvati’s Children is a very readable book written for a much wideraudienceandshouldbemuch appreciated by any educated person with an interest. It tells a story-anepicstory.Originating,so far as is known, from the banks of the legendary Sarasvati River, some

members of this group moved southtowardstheKonkancoastand Goa, others moved south-east towards Bengal. Linguistic research provides ample evidence of the common origin of the two groups. Itistheformergroupwho are the ancestors of our modern Mangalorean Catholic community. They represent a fusion of two important historical and cultural elements - their Aryan inheritance from their original home on the banks of the Sarasvati River, and their Lusitanian Legacy following the Portuguese conquest of Goa and the conversion to Catholicism.

InfacttheAryanInheritanceandthe Lusitanian Legacy in the third and final era being the southward migration to Mangalore and other partsofKanarainthe17thand18th centuryandthesubsequentgrowth and development of the fledgling community. At long last, the group of nomadic people had found a permanent home! The story climaxes in the conquest of Mangalore by Hyder Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan, and the brutal episode perhaps unparalleled in historyknownasthe"Seringapatam

captivity" (1784-99) which very nearlyputanendtothecommunity.

Therearesomewhowouldevengo as far as to suggest that Tipu was quitejustifiedinhistreatmentofthe Christians who, in providing aid to the British, were traitors to their country, and fully deserved the punishmentmetedouttothem.But inanycase,isitknownforafactthat the Christians helped the English? Alan's research into this chapter of our history suggests that the statement is true, examining the situation from a few different angles. Thisthenisthestoryofour community – a community that descends almost entirely from the small group of persons who survived the 15-year period of captivityandreturnedtoMangalore (about 15,000 as compared to the 60,000 taken captive). It is a story that has all the makings of an epic, thereturnandreconstruction.

2... "SHADESwithinSHADOWS”: A Comprehensive Novel Delving into the History of Mangalore. The novel has been the source material for post graduate thesis and researchstudies. 276pages,Perfect

Paperback Published December 16, 2011... Shades within Shadows, a novel, uses simple and elegant language,witha rhymeandrhythm thataddsaliltingtouchtoitsprose, totellaveryhumanstoryofhuman foibles and quirks, weakness and inner strength, adversity and survival, exuberant youth and the lonelinessoftheageing,anddeath.

Set in the period from Tipu’s arrival in Mangalore to the Captivity, it delves into the Mangalorean Catholic community’s life in Tulunadu's rich cultural world. It is, in the words of Mangalorean.com, “a blend of raw history and mature narrative.”

"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader, it is said. It is not just paper, words, orcollectionsof sentences that are foundin books. It could be a solution to a problem,recalling history, events and different vistas

of life," Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication! It is time that people get back to the reading culture, slow down and be more at peaceandingoodhealth!

We live under the shadow of rulers, religion and ritual, of childhood fears, adult realities and hovering death.Weliveinshadowsofvarying shades, from hues of darkening night, through lightening shades of gray,tobrightestlight.Withinthese shades of many shadows, our stories spawn and mature, some sad, some happy, some tragic, mostly soon forgotten, but some preserved and written about. 'Shades within Shadows' tells one such tale of an entire community sucked into a maelstrom that devastates and nearly destroys them. Forced out of Goa by the ominous shadow of war, epidemics and the Santo Officio (inquisition), immigrants to Kanara fell under anotherofthedarkestshade,thatof the 'Shadow of God' pictured intolerant. 'Shades within Shadows' isthestoryofJaki,Zuan,Joao,Foka and Paulu, Konngi, Karminn and Katrin, Natal and Bastiao, and of others,duringtheturbulentmonths

ofTipu'ssiegeofMangaloreandits horrendous aftermath. 'The Captivity' occurred in 1784. Traditionhasitthatthedeportation of Kanara's Christians, immigrants from Goa over 200 years, to Srirangapatna (near Mysuru) by Tipu Sultan took place on Ash Wednesday.Malesofasuitableage werecircumcisedandinducted into his military slave battalions and younger females were absorbed in the palaces. The following fifteen yearsofhisreignsawlargenumbers ofthesecaptivesdeadorconverted to Islam. Less than a third returned, impoverishedanddeprived,mostof them having lost their families and property. An estimated Christian population in Kanara of 40,000 in 1784 was reduced to 10,000 by 1800.

3.“SlavesofSultans":

Aug 15, 2015, the eve of the 69th Indian Independence Day, a cross section of the intelligentsia of Mangalurugatheredtoapplaudthe ceremonious release of the long awaited third book ’slaves of Sultans’ by well-known author Alan Machado Prabhu.Speaking briefly about his deeply researched book,

saidthatmostanswersfromhistory come from reading, thinking and observing with open minds.... factual, social food for thought. Unfortunately, many of the present generation read little. And in present times answers are a vital need. Many sections of society are facing ignominy as they are misunderstood by others and often by themselves too. There is a need to seek answers, and this book could provide much that needs to beknownthroughgenerations.

Introducing the author Dr. William Da Costa, a history scholar who has beenagreatsupporttoauthorAlan in bringing out the book and who was also helpful with his last book, ’ShadeswithinShadows’mentioned that this book ’Slaves of Sultans’ is ’Extremely rich, extremely enlighteningandcritical’ itisworth

readingand considering that Alan’s realprofessionisengineeringahard one the book contests are soft and palatable to the extreme. Comparing the many books on this subject in the last 150 years, this book will prove to be very different asdaytonight.Itwillproveagame change for many who are westernized and forget and feel small about their real roots. It’s a wakeupcallthatwillpenetratedeep and true. A wide perception that this is a must-read book is expressed by many. The book is 400 pages plus with a dark gold cover which is unique. For Informationandcopiesof’Slavesof Sultans’ and ’Shades within Shadows’ : Contact: atcbooks.in, +91-80-25487444; Contact the author :alan.machado3@gmail.com

"Slaves of Sultans" by Alan Machado that explores the history of Mangalorean Catholics and their experiences under the Estado da India (Portuguese India) and Tipu Sultan's rule. The book highlights how both the Portuguese and Tipu Sultan attempted to replace the community's religion, customs, and language with those of their respectivestates,effectivelyturning them into "slaves of the state". Key Aspects of the Book: Focus on Mangalorean Catholics: The book centers on the experiences of Mangalorean Catholics, a community on the west coast of India, and their interactions with both the Portuguese and Tipu Sultan. Forced Identity Changes: It details how the community was subjectedtoforcedchangesintheir identity,includingreligion,customs, and language, under the control of the Portuguese and later Tipu Sultan. State Formation and Identity: The book connects the community's experiences with the broader processes of state formation and the ways in which states sought to control and reshape the identities of their populations. Historical

Context: The book is set within the turbulent period of European powers vying for control of Indian territories and resources. In essence,thetitle"SlavesofSultans" refers to the idea that both the Portuguese and Tipu Sultan, through their respective policies and actions, sought to make the Mangalorean Catholic community dependent on and subservient to their rule, effectively turning them into"slaves"oftheirstates.

At least4 booksfromtheexclusive penofAlan Machado Prabhuare in the pipeline, I understand One about 'Goa Inquisition, Discovering India anew' Two books on different aspects of Goan History, One on new light of Captivity of 1784. So, that's a lot indeed. I can never forget a personal encounter with this committed historian Alan Machado in 2009; when the 1629 Portuguese tomb stone was discoveredoppositetheestuaryin

BolarMangalore,lyingforcenturies in the sand, the find being a confirmation of the locality of the first Portuguese fort and early Rosario Church, where it was established until destroyed by the Mysore rulers at the start of the captivityin1784. Aftermakingsure it had a value and cleaning it, picturesweretakenandsenttoAlan Baab, he immediately had the Portuguese writing onthe stone studied and deciphered. Soon thereafter he arrived in Mangalore

and surveyed the area and made a perfectmatchwithhisancientmaps of the area and confirmed the authenticity. A couple of years later the Priest of Rosario and likeminded folks with great difficulty had it transported to the Cathedral premises where it sadly lies in the garbage today in spite of many representations.

Reading may not sit well with everyone in this modern age of gadgets and more, yet to be aware of one's origins and culture is vital toagoodextent.Letusbeawareof the documentation several intellectuals create with expense, effort and much study; few are aware and always desire to know So get on your marks and hover over it all with joy and happiness nowandalways. Thanks,andallthe best.

-Compiled by: Ivan SaldanhaShet.

(NOTE: VEEZ Weekly link can be accessed on Daijiworld.com, main page, advertisements on right hand side)

Celebrating Birth Centenary of ‘The Rock’

VJP Saldanha @ 100: Tribute to the Greatest Konkani Writer

Donald Pereira

Hehaswrittenexceptionalnovelsin Konkani.Hewasoneofthepioneers ofKonkaninovelsinMangalore. He is called as the ‘Father of Historical Novels’ for his magnificent and massive studied literature treasure. Hewasnotjustaversatilewriterbut was also a wonderful musician. He hadsomanyskills,today,manymay notbelieve.

HeisnoneotherthanVincentJohn PeterSaldanha.

Yes, he is the great V.J.P. Saldanha, whoisalsoknownas‘Khadaap’(The

Rock). He literally was a rock (foundation)ofKonkaniliterature.

SpectacularHistoricalNovels:

After his study on the history of Canara Christians, VJP chose to present itina differentway. Canara Christians captivity by Tipu Sultan was a deadly episode of our ancestors. VJP Saldanha, using the historicalfactsandcharacters,wrote ‘Devachye Kurpen’ novel first, which was then published in ‘Poinnari’ weekly from Mumbai. He had created many fictional characters. The protagonist Sardar Simon became most celebrated adventurous hero in Konkani. This

novel became a super hit. Later same was published in ‘Raknno’. Devachye Kurpen is considered as the most wonderful novel in Konkani.

Later, after receiving enormous admiration by the readers, VJP continued the saga. He wrote total seven mighty novels regarding Tipu’s Captivity. But he gave separate titles for each novel. The further novels are: 2. Belthangadycho Balthazar, 3. Sardaranchi Synol, 4. Imfernachim Daram, 5. Sardarachem Sannidhan, 6. Bandadenth Balidan and 7. Mogachim Mahima. These 7 novels arespreadacross2000pages! Thesestorieswerewidelyaccepted,

admired and praised by readers. Later he focussed on Goa’s Inquisition.Inquisitionwasthemain reason for Konkani Christians (and others) to migrate from Goa to the south. VJP wrote novels on this topic, and he presented five big novels.Firstintheserieswas ‘Saiba Bhogos’. Followed by 2. Purvaz Pardeshanth, 3. Vanjelachye Vater, 4. Jivo va Mello and 5. Ya Tari Mangalapuri.

VJP Saldanha has written two more separate, fantastic novels. His Sovo Surngarun, a mini novel explains the situation in Mangalore when Hyderali was becoming prominent in Mysore state’s administration. BandadechemDaiznoveliswritten on the time of captivity imposition andafter.

After huge popularity and demand, VJPconvertedhisSardaranchiSynol novelintoadrama.Thisdramaalso becameablockbuster.

VJP was the finest writer. He has written many other novels, short stories, plays, poetry, hymns and articles. His writing talent is ultimate.

Magnificent Characters, Actions, Adventuresandmore...

VJP Saldanha was a very genius writer. His way of writing was exceptional. He is well known for creating excellent characters. His characters are very masculine. Along with Sardar Simon, he has createdmanywonderfulcharacters. FewamongthemareAgnesCecilia, Veronica Coelho, Rafael Mingel Kamath, Sardar Yusuf Ali, Anthulo Padval. VJP is best at creating powerful villain characters. Sardar Anthony, Dr Marian & others really mesmerise the readers in his thousandsofpagesofwritings.

In Saiba Bhogos series, the protagonist is Synor John. Other prominent characters in it are Sinor BulbanvPeregrin,VillainPapiasetc. VJP’s literature, particularly these historical novels, are full of adventures. There are plenty of action scenes including horse riding,swordfighting,wrestling,war scenes and many such tricky encounters. His description is very precise. His intelligence (of imagination)andexecutionabilityis amazing. That’s why hisreadersget thrilledreadinghiswritings.

Pioneer Editor in Konkani & Kannadatoo...

VJP was the founder Editor of ‘Poinnari’ weekly, from1950. He has worked as Sub Editor in ‘Navabharatha’ Daily, Mangalore.

VJP had started a Kannada daily, ‘Kannada Vani’, but it did not last long. VJP was the founder Editor of St Aloysius College’s Konkani

magazine ‘Amar Konkani’. He was the first President of Karnataka KonkaniSahityaAcademy.

VJPSaldanhawasbornon9thJune 1925. Today is his hundredth birthday. VJP not just laid the foundation for the rich Konkani literature era, he also enriched it by hismarvellouscontributionthrough gloriouswritings.

Camões and Churchill

PhilomenaLawrence

GilbertA.Lawrence

Luís Vaz de Camões(152480) and Winston Spencer Churchill(WSC1874-1965).

(FromLastweek)

Asian Adventure: Since the 16th century, European men in their twenties, without family attachments at home, were ideal recruits to serve in the military stationed in the colonies. Undoubtedly, all of them experienced a mix of feelings, including adventure, high expectations,financialuncertainties, andhealthconcerns.Manywerethe youngersonsandthereforeunlikely to inherit land, castle, or money.Instead of fame and fortune, it appears the men experienced misfortune – battles

and diseases, as well as physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, which often left them severelyscarred.ComingtotheEast exacerbated their personalities. The mixoflackofsupervision,unfamiliar ethos, and differing motives producedanexplosivecocktailwith thecollisionofcultures.

Camões arrived in Goa in 1554, in lieu of serving a prison sentence in Lisbon. His parting letter was defiant: “Ungrateful fatherland, you willnotpossessmybones.”Thereis no documentation that he fought anybattlesintheIndianOcean(IO), whichgave him time to write his epic OsLusíadas– the romance of sailingthewatersof theIO. He also composed lyrical poetry to honor those he loved. WSC arrived in Bombay in 1896. The eras in which they traveled determined their routes and the length of travel eastwards. Camões sailed around Africa to Goa, a voyage that took a year to complete; WSC took the train from London to Brindisi, Italy, where he boarded a ship, sailed through the Suez Canal and across the Red Sea to Bombay - all in less than a month. Both arrived at their destinations at the height of their

country’s dominance over their empire. The eastern empire was a happy overseas posting where recruits lived in collective dwellings with companions who were comrades-in-arms, brothers on the sameteam,aswellasmenofletters, allunitedintheirquestforfameand fortune. They led an orderly and leisurely life as officers. To their subordinates, they were rugged, fearsome, and authoritative bullies. Camões’ pitiable job performance landed him twice in prisoninGoa,despitehisfamiliarity withthegovernor.

Wild Spurt:As writers and politicians, both Camões and WSC were self-taught, gifted with courage and audacity. Their only formal training was military-based, which did not pay much, and they resigned from the service for the samereasontheyhadjoinedit.They wereindebtandneededimmediate assured income to sustain their extravagant lifestyles. They had no time to waste. Their attitudes and slogans were dictated by opportunism and the need for selfpromotion; all aimed at attracting attention.

After basic military training, WSC

was commissioned as a junior officertothe4th Hussarscavalryata cantonment outside Bangalore. His annualsalarywas300pounds – half the amount he needed for his lifestyle and hobbies – so he depended on a substantial allowance from his widowed mother. The housing, which was provided and paid for by the native taxpayer, included large bungalows (three to a lodge) maintained by nativehousestaff.Eachresidenthad a full complement of personal staff, in addition to the common kitchen staffandgardeners.Thequarterwas located3,000feetabovesealevelto guarantee favorable temperatures year-round. The housing had extensive and lush gardens, allowing WSC to indulge in his hobby of collecting butterflies and roses. Intent on entering politics and seeking his father’s seat in parliament, he closely followed public events in England and was jealous of his contemporaries’ successes.

Even though his father had died a year before WSC arrived in India, it was common knowledge that Randolph Churchill served as Secretary of State for India in 1885,

and the Churchill family was still politically well-connected in London. As a result, junior officer WSC behaved like a prince. He conducted himself with an imperiousnessthatfarexceededhis knowledge, understanding, and rank. It was not by accident that WSCandhisfriendswereinvitedto dinner and other social events by thehighestdignitaries–theviceroy, governor,ortopcommander and given the greatest accommodation andpreference,wellbeyondhisage or rank in the military. He knew he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and he made optimum use of it to rub shoulders with the high and mighty – past, present, and future.Insocialsituations,WSCwas a loudmouth, and most of the guests deferred to him. WSC was convinced he was a man of destiny, and not bashful to let his audience know that his goal was to get his father’s (and family’s) seat in parliament ASAP. Furthermore, he confidently stated that, unlike his father, he “will be PM one day.” Whenevertheopportunityarose,he hobnobbed with the leaders, often stayed as a guest in their homes. Between his stated goals and his

incessant perseverance, WSC was on a path of his own creation. His official and unofficial audiences probably felt they were receiving the inside scoop from WSC, even when he was a lowly officer or newspaperreporter.Heneedstobe givencreditforthecouragetoform an opinion and take a stand, albeit basedonsketchyimpressions.Later inlife,heusedtheseskillstohector his peers, senior civil servants, and seniors, including the PM, while learningonthejob.

The 4th Hussars did not engage in any live military action during the 8.5-year rotation in India. The

cavalry unit kept up its skills by playingpolo-- theregiment’smain physical activity. For a time, WSC triedhishandatbeingaracecourse jockey.Duringhis19-monthstay,he returned twice to England. His third trip to India was a planned threemonth stay, designed to travel across the Raj and play in polo tournaments. An excellent polo player,WSC’sskill wascrucialinthe 4th Hussar’s record-breaking win in the year’s All-Raj championship. Given his addiction to polo, WSC wouldprobablyhaveconsideredhis India stay an enjoyable and memorableexperience.

He Loved Us… that We Love Others

-*Fr.CedricPrakashSJ

One certainly does not need too much of intelligence to realise that ourworldtodayisbroken,battered, bruised and brutalised! Conflicts and wars; hate and violence; discrimination, demonization, denigration of the other seems to havebecomethenewnarrative,the order of the day! Images of bombing and killing, destruction and devastation make front-page newsandhogtheheadlinesbothin the print and electronic media! We never seem to learn. The soul of humanityiscrushedasthepowerful vested interests, like the industrial

military complex (the arms and ammunition industry) make scandalousprofitsonthebloodand livesofmillionsofpeople.

In the context of the above reality, Pope Francis gave to the world on 24 October 2024 ‘DilexitNos’(He lovedus),hisEncyclicalletteronthe

HumanandDivineLoveoftheHeart ofJesusChrist.Itcomesatatimeof profound global challenges. ‘Dilexit Nos’was Pope Francis' fourth and final Encyclical, after ‘Lumen Fidei ’ (June 29, 2013), co-written with Benedict XVI; ‘Laudatosi’(May 24, 2015), on the environmental crisis and the need for care for creation; and ‘FratelliTutti’(October3,2020), which calls for global fraternity and socialfriendshipinaworldfractured by a pandemic and conflicts, including wars fought in the name of God. ‘DilexitNos’was not only timely, but it also underlined the need for and importance of love in aworld,whichhaslostheart!

The release of the Encyclical, about six months before Pope Francis died, coincided with celebrations commemorating the 350th anniversary of the first appearance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673. On27 Decemberof that year, Jesus appeared to the young 26-year-old FrenchVisitationnun,entrustingher with the mission of spreading His love, particularly toward sinners. Theseapparitions,whichtookplace attheconventofParay-le-Monialin

Burgundy, France continued for 17 years. Christ showed His heart surroundedbyflamesandencircled by a crown of thorns symbolizing the wounds inflicted by human sin. He requested that the Friday followingtheFeastofCorpusChristi bededicatedtotheSacredHeart(in several Dioceses in India and other countries, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is observed on the SundayfollowingCorpusChristi).St. Margaret Mary was initially misunderstood by many, including her fellow nuns but she remained steadfast in her mission to reveal Christ’slovetotheworld.TheJesuit Priest Fr. Claude La Colombière (nowaSaint)whowasappointedto her Convent as Spiritual Director andConfessorwasconvincedofthe visions that Margaret Mary had from the Sacred Heart; he became anardentsupporterofthedevotion totheheartofJesus.

‘Dilexit Nos’is an outstanding Encyclicalbecauseitdrawsfromthe richness of Scripture, the Church Fathers, and writings of past popes. Italsobringsusclosertothesaints, such as Thérèse of Lisieux, Francis de Sales, Ignatius Loyola, and

Charles de Foucauld. All of this deepensourloveforGod,especially for His Sacred Heart. Pope Francis, expressed his hope that the Encyclical wouldinvite reflection on aspectsoftheLord'slovethatcould illuminate the path of ecclesial renewal and resonate meaningfully with "aworldthatseemstohave lost its heart." The Encyclical retraces the tradition and relevance of thought on “the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ,” calling for a renewal of authentic devotion to avoid forgetting the tenderness of faith, thejoyofserving,andthefervourof mission.

Inthefirstchapterofthe Encyclical, ‘TheImportanceoftheHeart’,Pope Francis explains why it is necessary to “returntotheheart”in a world where we are tempted to become “insatiableconsumersandslavesto themechanismsofthemarket” It analyses what we mean by “heart”: theBiblespeaksofitasacore “that lies hidden beneath all outward appearances”a place where what is shown on the outside or hidden doesn’t matter; there, we are truly ourselves. The heart leads to

questions that matter: what meaningdoIwantformylife,my choices,ormyactions?WhoamI beforeGod?PopeFrancispointsout that the current “depreciation” of the heart originated in Hellenic and pre-Christian rationalism, in postChristian idealism, and in materialism in its various guises” where great philosophical thought prioritized concepts like “reason, will,orfreedom.” He states, “The failuretomakeroomfortheheart… hasresultedinastuntingoftheidea ofapersonalcentre,inwhichlove, intheend,istheonerealitythatcan unify all the others” For Pope Francis, it is important to recognize that “Iammyheart,formyheartis what sets me apart, shapes my spiritual identity and puts me in communionwithotherpeople”

The second chapter is dedicated to the actions and words of love of Christ. The acts by which He treats usasfriendsandshowsthatGod “is closeness,compassion,andtender love”are evident in His encounters with the Samaritan woman, Nicodemus, the prostitute, the adulterous woman, and the blind man on the road. In the third

chapter, ‘Thisistheheartthathas loved so greatly’, Pope Francis recalls how the Church reflects and has reflected on “theholymystery of the Lord’s Sacred Heart.” He refers to Pius XII’s Encyclical ‘HaurietisAquas’,onthe devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1956). He clarifies that “devotiontotheHeartofChristis notthevenerationofasingleorgan apartfrom the Person ofJesus,” because we adore “thewholeJesus Christ,theSonofGodmademan, represented by an image that accentuatesHisheart”

In the fourth chapter entitled ‘A lovethatgivesitselfasdrinks’Pope Francis revisits the Scriptures, and withtheearlyChristians,recognizes Christ and His pierced side in “the onewhomtheyhavepierced,” a prophecy from the book of Zechariah in which God refers to Himself as an open fountain for the

people, to quench their thirst for God’s love, “tocleansethemfrom sinandimpurity” Various Church Fathers have mentioned “the woundedsideofJesusasthesource ofthewateroftheHolySpirit” especially St. Augustine, who “openedthewaytodevotiontothe Sacred Heart as the locus of our personalencounterwiththeLord” Gradually,thiswoundedside,recalls the Pope, “begantobeassociated withHisHeart”and he lists several holy women who “in recounting theirexperiencesofencounterwith Christ,havespokenofrestinginthe heartoftheLordasthesourceoflife andinteriorpeace.” PopeFranciskeepsthebestforthe

last: in the fifth and final chapter ‘Love for Love’ , he developsthe communitarian, social, and missionary dimension of an authentic devotion to the Heart of Christ, which, as it “leadsustothe Father,”also “sendsusforthtoour brothersandsisters” Indeed, love for one’s brothers and sisters is the greatest gesture we can offer Him “toreturnloveforlove”Looking at the history of spirituality, Pope Francis recalls that St. Charles de Foucauld's missionary commitment made him a “universal brother”:

“Allowinghimselftobeshapedby theheartofChrist,hesoughtto shelter the whole of suffering humanityinhisfraternalheart”

In the Concluding paras of the Encyclical, Pope Francis strongly states, “Thepresentdocumentcan helpusseethattheteachingofthe social EncyclicalsLaudato Si’andFratelliTuttiisnotunrelated toourencounterwiththeloveof JesusChrist.Foritisbydrinkingof that same love that we become capable of forging bonds of fraternity,ofrecognizingthedignity of each human being, and of workingtogethertocareforour commonhome.

“In a world where everything is boughtandsold,people’ssenseof theirworthappearsincreasinglyto depend on what they can accumulate with the power of money. We are constantly being pushedtokeepbuying,consuming and distracting ourselves, held captivetoademeaningsystemthat preventsusfromlookingbeyond ourimmediateandpettyneeds.The loveofChristhasnoplaceinthis perversemechanism,yetonlythat lovecansetusfreefrom amad pursuitthatnolongerhasroomfor agratuitouslove.Christ’slovecan giveahearttoourworldandrevive love wherever we think that the abilitytolovehasbeendefinitively lost.

“TheChurchalsoneedsthatlove, lesttheloveofChristbereplaced with outdated structures and concerns,excessiveattachmentto ourownideasandopinions,and fanaticisminanynumberofforms, whichenduptakingtheplaceofthe gratuitous love of God that liberates,enlivens,bringsjoytothe heartandbuildscommunities.The woundedsideofChristcontinuesto

pour forth that stream, which is neverexhausted,neverpassesaway, butoffersitselftimeandtimeagain toallthosewhowishtoloveashe did.Forhislovealonecanbring aboutanewhumanity.

“IaskourLordJesusChristtogrant thathisSacredHeartmaycontinue topourforththestreamsofliving waterthatcanhealthehurtwehave caused, strengthen our ability to loveandserveothers,andinspireus tojourneytogethertowardsajust, solidarityandfraternalworld” .

In the footsteps of Pope Francis, Pope Leo has also composed a beautifulprayertotheSacredHeart of Jesus. His prayer is a heartfelt appealforcompassion,mission,and daily encounter with Christ. The prayer reflects a desire to be transformed by the love of Jesus andtocarrythatloveintotheworld. These words offer a moment of quiet reflection for those seeking closenesswithChrist.

Lord,Icometoyourtenderhearttoday, toyouwhohavewordsthatsetmyheartablaze, toyouwhopouroutcompassiononthelittleonesandthepoor, onthosewhosuffer,andonallhumanmiseries.

Idesiretoknowyoumore,tocontemplateyouintheGospel, tobewithyouandlearnfromyou andfromthecharitywithwhichyouallowedyourself tobetouchedbyallformsofpoverty. YoushowedustheFather’slovebylovinguswithoutmeasure withyourdivineandhumanheart.

Grantallyourchildrenthegraceofencounteringyou.

Change,shape,andtransformourplans, sothatweseekonlyyouineverycircumstance: inprayer,inwork,inencounters,andinourdailyroutine. Fromthisencounter,sendusoutonmission, amissionofcompassionfortheworld inwhichyouarethesourcefromwhichallconsolationflows. Amen.

Trump’s Dilemma of the Nobel Peace Prize

countries managed the new government to work on policies againstRussia.

Dinkarray Mandaliya

It appears that Ukrainian President Zelensky is doing a commendable job for his country.

No, Zelensky is a great idiot. He is working as a slave of Europe and America (under Biden). These Western countries successfully pressured the Ukrainian government, which was aligned with Russia, into a government that they wanted. Then, Western

Putin did not have a full idea that Western countries would make it very difficult for him to defeat Ukraine.However,hecouldmanage to take over some parts of Ukraine at a very high cost. Half of the Ukrainian people left the country. The media do not show the destructionofUkraine,whichisvery heavy, although Putin is unable to usenuclearweapons. Then,halfwaythroughthemiddleof thedrama,Trumpenters.

the slogan "Make America Great Again," wins the match. Biden was forced to withdraw from the match. This greedy guy could not get off a plane comfortably and hid his cancer problem, wanting to be president again. He allowed all people of the world who could reach the Mexican border to migrate. However, stupid Democrats put before Trump a womanwho,duringthelast4years as vice president, did not speak a singleword.

This guy, Trump, immediately after winningthematch,shookthewhole world,justbyonedeclarationonthe tariff. Until now, the presidents of the United States have allowed all industriestomovetoChina.Initially, it was acceptable because only inexpensive products were manufactured in China. However, gradually, all electronics manufacturers followed suit. Silicon Valley became a dry valley. Detroit became a junkyard, and all car manufacturers moved to Canada or Mexico. Time will tell if Trump's action is good and in time. He will have to fight it out with China, CanadaandEurope.

When he arrived at the White

House, he had another aspiration. Since Obama got the NobelPeace Prize for doing nothing, he should get it by stopping the Ukraine war. Hehadpromisedthathecouldstop the war in a day. Well, that day has long gone by. The tug of war between Europe and Russia is very difficult to interrupt. Europe is not losing a single person. Why should theygiveup? Theyhavegota slave who, if he gives up, his country’s people will hang him. The slave is happybecauseheisnowahero.

What can Trump do? He secured a minerals deal using the money that Stupid Biden gave to Ukraine at no cost.TrumpcanstopaidtoUkraine, but if he leaves halfway without stopping,heisnotgoingtogetthe NobelPeacePrize.

Heispresentlyinadilemma.

But he is not as stupid as people think. He told Israel to attack Iran

and posed as if he didn't know about it. People asked him whether he would join Israel. He responded that he does not know, no one knows. But when Israel cleared the sky of Iran, he jumped in one night and did what Israel could not do. Andtothesurpriseoftheworld, he ordered Israel and Iran to stop the war at a time when both wanted to stop. Thus, getting credit for stopping the war.Well, Trump gets some credit for the Peace Prize becauseIranwassurelygoinginthe direction of making a Nuclear Bomb.

ButinthefieldofUkraine,allactors are tough. That doesn't mean that Israel and Iran are not tough. But here, the Russians' grabbing of the land of Ukraine is involved. Neither UkrainenorRussiawantstogiveup. Destruction is going on. His country's people, young soldiers,

are dying daily. Zelensky continues to beg for more weapons daily. He thinksheisdoingagreatjobforhis country. So, there is no end in sight due to the ambitions of Zelensky and Western countries to win the war.Let us see if Trump receives some credit for the Peace Prize for working towards stopping the war, as opposed to Biden, who initiated thewar.

But you never know about the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Obama got it without doing

anything. Malala,aMuslimgirl,not even17yearsold,fromPakistan,not knowing anything about the peace prize, got it. Einstein received the NobelPrizenotfortheworld'smost important theory, the Theory of

Relativity, nor for the famous formula E = mc², but for explaining the photoelectric effect. So, while TrumpisworkinghardfortheNobel PeacePrize,someoneunknownmay winitinstead.

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a high alert acrossthe city, cautioningresidents against a significant increase in sophisticated investment fraud schemes perpetrated by cybercriminals. These elaborate scams, designed to deceive individuals with the promise of quick and substantial returns, have already resulted in considerable financial losses for numerous citizensthroughoutMangaluru.

According to the Mangaluru City Police, investment fraud involves cybercriminals luring unsuspecting victims into fictitious investment opportunities. These schemes typically entice individuals with the prospect of high profits within compressed timeframes. However, upon investment, the funds are misappropriated, leaving victims withsignificantfinancialburdens.

Law enforcement officials have identified several recurring characteristics of these fraudulent schemes. Cybercriminals frequently utilize professionally designed fake websites, disseminate misleading information through messaging applications such as WhatsApp and

Telegram, and exploit celebrity endorsements to cultivate a false sense of legitimacy and trust. Furthermore, they often deploy fraudulent applications and social media advertisements to broaden their reach and target a wider demographic.

The Mangaluru City Police have emphasized several critical warning signs that should immediately raise suspicion and warrant heightened scrutiny:

• Guaranteed High Returns: Any investment opportunity that promises guaranteed high returns shouldbeapproachedwithextreme caution and skepticism. Legitimate investments inherently carry a degreeofriskanduncertainty.

• Urgent Pressure to Invest: Cybercriminals often create afalse sense of urgency, pressuring individualstoinvestquicklywithout allowing sufficient time for thorough due diligence and research.

• Promises of Doubled or Tripled Returns: Claims of doubling or tripling investments within short periods are highly unrealistic and should be considered indicative of fraudulentactivity.

• Unregistered Companies or Agents: Investors should meticulously verify the legitimacy and registration status of any company or individual offering investment opportunities before committinganyfunds.

• Demands for UPI or Cryptocurrency Payments: Requests for payments viaUnifiedPaymentsInterface(UPI) or cryptocurrency should be considered a significant red flag, as these methods offer limited avenuesforrecourseintheeventof fraud.

• Fake Screenshots Showing Fabricated Profits: Fraudsters often employ fabricated screenshots depicting substantial profits to deceive potential investors and create a false impressionofsuccess.

The Mangaluru City Police have provided details of several recent casesofinvestmentfraudwithinthe citylimits:

• Surathkal: A resident incurred a loss of ₹1.57 Crore after being enticed into a cryptocurrency investment scheme through a WhatsAppgroup.

• KPT: Anindividualwasdefrauded

• of ₹37.49 Lakh through a deceptive share market group, further compounded by fraudulent tax demands.

• Panjimogaru: A resident lost ₹27.01 Lakh in a work-from-home scam initiated through the social mediaplatformInstagram.

• Kankanady: An individual was defrauded of ₹30.55 Lakh after responding to a share market advertisementonFacebook.

• Urwa: A resident lost ₹13.57 Lakh after acting on cryptocurrency tips provided through a Telegram group.

The Mangaluru City Police are strongly urging all residents to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant when evaluating investment opportunities. Citizens are advised to conduct thorough research, seek independent financial advice from qualified professionals, and promptly report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

“Your safety and financial security are our utmost priority,” stated a spokesperson for the Mangaluru CityPolice.“Wearefullycommitted to protecting our citizens from these malicious cyberattacks and

bringing the perpetrators of these fraudulent schemes to justice. By remaining alert, informed, and proactive, we can collectively combat investment fraud and safeguard our community’s financialwell-being.”

The Mangaluru City Police encourage residents to disseminate thiscrucialinformationamongtheir family members, friends, and acquaintances to raise awareness andpreventfurthervictimizationby thesecybercriminals.

-Source:Mangalorean.com

From Royality to Reality:

Prince Manvendra and Harold D’Souza

Unite to End Modern-Day Slavery

When courage meets compassion,justicebeginstorise. Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil andHaroldD’Souzaareignitinga globalmovement:oneheart,one home, and one humansoul at a time.

Cincinnati,Ohio

July21–24,2025:

A rare and radiant chapter in the global fight against modern-day slaveryunfoldedinCincinnati,Ohio, where international human rights advocates Harold and Dancy D’Souza warmly hosted His Royal Highness Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil the world’s first openly gay prince,alongwithhishusbandDuke

of Hanumanteshwar DeAndre, Kris, and John Lamb at their “Happy Home.”

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, a globally celebrated voice for LGBTQ+ rights and anti-human trafficking activism, serves on the Board of Directors for Eyes Open International (EOI) and as a Trustee of Eyes Open Trust in India. His journey of authenticity and advocacy aligns powerfully with HaroldD’Souza’smissiontoliberate lives from the shadows of exploitation into the sunlight of dignityandfreedom.

A highlight of the prince’s visit took place on June 22, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, where he witnessed an exhibit unlike any other, “Shine A Light.” On the museum’s third floor, guests can trigger an audio-visual

experiencebysimplyshiningalight on the panel. When the light touches Harold D’Souza’s story, he appears on screen -alive, speaking, andglowinglikeabeaconofhope.

Prince Manvendra was visibly moved, describing the moment as “miraculous, inspiring, and soul stirring.” Hisreactionechoedthatof many museumgoers that day, who paused in awe to see, meet, and photograph the living legend, HaroldD’Souzahimself.

Dr. Yvan Demosthenes, Board Member of EOI, who accompanied the royal delegation, reflected: “Harold doesn’t just speak of survival, he embodies rebirth. His

humility and global influence are unmatched.”

Aswordspread,visitorsfloodedthe exhibit area, eager for a moment with the man whose journey from slavery to global leadership is now etched in history. But the story didn’tstopthere.

Dr. Lara Wilken, Board President of Eyes Open International, and Tracy G.McGinley,BoardVicePresidentof EOI,extendeda powerful invitation, to bring the message of hope and transformation to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Erie CountyPrison.

In Erie County Prison, Brad Downing, founder of the Jail Life Recovery Program, gave an emotional tour to Prince Manvendra, Harold D’Souza, and

their guests. The visit culminated in a heartfelt address from Harold to the inmates, a moment that many describedas“lifechanging.”

Withopennessandhonesty, Harold spokeofhisfallandrise:“Iaccepted my mistakes. I changed my mind; mythinkingandIstartedfromzero. Today, I stand not above you, but withyou.”

He invoked Nelson Mandela, reminding prisoners that change is notonlypossible,butalsopowerful. He left them with four pillars of purpose: “Be happy, think positive, neverquit,andbelieveinyourself.”

Theroyalcouple,PrinceManvendra and his husband DeAndre, also shared their resilience and journey, drawing strength from vulnerability and the power of love. Their new memoir, A Royal Commitment: Ten Years of Marriage and Activism, is

currently being promoted across the United States. One of its most treasured features is the foreword written by Harold D’Souza, whose life story and friendship add an emotional depth to the royal couple’snarrative.

Their time in Ohio also brought together pillars of justice, including Sheriff Paul A. Sigsworth of Erie County, who was honored to meet both Prince Manvendra and Harold D’Souza. Sheriff Sigsworth remarked, “To host two warriors for humanity under one roof is not just a privilege, it is a divine appointment.”

From the Freedom Center to the prison walls, and from university studentsto museum visitors’ hearts were opened, minds were changed, andlivesweredeeplytouched.

As the world watches this powerful alliancebetweenaPrincewhodared to love openly and a survivor who

chosetolivepurposefully,onetruth isclear: “Slavery may have changed its facebutsohasthefight.”

Prince Manvendra and Harold D’Souza are not just symbols of hope,theyarearchitectsofafuture where freedom, equality, and dignity are the birthright of every humanbeing.

AboutEyesOpenInternational: EOI is a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Harold and Dancy D’Souza, committed to preventing human trafficking through education, empowerment, and survivor leadership. With board members across the globe, EOI is building bridges where walls once stood. Together,wedon’tjustbreak chains,webuildnewlegaciesof light.

EMERGENCY, SURROGACY, SUFFOCATION

Trains and aircraft have emergency exits. Not so with politics. I vividly recall this day 50 years ago. I was attending a Youth Animators’ Training Programme in Allahabad, the epicentre of the Emergency earthquake. It was promulgated by PrimeMinisterIndiraGandhion25th June1975.

The day after the declaration a classmateofminewhowasanarmy officercalledtomeetme.Hewasin Allahabad, but I can’t recall how we got in touch. He picked me up in a non-descriptbatteredjeep,thetype that Military Intelligence uses, to avoid detection. Over tea he

# chhotebhai

quizzed me about the programme that I was attending. At the time I didn’t fully comprehend the portents of what was about to unfold.

A few months later, unlike the rich young man, I left home searching for answers and landed up in Jyotiniketan Ashram, Bareilly. That’s where I had a first-hand experience of the brutality of the Emergency. The ashram was 7 kms outside the cityandweoftencycleddownthere. Back then there were octroi check posts at the entrance to the cities. The Emergency goons would stop poor villagers carrying their farm produce for sale, especially the

milkmen. For fear of being forcibly sterilized these poor people would abandon their cycles and milk cans and flee for their lives. It was heart rending. Nobody dared challenge theEmergency.

At that time my motherwasan active member of the Congress party. She was on the AICC and UPCC Minority Cells. However, she too could not stomach the Emergencyandquitthepartytojoin the splinter group Congress (O). Thatwasherpoliticaldenouement.

At about that time Bp George Saupin SJ of Daltonganj diocese visited the ashram. I was alone at the time. Dressed in his trademark kurta pyjama he joined me in threshing arhar dal on a wagon wheel and in making rotis on the woodfire.Wehadneitherelectricity nor running water in the ashram. Saupin was the epitome of simplicity and sincerity. He lived among the adivasis of his diocese, sitting on his haunches and smokingabidiwiththem.

of Indira Gandhi. Saupin is a French name. With his blue eyes and fair skin, he was mistaken for a foreigner, so Indira wanted him deported. To her dismay she found thathewasan Indian citizen,hence couldnottouchhim.Nextbest, she pressurisedtheCBCItotransferhim. He was shunted off to Bhagalpur diocese where he died a broken man.

News of his work for human rights amongtheadivasisreachedtheears

was the founder of the National VocationCentreandIshvaniKendra in Pune. He had gone on a visit to hisnativeGermany.Onhisreturnhe wasdetainedatBombayairportand packed off on the next return flight to Germany. Through Arun Nehru, her nephew and bulldog Home Minister, Indira had even tried to control the appointment of Indian bishops. I cannot recall how the CBCIhandledthatsizzler.

However, I do recall some Catholic stalwarts that stood up to Indira. The first was Alban Couto IAS, then CommissionerofPatna.WhenImet his widow Maria Aurora Couto several years later in our native village of Aldona, Goa, she told me thatherhusband’sgreatestconcern was for the safety of Jayprakash Narain, Indira’s bete noire. Fortunately, nothing happened to himinPatna.

JP then came under the protective wingofanotherCatholicIASofficer, the redoubtable M.G. Devasahayam. Hewas the Collector of Chandigarh where JP was now incarcerated.Hetoldmethatatthe risk of incurring Indira’s wrath he went out of his way to ensure whatever safety and comfort he couldgiveJP. ThethirdCatholicwasthestrapping 6-foot-tall John Lobo IPS, the CBI Director. I had a hunch that he may haveplayedapartinassuringIndira thatifshethenheldanelectionshe would win handsomely. That prompted her to end the Emergency. Here again, several

years later I met an officer who had served under Lobo at the time. When I put this question to him his countenance froze. His silence spokemoreeloquentlythanwords.

Indira’s Emergency was against her political opponents and had more thanitsshareof excesses,including press censorship. In protest, The Statesmanof Calcutta hadcarrieda blankfrontpage,therebyconveying thatallnewshadbeencensored,so therewasnothingtoprint!

Over the last eleven years of Namo rule we have had an undeclared Emergency. This is where the Surrogacy angle kicks in. There is something called surrogate advertising.Itabidesbytheletterof the law but throws its spirit to the winds. Tobacco and alcohol products cannot be advertised; so theirmanufacturersspendcroresof rupees on surrogate advertising –McDowells soda or glass tumblers; orVimalsilvercoatedelaichi.

The brand names are the same as that of the original alcohol or pan masala/ tobacco products. There is complete memory recall, which is

what advertising is all about. They have mega stars like Amitabh Bacchan and Shah Rukh Khan as their brand ambassadors for “glass tumblers”. The masses that are assessarefooledbytheseglasses!

We find the same game being played out in today’s politics. While the big guns talk of vikas (development) the lesser minions dothedirtyworkthroughhatefilled or openly communal speeches. Waqf, talaaq, love jihad, so-called forced conversions, disproportionate population growth, campaigns against what to eatorwear,areallformsofpolitical surrogacy. They circumvent the letterofthelawonsecularismwhile blatantly going against the spirit of theConstitution.

To deflect blame like water off a duck’s back, the convenient response is that these are just “fringe elements”. This is not the officialpartyline.Butthedamageis done, and the purpose is achieved. Who needs an Emergency when Surrogacysuffices?

This brings me to the third word in the title – Suffocation. It is slow

death, like carbon monoxide poisoning.Onelightsacoalstovein aclosedroominwinter.Thewarmth lulls one into slumber. But the carbon monoxide released by the coke is lethal, moreso since one is not even aware of what is happening. By the time the effects kickinirrevocabledamagehasbeen done.

Other than to hard core andhbhakts,itismorethanapparentthat all four pillars of democracy have been suffocated, rendering them lifeless. As with carbon monoxide this slow death is not visible to the naked eye. But it is in your face to thosewithcriticalawareness.

Both houses of parliament have been reduced to a sham by overriding presiding officers. The Executive has long been tamed. Watchdogshavebecomelapdogs, reminiscent of the dog on the gramophone recordof His Master’s Voice.BecauseoftheGovernment’s huge ad spend the media, the fourthpillar,hasalsobeentamed.

While the judiciary remains a beacon of hope, recent post-

retirement appointments to the Rajya Sabha or Raj Bhawans have raised serious doubts about the impartialityofthehigherjudiciary.

Yes, Indira’s Emergency lasted for 2½ years, but the present undeclared Emergency of 11 years shows no signs of abating, in a communally surcharged atmosphere, and a decimated, rudderlessOpposition,ofwhichthe Congressisitsownworstenemy.

Hopenowrestsonwhatisknownas theFifthEstate–thesocialmediaor social influencers who have neither political affiliations nor ambitions. May their tribe and strike rate increase.

• ThewriteristheConvenorof theIndianCatholicForum

MCC Bank's Outreach Initiatives-

Distribution

of Note Books, School Bag and Umbrellas

As part of its unwavering commitmenttosocial responsibility and community development, MCC Bank has undertaken a series of impactfulinitiativesinthemonthof

June2025,reachingvariousschools, orphanages, and institutions across Mangalore,Udupi,andsurrounding regions. These activities were spearheaded by the Bank’s ChairmanSahakaraRatnaMrAnil

LoboandtheBoardofDirectors.

The Bank has supported the students of St Antony Primary School,Padukone,StellaMarisHigh School, Gangolli, St Mary’s School, Kundapura, St Joseph Primary and HighSchool,Kundapura,Nirmala

High School, Brahmavara, Cosmopolitan Higher Primary School, Brahmavara, Kulur High School,Mangalore,StAnjelaHome, Bejai, De Mercede Orphanage, Paneer, St Ignatius Loyola School, Paladka, St Rita Higher Primary School, Jeppu, Ladyhill Higher

Primary School, Urwa and Mai De

DeusHigherPrimarySchool,Puttur, by way of distributing notebooks, Umbrellas and school bags to economically backward students of the school. The Bank also distributed Umbrellas to the

inmates of St Antony Ashram, Jeppu.

The heads of above institutions were overwhelmed by the noble gestureofthebankandthankedthe ChairmanandDirectorsoftheBank for their generosity and concern towards the poor children studying in the Institutions and the inmates oftheAshram. Through these heartening initiatives, MCC Bank has demonstrated its core values of compassion, inclusion, and service. The distribution of umbrellas, school bags, and notebooks, costing more than Rs.10 lakhs, acrossmultipleinstitutionsnotonly provided essential support to underprivileged students but also inspired a culture of gratitude and perseverance. MCC Bank remains committed to empowering the youth and strengthening the community through such meaningfuloutreach. Whilespeakingontheoccasion,the

Chairman of the Bank Sahakara RatnaMrAnilLobocalledupon the students to remember the Bank’s support. He also called upon the students to be empathetic towards the poor when they grow up and achieve social status. He also emphasized equality in education and encouraged self-belief. He expressed his happiness in engaging with the enthusiastic studentsandlaudedtheInstitutions for providing a nurturing educational environment. He acknowledged their support to the Bank and reaffirmed MCC Bank’s commitment to support education fortheunderprivileged.

Directors Dr Gerald Pinto, Mr Elroy KiranCrasto,MrSushanthSaldanha, Mrs Sharmila Menezes, Mrs Irene Rebello, Mr Roshan Dsouza, Mr Herold J. Monteiro, Mr J.P. Rodrigues, Andrew Dsouza and Branch Manager of Kundapur, Brahmavara, Ashoknagar, Kankanady, Morgansgate, Puttur andUllalbrancheshaveparticipated intheaboveprogrammes.

Bishop blesses Foundation Stone for New Emergency Block at Fr L.M Pinto Hospital Badyar and Mr Michael DSouza donates 75 laks for the project.

2025 for the New Emergency Block atFrL.MPintoHospitalBadyar.Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of Mangalore Diocese conducted the prayer service of the blessing. Mr Michael DSouza and Mrs Flavia DSouza and family NRI

ENTREPRENEUR AND PHILANTHROPIST donated 75laks fortheentireproject.Inhismessage he highlighted the need to reach out to the community through our selfless service and generous contribution.Bishopanddignitaries

on the dais joined together to felicitate Mr Michael DSouza and Flavia DSouza. Fr Maxim Rosario conducted felicitation program. During the program the new websitewaslaunched byFrVincent DSouza.

https://frlmpintohospital.org. Hospital logo was also unveiled by Rev Fr Walter DMello ParisPriest of Belthangady. Rev. Fr Roshan Crasta Administrator of the Hospital and Mrs Premalatha Frank Vice President Badyar church were presentonthedais.SrJanetnursing superintendentcompered.======

Karnataka Regional Social Communication

Secretaries Meet to Strengthen Church’s

Digital Mission

Mangaluru, June 2025: Karnataka Regional Commission for Social Communication held its meeting of Diocesan Secretaries and Joint Secretaries at the Sandesha Foundation, Mangaluru. Social Communications Commission Secretaries and Joint Secretaries rom all 14 dioceses of Karnataka

came together to discern the Church’s mission in today’s rapidly evolvingmediaculture.

“Communication Is at the Heart ofGod”

Delivering the Presidential Address, MostRev.Dr.HenryD’Souza,Bishop ofBellaryandChairmanofthe

Commission, rooted the mission of Church communications in the Trinitarian theology of communion. “God is the perfect communicator,” hesaid.“IntheMostHolyTrinity,we seedivinerelationship;inChrist,the Word made flesh, we encounter communicationinitsmostpersonal andsalvificform.”

He reminded the participants that communication is not merely a skill or function, but a spiritual vocation and a missionary witness. Bishop Henry emphasized that social communication must serve

synodality, foster inclusion, and proclaimthetruthinlove.Referring to the synodal journey of the Church, he said, “You are the voice of the Church in today’s world— called to communicate across boundaries with wisdom, humility, andtheheartofChrist.”

Vision for a Pastoral CommunicationCulture

In his Welcome Address and Orientation, Fr. Sudeep Paul MSFS, who also serves as Director of Sandesha, set the tone for the day, describingthemeetingasmore

than a gathering, a mission of discernment, direction, and dreaming together. “We are not herejustasmediaproducers,butas bridge-builders and missionary disciples in the digital world,” he said.

Fr.Sudeeppresentedaroadmapfor regional social communications structuredaroundtwocoregoals:

1. Building a Well-Connected Catholic Community Fr. Sudeep explained about the Catholic Connect App, a platform designed to:

• Share diocesan and parishlevelnewsinreal-time

• Offer spiritual resources, marriage preparation tools, andpilgrimservices

• Foster unity and identity through the “My Diocese / My Parish”feature

With a vision to reach 5,000 users across Karnataka by 2028, the platform aims to make every Catholic institution and parish feel connectedandempowered.

2. Creating a Media-Literate, SpirituallyNourishedChurch

Inresponsetothedigitalchallenges of misinformation, superficial content, and digital addiction, the commissionplansto:

• Conduct media literacy training for youth, families, clergy,andeducators

• Launch 10 model media clubs acrossdioceses

• Involve 1,000 youth in digital engagementby2028

• Developacentralrepositoryof faith-based multimedia

content

“Our goal is not merely to adapt to mediatrends,”Fr.Sudeepexplained, “but to lead with pastoral wisdom andChrist-centeredcreativity.”

Voices from the Field: Diocesan Reports

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the presentation of reports by each diocesan communication office. From vernacular video catechesis and youth-led digital evangelisation projects to livestreamed liturgies and parish newsletters, the sharing showcased both the vibrancy and variety of local initiatives across Karnataka.

Many secretaries highlighted the need for technical training, contextualized content, and localized support to strengthen theirpastoraloutreach.

Exploring AI Tools for Evangelisation

In the afternoon session, participants were trained by Fr. Roshan Dsouza on the use of emerging AI tools for pastoral communication. The practical workshopintroducedAIforcontent

creation,visualdesign,scriptwriting, and faith-based video production, offering new pathways for digital mission. The session reflected the commission’s commitment to staying current while rooted in the Church’spastoralandmoralvalues.

MovingForwardTogether

The meeting concluded with a strongcalltorenewedcommitment and communion. Action points included:

• Expanding the Catholic Connect App’s reach in each diocese

• Organizinglocalmedialiteracy workshops

• Collaborating with the Family andYouthCommissions

• Creating content in local languages, rooted in liturgy andCatholicidentity

In his closing message, Bishop Henryremindedtheparticipants: “Jesus is the Word made flesh. Our task is to make that Word visible, credible,andliving throughevery screen, every message, and every momentofencounter.”

AChurchThatListens,Speaks,and

Walks

The Karnataka Regional Office for Social Communications remains committed to building a medialiterate, faith-filled, and connected Church, where communication is not only effective but pastoral, ethical,andsynodal.

“Let every message we share, every video we post, and every story we tell reflect not just our skills — but the Gospel we are called to proclaim,”saidFr.Sudeepinhisfinal exhortation.

RegionalCommunications Desk,SandeshaFoundation, Mangaluru,June25,2025

Coming TogeTher

- By Molly Pinto.

Nothing in life is there to destroy you, but everything is there to build you

One broken piece at a time, like a jigsaw puzzle, keep playing It may not make sense now, but if you keep at it, you may be surprised

What you thought was the worst possible experience, may just be the piece you need

Go forth in faith, even when the next step feels too heavy

Trust and believe that this is the way it was meant to be

Understand that you're not alone, and we're all contributing to a whole

Once you understand this, life becomes more enriching to continue

Nothing in life is by accident, but everything is according to plan

If you're hurting, it's good, there’s something to be exposed to.

You're here to grow, remember this as you go, and concentrate on the game

One piece at a time, it will all fall into place, to complete you

Go forth in faith, it is in faith your strength lies, to carry you through

Moving without faith makes your journey lonely and harder to bear

Some may call you weak, but that's okay, just smile and let it slide

They speak from ignorance, not malice, they too are a piece of your game

(NOTE: VEEZ Weekly link can be accessed on Daijiworld.com, main page, advertisements on right hand side)

By: Molly Pinto.

The Final Certificate

Live with grace, for death is near, It comes without a sign or fear. No riches help, no power can stall, Its silent touch will reach us all.

Your titles fade, your pride won’t fit, We all receive the final writ. No gold, no grade, no special call — The death certificate is common for all.

By: Stany Jovin Menezes – Muscat / Pangla

Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital (FMHMC)

observes International Yoga Day 2025

The International Yoga Day 2025 was observed with full reverence and enthusiasm by Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital (FMHMCH) with active participation at Mini Town Hall, Mangaluru and Father Muller CharitableInstitutions.

The Dakshina Kannada District Administration and Department of AYUSH, in collaboration with AYUSH Medical Colleges and Yoga associations celebrated InternationalYogaDay2025on21st June 2025 at Kudmal Rangarao, Mini Town Hall, Mangaluru. The eventcommencedwithaprayerand ceremoniallamplighting,gracedby dignitaries including Mr. H.V. Darshan,IAS,DistrictCommissioner.

Dr. Mohammed Iqbal, District AYUSHOfficer; Dr.YBharathShetty andMr.DVedavyasaKamath,MLAs; andCaptainBrijeshChowta,MP.

Yoga Guru Gopalakrishna Delampadyledthesession,guiding participants through asanas and breathing techniques promoting holistic well-being. Around 26 BHMS students from FMHMC, Deralakatte actively participated, reflecting their commitment to AYUSH principles and public health collaboration.

FatherMullerCharitableInstitutions

(FMCI) hosted a grand Yoga Day celebration on 21 June 2025 at the Indoor Stadium, themed "Yogafor SelfandSociety – OneEarth,One Health." Over 1,500 students and faculty from all units participated in coordinatedattire.

Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing yogaasapathtobalanceinmodern life.AdministratorsandPrincipalsof allcollegeswerepresentduringthe event.

Thesessionwasledby Dr.NishaC, Yoga Instructor, Dept. of Yoga and Naturopathy, FMHMCH who demonstrated and carried out variousyogasanasintheevent.

Live Yogasana demonstrations by award-winning students of FMHMC addedvibrancy,namely

Ms Sandrasen P, IV BHMS, a distinguishedyogasanapractitioner withnotableachievements:

• Honored by theCentral Ministry(2022)

• Five-time State Gold Medalist (2018–2022)

• National School Games Winner(Kolkata – 2019, New Delhi – 2022)

• GoldMedalistinArtisticSingle Yogasana(2021)

• Champion at Kerala School Games(2019).

She was joined by Mr Prajwal, IV BHMS – State Gold Medalist (2018, 2019),national-levelparticipantand Mr Arjun Kumar, II BHMS, Ms Sowhardhika K. H. I BHMS, and Ms Kushi M. R., I BHMS. FMHMC was represented by 105 students, underlining its active role in wellness and community engagement.

--

We are proud to share that Mr. Rony Crasta, was honored for his dedicated service as Founder Vice

PresidentofthePTA(2023–24)atSt. Joseph English Medium High School, Kulshekar, Mangalore. The felicitation was organized by the school,undertheleadershipofRev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes (Correspondent) and Mrs. Sunita D’Souza (Headmistress), along with the devoted staff members of the institution.

Faculty Development Programme on

“Balanced Approach to Purposeful Teaching”

Organised by IQAC, StAgnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru

St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, through its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organised a Faculty Development

ProgrammefromJune9toJune14, 2025, on the theme “Balanced Approach to Purposeful Teaching.” The week-long initiative aimed to equip faculty members with a deeper understanding of

purposeful, value-driven, and reflective teaching practices, while also focusing on institutional processes, human values, and professionalreadiness.

Theprogrammecommencedwitha session by Sr Dr M. Venissa A.C., Principal of St Agnes College

(Autonomous), who set the tone witha reflective presentation on “St AgnesCollege:AJourneyandValue Orientation.” Her address highlightedthelegacy,mission,and vision of the institution, encouraging faculty to remain rootedin the college’sfoundational values while navigating contemporary educational challenges.

Mrs Shubarekha, Registrar, offered insightsintothepracticalaspectsof academic procedures in her session on “Exam and Evaluation Administration: Tools and Responsibilities”This was followed by a session by Mrs Shanthi

Nazareth, Dean of Administration, who addressed the roles and responsibilities in academic administration , underlining the importance of efficient academic coordinationandleadership.

Quality assurance and accreditation were explored in depth by Dr Ita Dsouza, Associate Professor and former IQAC Coordinator, in a session on “IQAC and NAAC: Frameworks for Academic Excellence.”She elaborated on key mechanisms and frameworks to sustain institutional quality in line withnationalbenchmarks.

Thesignificanceofethicsandvalues in education was reinforced by Mrs Sheryl Preethika, Head of the MBA Department, who conducted a session on “OrientationforHuman Values and Ethics Classes.” Her session provided approaches for weavingmoralreasoningandvaluebased discussions into the classroomenvironment.

Bringing in a national perspective, SrDrDorisDsouza,retiredPrincipal of Patna Women’s College, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Echoes of Vision: Living the Founder’s Dream in the 21st Century.”Herreflectionsservedasa powerful reminder of the role of vision and leadership in sustaining educational institutions grounded infaithandservice.

The participants were then introduced to changing paradigms in pedagogy through a session by Dr Flosy C.R. Dsouza, Professor and Controller of Examinations at St Ann’s College of Education, who spokeon“PedagogicalParadigmsin Higher Education.” Her insights emphasised the need for adaptive,

student-centric, and researchinformedteachingpractices.

Adding a spiritual dimension, SrDr Severine Menezes, SAP and President of CRI Mangalore Unit, spokeon“BalancingAcademicsand SpiritualWell-being,”urging faculty to find harmony between intellectualpursuitandinnerpeace, a balance essential in the vocation ofteaching.

A dynamic perspective on teaching effectiveness came from Prof. Demian Antony Dmello, Vice Principal and Dean – Academics, Canara Engineering College, who elaborated on “Outcome Based Education,”stressing goal-oriented teaching and measurable learning outcomes.

Furthering the discussion on professionalintegrityandfulfilment, Dr Preethi Keerthi Dsouza, Chairperson of the Department of Commerce, Mangalore University, addressed the theme “Advancing FulfilmentandUnityinProfessional

Practice.” Her session brought attentiontocollaboration,empathy, and personal growth in the educator'sjourney.

In an engaging and reflective closing session, Dr V. Premanand and Dr Kavyashree K.B. from the Department of Psychology (PG), St Agnes College, explored “The PreparedEducator:BuildingInner Readiness for Professional Excellence.” Their discussion encouragedparticipantstofocuson emotional preparedness, selfawareness, and psychological wellbeing as essential aspects of impactfulteaching.

The Faculty Development Programme was well-received by participants across departments. It provided a holistic platform to reflect, learn, and evolve as educators, reaffirming the college’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and value-centrededucation.

THE FIRST-YEAR STUDENT ASSEMBLY

2025–2026

"Everyaccomplishmentstartswiththedecisiontotry"saysJohnF. Kennedy.

These words beautifully captured the spirit of the day as St. Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, hosted its First-Year Student Assemblytowelcomethenewbatch of students for the academic year 2025-2026. The assembly was held over two days: Monday, June 23, 2025, for BCom and BBA students, andTuesday,June24,2025,forBA,

BSc,andBCAstudents.

Held in a warm and vibrant atmosphere, the event marked the beginningofanexcitingchapterfor first-year students - a chapter filled with new friendships, learning experiences, and personal growth. Studentsandparentsgatheredwith enthusiasm,eagertobepartofthe

Management extended a warm welcome that made students and parentsfeelrightathome.

The Lighting of the Lamp followed symbolizing knowledge and new beginningsbythedignitaries

A special highlight was the Alumni interaction with Ms. Rhea Lilia Sequeiraand

Ms.Privy Dsouza, who shared their inspiring journeyandencouragedstudentsto enjoy both Academics and Extracurriculars.

Principal Sr Dr M. Venissa A.C. addressed the students with wisdom and warmth, while Mrs Shanthi Nazareth, Dean of Administration, clearly explained the college’s core values and discipline.

The Mother Veronica Merit Scholarships were awarded to 98 deservingmeritoriousstudentswho scored more than 90% in the II PU examinationheldinMarch2025.

Themorningendedwitha heartfelt Vote of Thanks and the College Anthem,leavingstudentsmotivated foravibrantyearahead.

This Assembly was a celebration of beginnings, hope, and the bright future that awaits the new Agnesians.

Karnataka Regional Social Communication

Secretaries Meet to Strengthen Church’s Digital Mission

Mangaluru, June 2025:Karnataka

Regional Commission for Social Communication held its meeting of Diocesan Secretaries and Joint Secretaries at the Sandesha Foundation, Mangaluru.Social Communications Commission

“Communication Is at the Heart ofGod”

Delivering the Presidential Address, Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary and Chairman of theCommission,rootedthemission of Church communications in the Trinitarian theology of communion.

Secretaries and Joint Secretariesrom all 14 dioceses of Karnataka came together to discernthe Church’s mission in today’s rapidly evolving media culture.

“God is the perfect communicator,” hesaid.“IntheMostHolyTrinity,we seedivinerelationship;inChrist,the Word made flesh, we encounter communicationinitsmostpersonal andsalvificform.”

He reminded the participants that communication is not merely a skill or function, but a spiritual vocation and a missionary witness. Bishop Henry emphasized that social communication must serve synodality, foster inclusion, and proclaimthetruthinlove.Referring to the synodal journey of the Church, he said, “You are the voice of the Church in today’s world called to communicate across boundaries with wisdom, humility, andtheheartofChrist.”

Vision for a Pastoral Communication Culture

In his Welcome Address and Orientation, Fr. Sudeep Paul MSFS,

who also serves as Director of Sandesha, set the tone for the day, describing the meeting as more than a gathering,a mission of discernment, direction, and dreaming together. “We are not herejustasmediaproducers,butas bridge-builders and missionary disciples in the digital world,” he said.

Fr.Sudeeppresentedaroadmapfor regional social communications structuredaroundtwocoregoals:

1. Building a Well-Connected CatholicCommunity

Fr. Sudeepexplained aboutthe Catholic Connect App, a platform designedto:

• Share diocesan and parish-level newsinreal-time

• Offer spiritual resources, marriage preparation tools, and pilgrim services

• Foster unity and identity through the “My Diocese / My Parish” feature

With a vision to reach 5,000 users across Karnataka by 2028, the platform aims to make every Catholic institution and parish feel connectedandempowered.

2. Creating a Media-Literate, SpirituallyNourishedChurch

Inresponsetothedigitalchallenges of misinformation, superficial content, and digital addiction, the commissionplansto:

• Conductmedialiteracytrainingfor youth, families, clergy, and educators

• Launch 10 model media clubs acrossdioceses

• Involve 1,000 youth in digital engagementby2028

• Develop a central repository of faith-basedmultimediacontent “Our goal is not merely to adapt to media trends,” Fr. Sudeep explained,“buttoleadwithpastoral wisdom and Christ-centered creativity.”

Voices

from

the Field: Diocesan Reports

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the presentation of reports by each diocesan communication office. From vernacular video catechesis and youth-led digital evangelisation projects to livestreamed liturgies and parish newsletters, the sharing showcased both the vibrancy and

variety of local initiatives across Karnataka.

Many secretaries highlighted the need for technical training, contextualized content, and localized support to strengthen theirpastoraloutreach.

Exploring

AI Tools for Evangelisation

In the afternoon session, participants were trainedby Fr. Roshan Dsouzaon the use of emerging AI tools for pastoral communication. The practical workshopintroducedAIforcontent creation,visualdesign,scriptwriting, and faith-based video production, offering new pathways for digital mission. The session reflected the commission’s commitment to staying current while rooted in the Church’spastoralandmoralvalues. MovingForwardTogether

The meeting concluded with a strongcalltorenewedcommitment and communion. Action points included:

• Expanding the Catholic Connect App’sreachineachdiocese

• Organizing local media literacy workshops

• Collaborating with the Family and YouthCommissions

• Creating content in local languages, rooted in liturgy and Catholicidentity

In his closing message, Bishop Henryremindedtheparticipants:

“Jesus is the Word made flesh. Our task is to make that Word visible, credible,andliving throughevery screen, every message, and every momentofencounter.”

A Church That Listens, Speaks, and Walks

The Karnataka Regional Office for Social Communications remains

committed to building a medialiterate, faith-filled, and connected Church, where communication is not only effective but pastoral, ethical,andsynodal.

“Let every message we share, every video we post, and every story we tell reflect not just our skills but the Gospel we are called to proclaim,”saidFr.Sudeepinhisfinal exhortation.

—RegionalCommunications Desk, SandeshaFoundation,Mangalur u,June25,2025