``Let's be practical and face the facts!''
“Itis dangerous,man!''
PraisetheLord!''
``PraisetheLord,'
“Sorry, Stan!”
-*Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ
DearStan, Iwritethistoyouwithaheavyheart: shocked and saddened; upset and angry. This letter to you, is perhaps toeasetheangstinme;Ireallydon’t know what to say and how to say it! But I am sure that what I write, is alsothesentiments,theemotionsof many, from all over: Jesuit companions, colleagues, collaborators, alumni well-wishers and friends who knew you so well and particularly, the Adivasis and othersub-alternes,whomyouloved so much and gave your life for. This lettercomesfromthebottomofmy heart(andourhearts)tosay“Sorry, Stan!”
On 9 August, St Xavier’s College (SXC) Mumbai, (through their Department of Inter-Religious Studies) was scheduled to hold ‘The Annual Stan Swamy Memorial Lecture’. The topic was ‘Migration for Livelihood: Hope Amidst Untold Miseries’. It was to be delivered virtually by Jesuit Fr. Prem Xalxo, currently Associate Professor of Moral Theology at the Gregorian University,Rome.Thespeakerwasa renowned personality and the topic timely and relevant. On 4 August, representatives of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) met the SXC authorities, and in a written letter ‘strongly condemned’ the organising of the lecture and demanded its cancellation. Very sadly, the Jesuit management and other officials caved in to this pressure and cancelled the lecture. For this, “Sorry, Stan!”
In their letter ( which they have put on their facebook page) the ABVP said “organising a lecture in memoryofapersonwhowasakey
accused in serious crimes, like UAPA, including contact with the bannedCPI(Maoist),financingand recruiting armed Naxalite groups, and seizure of documents containing a conspiracy to overthrow the constitutional government through armed uprising, is glorifying the Naxalites…“itisextremelysadthat prestigiouscollegeslikeSt.Xavier’s are trying to encourage Naxalist ideasbyglorifyingapersonaccused of committing anti-national conspiracies.Wedemandthatthe principal cancel this lecture immediately.” All this is patently false, and it has been proved that even the so-called ‘incriminating documents’ were planted in your computer. Besides for an ‘alleged’ crime, the law stipulates that one is innocent,tillprovedguilty.Thatyou are innocent is without doubt. Judge after judge have rescued themselves from your case, for the simple reason, is that they will have to declare you innocent! For the falsehood and slander you are still subject to, “Sorry,Stan!”
as a Xavierite from 1968 –1972(1969 was our Centenary year). At that time, we had Jesuits who were stalwarts, Staff who were excellent and a great student body! It was a joy to be a Xavierite. It was atthattimeIfirstmetyouinaSocial Analysis Programme – and ever since, you have been to me a hero, mentor and guide. In 1974, (and later), after entering the Society, together with my companions, we readily accepted the faith –justice mandate under the leadership of Fr Pedro Arrupe. Over the years, I learnt that you heroes were Dom Helder Camara, Paolo Friere, Ivan Illich and Arrupe. Your knowledge on their writings and works, rubbed off on many. As a good friend of yours, as an SXC alumnus and as Jesuit, feel duty bound to say, “Sorry,Stan!”
Stan, you are aware that SXC is my Alma Mater. I spent cherished years
Eversincethenewsbrokeoutofthe cancellation of the Memorial lecture, I have been literally besieged with calls and comments; in the many groups, I belong to, on social media, there are innumerable comments against the Jesuits, and particularly against SXC (some of the comments are even offensive)
From across the board, people (including several alumni and Jesuits) are feeling angry and let down. They say that SXC has failed toseethebigpicture:cancellingthe lecture means giving in to the antinational and anti-Constitutional fascist forces.; acquiescing with these forces means that they are emboldened and will continue to calltheshots.Itmeansnegatingthe academic freedom which is the essence of every institution of higher learning; it means that the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression is not important. In the past, when there were such threats, we are aware that, SXC called in the police and continued with their programme. Today’s (10 August) Mid-day reports, “Wearesurprised that the college has shown cowardiceandyieldedtopressure tactics.Weteachourstudentsabout the values of justice, democracy, andpeace,butwhenitcomesto takingastand,webowdowntothe pressure,evenwhenStanhasnot beenprovenguilty.Thishasbeen thegeneralpulseoftheStXavier’s alumniandthecommunity,”said a
source from the St Xavier’s College Society. “Sorry, Stan!”
On 1 July, our Superior General Fr Arturo Sosa, delivered a pathbreaking inaugural address to the Assembly of International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) gathered in Colombia. Among the many other things, he said,“Atthe2018IAJUAssemblyin Bilbao,IalsorecalledhowIgnacio Ellacuría,S.J.,oneofthemartyrsof the UCA-El Salvador, strongly insisted on understanding the university as a project of social transformation. Trying to explain themeaningofthosewords,Isaid: "Itisauniversitythatmovestoward themarginsofhumanhistorywhere it encounters those who are discarded by the dominant structures and powers. It is a universitythatopensitsdoorsand windowstothemarginsofsociety. Withthemcomesanewbreathof life that makes efforts for social transformationasourceoflifeand fulfilment."” . That the Jesuits of SXC have not understood this fundamentalofJesuiteducation,we say “Sorry,Stan!”
Today on Facebook I came across a powerful picture and quote posted by ‘Earth. We Are One’. (ewao.com) we are one. The picture shows birds in a cage criticising the bird who dares fly. The quote said, “The imageofcagedbirdscriticizinga rebelwhohaschosentoflyfreeisa powerful metaphor for the way societyoftenviewsthosewhodare to challenge the status quo. The cagedbirdsrepresentthefearand conformityofthosewhopreferto remaininsidetheirsafeboundaries, while the free bird embodies the couragetobreakawayfromsocietal norms.Whatisitthatmakesusfear therebel—theonewhochoosesto question the rules? Perhaps it’s becausetheyseeadifferentpath, one that holds the potential for growthandfreedom.Thiscartoon asksus:Isitbettertostayinthe cage,orshouldwefollowourown pathtowardtrueliberation?” That reminded me of you Stan, someone whohadthecouragetoflyandeven whenyouwerecagedinprison,you dared to tell us that even caged birdssing.Ofcourse,youmeantthe song of truth and justice. For not having the courage to fly and even
to sing whilst being caged, we say with humility “Sorry,Stan!”
IcanseeyouStan,smilingatushere below, telling us in your own inimitable and no-nonsense way of how we have lost the plot! You tell usthatinsteadofaccompanyingthe AdivasisandtheDalits,theexcluded and exploited, the minorities and marginalised, the poor and vulnerable, we focus on constructing buildings and on institutionalisation. You question us about ‘formingmenandwomenfor others’ when some of those who take away the jal-jungle-jameen othernaturalresources,identityand dignity from the Adivasis, are those ‘educated’ by us. You remind us of the film ‘Mission’and of the Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador; you challenge us to live our faith-justice mandate and to realise the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) in all our initiatives. Above all, you tell us that mere ‘tokenism’ and ‘cosmetic activities’ will in no way help us truly walk the talk! Yes, Stan, we have betrayed you, your vision and mission. Perhaps, this act by SXC, may even hopefully help us allto‘examen’ourselvesmuchmore
and honestly! Till then “Sorry, Stan!”
Forgive us, dear Stan, and intercede for us from your eternal abode, Your brother,
Cedric 10 August2025
(*Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation & peace activist /writer Contact:cedricprakash@gmail.com)
GreetingsforSpecial Issue:
DearDr. AustinPrabhu
Happy Birthday and many returns as you celebrate your Platinum Birthday. May God bless you with good health and happiness now and always. Ad Multos Annos! We havenotmetinperson.Butyou publish my articles whenever I send them to you per favor of Fr. Jephrin, my friend. Thank you very much and God Bless you. The special issue of Veez Konkani is a glowing testimony of your popularity in India and abroad, especially among the Konkani Christians.Iamhappyyouaredoing so much for Konkani and for journalism. God bless you to
continue the good work.
With warm regards and God's blessings
Yours sincerely in Christ
+GeraldJohn Mathias
Bishop ofLucknow
Dear Cyril John D’Souza,
Congratulations to you for the wonderfulgiftyouhavegiven—the special souvenir issue of VEEZ Weekly on our dear Austin D’Souza
Prabhu’s 75th Platinum Jubilee birthday and he truly deserves it. I know how many days you have poured your time, energy, and even sleepless nights into making this
happen. Every page carries your love, your patience, and your respect for Austin. This is not just a publication — it’s a living tribute that will be remembered for years. Thank you for making this celebration even more special with your hard work and dedication. Wishing you joy, pride, and blessings for all that you have done and will continue to do. You have made this occasion shine brighter. you for making this celebration even more special with your hard work and dedication.
Wishing you joy, pride, and blessings for all that you have done and will continue to do. You have made this occasion shine brighter.
-Ancy Dsouza,Paladka
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Dear Austin,
Heartiest congratulations on your 75th birthday! It’s wonderful to see you being so warmly felicitated by your friends and dignitaries. Wishing you good health, happiness, and many more joyous years, may you live at least another 25 years! Once again, happy 75th birthday!
-Lawrence Mascarenhas
�� Happy Platinum Birthday, dear
Dr. Austin Prabhu �� When you celebrate your birthday, it’s not just a birthday, but a lifetime of service, dedication, and inspiration. Many happy returns of the day! May the
good Lord bless you abundantly, fill your heart with joy, keep you in goodhealth,andgrantyoupeaceof mind to continue your noble mission for our beloved Konkani community and for society. From your youthful days in Bendur and Mangalore, you shone with energy, passion, and commitment. Even after moving to the USA, that same zeal and tireless enthusiasm have never faded instead, they have touched countless lives and lit up many hearts. Your life is a beautiful exampleofselflessservice,andyour journey inspires us all. You are, and
Happy birthday to Dr Austin. Achievementissogreatthatthereis a street in USA named after a Mangalorean - Dr Austin. Article brought back to memory days during 1970s when I used to meet him at Nanthoor, often seeing him on his bike, his active and jolly participation in various functions. Photos are beautiful. Good coverage by the author, going
will always remain, a true role model. With heartfelt gratitude, prayers, and best wishes thank you for being the light you are. Once again, Happy Platinum Birthday, dear Dr. Austin! – Aloysius Dsouza Bendur, now Bajjodi
through the records and starting from the roots.
-JossyDsouza,Urwa
A well written and very informative article by Mr. Ivan Saldanha on Dr Austin Prabhu. A very 75th birthday dearDr Austin Prabhu. May God blessyou
Aloysius Dsouza,Mangaluru
Many many happy returns of the day to the evergreen hero Austin Bab. He was the most adorable
A hearty congratulations on achieving this fantastic milestone! Thanks to dear uncle Ivan and his beautiful article featured in the Daijiworld , I came to know that you are celebrating your 75th birthday today. It is such a wonderful and a most well-deserving tribute to you.
Truly as he says, “A valuable Diamond �� set in Platinum now”. You are an amazing and inspiring human, and you deserve all the happiness and blessings that a life can unfold. May you receive an abundance of blessings and grace from the Almighty and may happiness, good health and success in life always be Yours!
person of our generation. His presence made a difference in all theeventshewasinvolved;Maythe Almighty Lord grant him good health and bless him to live to celebrate his life’s centenary. All the best Lion Austin D’Souza Prabhu.
-Roy Castelino, Mangaluru
Youhavebeenawonderfulblessing in my life, and I thank God and you for that.
Special thanks to you for the VEEZ magazine that you brilliantly edit and kindly distribute to all of us. It keeps me in touch with my Mangalurean roots, and it always takes my thoughts to you .. Have a fabulous day dear Austin Baab and may it be a perfect celebration in every way and create many more special cherished momentsandmemoriestotreasure. Lots of love and big hugs to you. �� cheers! to many many more splendid years ahead!
-Dr.CarolineGengan, Pietermaritzburg,South Africa
Happy75thSir!Yourjourneyissuch an inspiration to young people and notsoyoung��.Weprayyouenjoy many,manymoreyearsofhealthto continue inspiring your fans far and wide.David,MollyPintoandFamily.
MollyPinto, Mangalore,Karnataka,India
Dr Austin Prabhu and his remarkable journey is an inspiration to every Mangalorean. Great son of the soil who made Konkani popular by connecting Konkani speaking community all around the world by hisE-magazineVeez.Evenathisage
he is a livewire. Wishing Dr Austin best of health and happiness. Great Article by Sri IJ Saldanha and thankfulforintroducingagreatman to the community.
. Praveen Pinto,Bejai, Mangaluru
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HappyBirthdaysir...realgreatheroic All the best.may God bless you with
Thanks for carrying this informative article in your magazine. Thoroughly enjoyed the various aspects presented. All the best.
good health and peace Guru prasad,Attavara
Warn regards. Raymond Saldanha, Mangalore, / Bengaluru
Excellent interesting article. Thanks. Bennett,Mangalore
IhaveknownAustinPrabhu’sfamily sinceIwasachildandlaterwhenhe was professionally active. I am very proud of the great heights he has reachedandthefamehehasgained in the US. I wish him on his 75th birthday and may God bless him
with many many more years to continue the good work he is doing in the community. Ivan as always has been very informative, and it is It’s a pleasure to read his articles. DrAlfredFarias,Kadri, Kodial
Nice article. It was wonderful and very inspiring, especially to know about a Mangalorean who has firmly embraced Konkani though living in US. Thank you, Mr. Ivan. Saldanha for this article which will
Thisarticlebeautifullyhighlightsthe inspiring life and remarkable achievements of Dr. Austin D'Souza Prabhu. His dedication, versatility, and unwavering humanitarian spirit serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for all generations. The tribute to his cultural roots, community service, and personal virtueswonderfullycelebratesatrue herowhoselegacywillundoubtedly inspire many more to follow his
A very happy 75th birthday to Dr. Austin Prabhu. God bless u in all your endeavours. Dr. AUSTIN PRABHUisaninspirationtoall.Well
As usual, Ivan has presented a wellexpressed interesting article about an illustrious Mangalorean, whom we are all so proud of! Hearty
Congratulations to Dr Austin Prabhu, on his milestone 75th Birthday. Wishing you Sir, good
surely inspire other Mangalorean’s to uphold our mother tongue by learning about Mr Austin’s great work for Konkani.
JoshuaPeris Bhatt,Mangalore
exemplary path. When I was little, I recall waiting in anticipation, Sunday evenings, to listen Dr Austin’s Comic Konkani Dramas broadcast by All India RadioMangalore. Thank you Sri Ivan Saldanha Shet for highlighting the profile of yet another KODIALKAR. Best wishes to Dr Austin Dsouza Prabhu on his 75th birthday and wish him many more to follow.
Naveen Frank,UAE
written article by Mr. IVAN SALDANHA SHET.
PreethikaDsa,Valencia
health, peace and happiness for all the years ahead of you! Hearty
Congratulations too, to Ivan Saldanha Shet for enlightening us all about the remarkable life and achievements of a son of our very own Mangalorean soil.
OlgaBNoronha,Bejai, Mangalore.
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Happy birthday. Long live Dr Austin Prabhu! Long live Konkani!
Ajay,Mangalore
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Congratulations to the Great Heroic Dr. Austin Prabhu. May God give him good health and all the best.
We did hear from him a lot many times.
Rita,Germany
A Platinum Song for Dr. Austin
D’SouzaPrabhu
(AuthoredbyAncyDSouzaPaladka)
Froma quiet village…Paladka’s lane… ��
Wheredreams sprout in sun andrain ��☀��
Me,achildofeight ��…withwonderingeyes �� Hearda whisper…beneath the skies ��— "A great Konkani leaderis comingfromMangaloreCity… �� His house in Mangalore at Nanthoor… his pen name— Weakness Nanthoor ✍."
Andthere hestood—young…barely twenty-five ��…
Yet alreadyaflame—fiercelyalive ��!
AustinD’SouzaPrabhu …
With piercingtone ��…
Spoken words… that sankdeep…intomyown ❤.
Motivating ��.
Inspiring ��.
Strong ��.
True ✅.
Heplantedin me… the Konkani hue ��.
(That was in1975 inPaladka,mynative.)
Later…in thevery heart ofMangalore ❤��…
Wherelakhs hadgatheredtoprotest—
At Nehru Maidan—shoulderto shoulder ��—in 1978—
Against the TyagiBill ��✊…
Austin’s fearfulawakeningspeech ��…
Shookthe skies ⛈…
Andstirredthesouls ofan ocean ofpeople ��.
In my youthdays ��… abookfoundme:
AdarshYuvazonn (ಆದರ್ಶಯ
TheIdeal Youth.
Itlit mywaylikea lantern �� in thedark…
Guidingme throughnights ��…
Tobrighter days ��.
Austin’s inkwasnotjustart ��…
Itwas a torch �� toevery heart ❤.
Oh…his loveforKonkani—boundless,bright ����. His plays ��…treasures ��. His acting ��…alight ��.
Whocan forget… when he played the Son ofGod Himself…Jesus ✝— in a playprobably SomyachoPashanv(ಸೊಮಾಾಚೊ
Andhis AnkwarSelly (ಆಂಕಾವರ್ಸೆಲಿಾ )play—
A playthat touchedhearts farandnear ��.
As ayouth— Heworemanycrowns ��. Running,editingfourperiodicals at once ��:
1.Mithr…
2.Jhelo…
3.Kannik…
4.AmchoYuvak. Andparishbulletins too ⛪.
Fearless ��… heexposedsocial evils— Even writingagainst aMangalorean Catholic Diocesan priest whopracticed ಮಾಟ್ ಮ್ಂತ್ರಂ (blackmagic) ��.
Court cases ⚖ followed…Travel fromMangaloretoMumbai in bus orin truck
witha ಕುಲಾಚಿ ಕ್ತಸೊಳ್
madehim impossible topublishhisperiodicals…
But destiny’s winds �� …
With Terry’s love ��… Tookhim toChicago areal ಧಿಗ ��.
We mayhavelost himforlocal battles ⚔…
But theworldgainedaglobal leader ��.
Hebecame Governorof the Lions ClubInternational ��. Winnerofcountless awards ����.
Andthen—the USA ����…ina rarehonour…
Namedaroad �� afterhim…
While hewas still alive! ��
Today…seventy-five years crown his brow ����…
Andstill…hewrites ��… Still, hegives ��.
Hebuilt VEEZ —in February2018—adigital weekly ����. Weekafter week—without fail.
Notjust literature ��…
But volumes crossing hundredtotwohundredpages every week ��.
Freesupportforevery Konkani cause ❤.
AndVEEZ willremain…
A reference manual �� forscholars yet unborn—
Toresearch �� on anysubject relatedto Mangalorean Catholics— Becausehe hasdocumented each event ��.
Froma shy, emotional boy ��…
Toa mountainofachievement ��…
AndI—holdpride in myheart �� the VOZRAM
- Devnagiri Version bookwritten byhim that Itransliterated printedandpublished — That Austin trustedme… Totransliterate his 3,500poems ��… and,to print andpublishthem— Itwas an honour, A great honour �� in mylife.
And,toholdbookreleases in Mumbai �� andGoa ��.
At Goa’s VozramBookrelease…on 6th Jan 2010 ��… That programmeI organised Thestagelit—��
With TomazhinoCardozo(Former Speaker) ��…
YusufSheik(All India RadioDirector) ��…
Smitha Thamba(A Children’s Writer) ��…
Dr.Fr.Pratap Naik…Dr.Fr. MathewAlmeida …
Great researchscholars ��—
Allunderthe roofofthe Thomas StephensKonkani Kendr ��.
Forthat occasion, Itravelled �� withhim from Mumbai toGoa …
With his wifeTerry ��…
With theirdaughterAtina ��…
RoamedthroughGoa’s lanes ��♂…andsometofewsiteseeings ��…
Throughlaughter �� andstories ��…
Andthosememories…
Areevergreen in myheart ��.
At Borivli’s releasein Mumbai…on 9th Jan 2010 ��…
Anotheroccasion forme tohold programme
Dr.Fr.Charles Vas SVD inauguratedthebook ✂��.
A writer fromCanada ����,Dr. Jasmine D’Costa,was a chief guest ��—
Eminent personalities like Albert W DSouza, P.N Shanbag and others wereguests ofhonour ��…
Thejam-packed hall �� shone bright—
With manystalwarts �� fromnearandfar ��.
Austin…friend ��… guide ��…
toweringflame ��—
May theworld always speakyourname ��.
On this day…
your PlatinumJubilee ����
We thankthe stars ✨…
you arestillhere…
Tokeep the pen alive ✍
Toguardthe light ��…
Tolift Konkani… everhigher ��.
FromNanthoor's child ��…
totoday’s embrace ��—
You havewalkedwithcourage ��…
AndHeaven’s grace ��.
HappyPlatinumJubilee,BabDr.Austin D’SouzaPrabhu … ����
May your nextchapters begolden too ����!
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Hi Austin Prabhu, wish you a very happy birthday and many more happy returns of the day. May God
bless you and your family always. Take care. Love and regards from Wilfred DSouza and Nora and family
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Celebrating 75 Remarkable Years of Dr. Austin Prabhu!
August 8, 2025, �� A golden milestone for a gem of a human being.
Editor of Veez Konkani, Dr. Austin Prabhu is more than a journalist, he is a voice for the voiceless, a torchbearer of truth, and a symbol of selfless service. A true role model of resilience, humanity, love, compassion, and kindness, his legacy continues to inspire generations to rise, serve, and uplift.
Happy 75th Birthday, Dr. Prabhu! Your light shines brighter with each passing year.
-HaroldDSouza,Activist, USA
My dearest and nearest to heart my kala sangathi, kala premi. My Weaknesses Nanthur aiz thumcho bhagi 75th birthday. Magtham thumkam sadanch bholayki
samadhan sonthosh many many happyreturns of thedayand happy birthday to you 100 zavnk ani 25 urlim
-Francis Fernandes,Cascia ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Platinum Birthday Wishes
Focusontheroots,lotonthefruits.
Eyes open International is sharing principles on seven foundations: That isvalue,character,Education, Faith,Love,Compassionandcharity.
One person’s meal four people can eat, but four persons meal one personcannoteat
Healthy minds lead to a happy life. Happy life cultivates a cheerful
wife, and a cheerful wife leads to a peaceful family. This is become true in Dr.Austin’slife
Dr. Austin Prabhu is a born winner, born warrior and born with a golden heart. This special issue is a purereflectionofDr.Austinscharacter, Educaion, Faith and sharing LoveHappyPlatinumJubilee-Cheers.
- Dancy Dsouza, W/o Harold Dsouza,USA
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My dearest Austin Baab,
Happy 75 th Birthday to you!
A hearty congratulations on achieving this fantastic milestone!
Thanks to dear Uncle Ivan and his beautiful article featured in the Daijiworld,Icametoknowthatyou
are celebrating your 75th birthday today.
It is such a wonderful and a most well-deserving tribute to you.
Truly as he says, “A valuable Diamond set in Platinum now”. You are an amazing and inspiring human, and you deserve all the happiness and blessings that a life can unfold.
May you receive an abundance of blessings and grace from the Almighty and may happiness, good health and success in life always be yours!
Youhavebeenawonderfulblessing in my life, and I thank God and you for that.
Special thanks to you for the VEEZ magazine that you brilliantly edit and kindly distribute to all of us. It keeps me in touch with my Mangalurean roots, and it always
My sincere thanks to you - Ivan Saldanha Shet Bab for writing such a beautiful and painstakingly heartfelt article on Dr. Austin, beautifully highlighting his life, work, and achievements. Your tribute is a wonderful acknowledgment of a great personality, and I truly appreciate the way you have honored him on this special milestone. Dear Austin Bab, Heartiest Congratulations on Your 75th Birthday! �� It gives me immense joy to wish you a very happy 75th birthday! I have known yousince the1970s,whenyouwere afieryleader,alwaysattheforefront of important causes be it political, religious,orfor our beloved mother
takes my thoughts to you.
Have a fabulous day dear Austin Baab and may it be a perfect celebration in every way and create many more special cherished moments and memories to treasure.
Lots of love and big, big hugs to you.
Cheers! to many many more splendid years ahead!
tongue, Konkani. Even though your pen name was “Weakness” attributed to your lean physique you were the strongest in our communityinyourwilltolead.Your tireless work as an administrator in the Konkani Natak Sabha remains unforgettable conducting challenging singing competitions, mobilizing numerous parishes to participate, coordinating with every contestant,andensuringeverything ransmoothly.Istillcherishthemany times you called me after each competition to offer honest feedback and unwavering encouragement. You have always been a remarkable personality, capable of handling so many things
simultaneously at once with such ease and grace. Even after losing touch for over 25 years, it touched my heart that you instantly recognized me by name when one of my compositions appeared on a Konkani website, and you reached outtome.Andthen,ofcourse,Ihad the good fortune of meeting you at
HappyPlatinum Birthday, respected Dr.AustinPrabhu.Thankyouforthe
St. Agnes at Jaison's concert. May your daysahead be filled withgood health, boundless joy, and the same vibrant spirit that has inspired so manyofus.Wishingyoumanymore years of happiness and fulfillment! Warm regards.
Jossie Mascarenhas,Bajpe
wonderful and informative article, thank you Sir.
• Lanson George,Mangalore
Nice article on the life story of Dr. Austin Prabhu. A hard-working person and great achievement. Congratulationsandwishyouallthe success in future.
• Prem Moras,Mangaluru
• ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LovelyArticle....verywellwrittenand very interesting reading. Best Wishes.
• EricJBDsouza,Bejai, Mangalore
A well portrayed beautiful article by Mr. Ivan Saldanha Shet. We can see his sincere efforts in depicting the life story of a great multi-talented personality, Mr. Austin Dsouza Prabhu. He is truly inspiring and motivating to everyone. We wish all
thebestMr.AustinDsouzaandyour family. We expect many more such articles from the very talented AuthorIvanSaldanhaShet. His hard work is always appreciated.
• Divyaprabha Dsouza, Bejai Mangalore
• ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well-articulated and very informative verbal tribute to our dear Austin Prabhu on reaching the Platinum Jubilee Milestone by Ivan Saldanha Shet. I must say he has a way with words- eloquent and picturesque. Thank you and congratulations to you dear Ivan
Shet for this beautiful verbal portrayalofourdearKonkaniPremi. Keep writing more. Dear Austin, i take this opportunity to Wish you a very happy Platinum Jubilee. May
you be blessed to celebrate many more Milestones.
• Concepta Fernandes, • Mangalore/Bangalore
Few quotes, that suits the caliber of Lion Dr. Austin Dsouza Prabhu, in Lionism:
* Asuccessfulmanistheonewhocanlayafirmfoundationwiththebricksthat others throw at him
* Change your life today, Don’t gamble on the future, act now without delay
* Never stop doing your best just because someone doesn’t give you credit
* Keepdoingyourbesteveryday,andifnooneisproud, beproud ofyourself
* Thesecretofsuccessistodothecommonthingsuncommonly well.
TODAY,9AUGUST
- *Fr.Cedric PrakashSJ
Today 9 August, is ‘August Kranti Day’! On this day, in 1942, MahatmaGandhilaunchedthe Quit India Movement giving a call for civil disobedience and ultimately ‘Satyagraha’. It was no looking back in India from that day onwards. On the previous day Gandhi gave a passionate speech to his fellow freedom fighters, saying among other things, “hereisamantra,a shortone,thatIgiveyou.Youmay imprintitonyourheartsandlet every breath of yours give expressiontoit.Themantrais‘Door Die’.WeshalleitherfreeIndiaordie intheattempt;weshallnotliveto seetheperpetuationofourslavery. EverytrueCongressmanorwoman
will join the struggle with an inflexible determination not to remainalivetoseethecountryin bondageandslavery.Letthatbe yourpledge.Keepjailsoutofyour consideration. If the Government keepmefree,Iwillnotputonthe Government the strain of maintaining a large number of
prisonersatatime,whenitisin trouble.Leteverymanandwoman liveeverymomentofhisorherlife hereafterintheconsciousnessthat heorsheeatsorlivesforachieving freedomandwilldie,ifneedbe,to attainthatgoal.Takeapledge,with Godandyourownconscienceas witness,thatyouwillnolongerrest tillfreedomisachievedandwillbe preparedtolaydownyourlivesin theattempttoachieveit.Hewho loseshislifewillgainit;hewhowill seektosaveitshallloseit.Freedom isnotforthecowardorthefainthearted”
This day was, in fact, the beginning which gave the country its full independence but also brought withinitswake,astrugglefilledwith hardships and even martyrdom.
Today 9 August, is ‘Nagasaki Day’! On this day, in 1945, eighty years ago, the American forces dropped yet another atomic bomb on Nagasaki in Japan. This was three days after, they dropped the first one on Hiroshima. The bomb destroyed the city totally and an estimated 73,000 people were killed. Several thousands more weremaimedoraffectedforlife. At the end of World War II, the world
said “NeverAgain!” In a powerful messagetothepeopleofHiroshima and Nagasaki (via Bishop Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama of Hiroshima) Pope Leo XIV wrote, “thescarsstill bornebysurvivorsoftheatomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and still visible on the cities’streetsandbuildingsarea plea to pursue peace and disarmament.Truepeacedemands the courageous laying down of weapons especiallythosewith thepowertocauseanindescribable catastrophe. Nuclear arms offend oursharedhumanityandbetraythe dignityofcreation,whoseharmony wearecalledtosafeguard.”Pope Leo also conveyed “sentiments of respect and affection for the ‘hibakusha’” or survivors of the bombings, “whose stories of loss andsufferingareatimelysummons toallofustobuildasaferworldand fosteraclimateofpeace.Hiroshima andNagasakiaresignsthaturgeus to reject the illusion of security founded on mutually assured destruction.Instead,wemustforge a global ethic rooted in justice, fraternityandthecommongood.”
Today 9 August, is ‘The
International Day of the World’s
IndigenousPeople’.Thethemethis year is ‘'Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence: Defending Rights,ShapingtheFuture.’Inhis messagefortheday,theSecretaryGeneral of the United Nations AntónioGuterressaid, “Indigenous Peoples are guardians of ancient knowledge, defenders of cultural heritage, stewards of biodiversity, andessentialtooursharedfuture.... Onthisimportantday,let’sbuilda futurewheretechnologysupports cultural preservation and Indigenous knowledge, protects rightsandadvancesdignity – for today and generations to come.” There is much lip-service that we pay to the Adivasis (indigenous people) of our country. Through mega-projects and lop-sided policies, we have in a very systematic way displaced deprived and denied them of what is rightfully theirs, very speciallyjal(water),jungle(forest) andjameen(land) Fr Stan Swamy who was a victim of institutional murder, in a message just before he was incarcerated in) October 2020 wrote, “During the past three decades, I have tried to identify
myselfwiththeAdivasiPeopleand theirstruggleforalifeofdignity andself-respect.Asawriter,Ihave triedtoanalysethedifferentissues theyarefacedwith.InthisprocessI haveclearlyexpresseddissentwith severalpolicies,lawsenactedbythe govt in the light of the Indian Constitution.Ihavequestionedthe validity,legality,justnessofseveral stepstakenbythegovernmentand therulingclass.”
Today9August, isthe ‘Feast of Sr. Benedicta of the Cross’ . The Catholic Church celebrates this modern heroic woman. She was born Edith Stein, a Jew; she converted to the Catholic faith and later became a Discalced Carmelite Nun. She was a brilliant German philosopher; a phenomenologist associated with the Göttingen school and later a Christian metaphysician. She took a strong stand against Nazism. Inspite of living in the Netherlands and in a monastery,shewasarrestedin1942 by the Nazi regime, sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp where she died in a gas chamber just before the end of the war. Earlier in a bold letter to Pope Pius
XI, she wrote, “as a child of the Jewishpeoplewho,bythegraceof God,forthepastelevenyearshas also been a child of the Catholic Church,IdaretospeaktotheFather of Christianity about that which oppressesmillionsofGermans.For weeks we have seen deeds perpetrated inGermanywhich mock any sense of justice and humanity,nottomentionloveof neighbour. Foryearstheleadersof National Socialism have been preachinghatredoftheJews.But theresponsibilitymustfall,afterall, onthosewhobroughtthemtothis point, andit also falls on those whokeepsilentinthefaceofsuch happenings. Everything that happenedandcontinuestohappen dailyoriginateswithagovernment thatcallsitself‘Christian’.”
Today9 August,is ‘Raksha Bandhan’! On this day, sisters tie a thread 'rakhi' on their brother’s wrist as a mark of affection and pray for his long life. The brothers, in return, offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters all their lives. It is a beautiful festival celebrated not only by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains but
by people from across the narrow divide of creed, caste, culture and ethnicity. It emphasis the need for and importance of harmony in society and why all men have the responsibility of caring, protecting and treating with respect and dignity, their sisters and all women.
Today9 August, is indeed rich in significance and pregnant with meaning:oneofremembrancesand challenges! A challenge to say to ourselves and to others to ‘quit’ all that is wrong and evil in ourselves and in society- particularly the denigration and demonization of the other! To remember the horrors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima and say no to nuclear warfare and to every form of hate and violence. To accompany the Adivasis in their struggle for their identity and their rights; joining in their chorus, ‘Jai Adivasi’! To have the prophetic courage and the intellectual depth of Edith Stein in taking on the fascist, fanatic, fundamentalist forces that are destroying us individually, collectively and as a nation. Above all, to ensure that harmony. Peace, acceptance of the
other, tolerance and respect for the other’s dignity always prevail everywhere and. We need to renew ourpledgetoallthatissacredinour Constitution: Justice,Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, Unity, Integrity,Pluralism!
Today 9 August, is truly a day of celebration: a celebration of
humankindand
non-negotiable essentials for all pilgrims of hope!
*(FrCedricPrakashSJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer. Contact: email: cedricprakash@gmail.com )
9 August2025
PointstoPonder, September2025
MonetaryPolicy &ToolsThatRBI Uses
Industry leaders, investors, banks & NBFCs along with economists have all been waiting eagerly for the conclusionofMPC(MonetaryPolicy Committee) deliberations and if RBI will affect one more cut in the repo rate (its policy rate) or maintain status quo. The suspense is now oversincetheRBIoptedforapause afterthebimonthlyMPCmeeting in August 2025. Buthoweffectivearethesechanges inthe reporate? Whataretheother instruments in the RBI’s arsenal and when & how are they used? These are some important issues that investors need to understand in some detail.
1.RepoRate:ItistherateatwhichRBI lendstocommercialbanks.Through thistheRBIcommunicatesitspolicy intent. A cut in the rate conveys an expansionary, a hike contractionary and a pause, a status quo in the stance. The bond and the money markets, which, in India, are yet mainly the domain of institutions, reacttothechangesimmediately.A
cut will generally increase the price of debt securities and vice versa for the hike. But given the institutional inertia and friction, banks and NBFCs transmit the rate changes with time lag and often only partially. However, through what is called the liquidity corridor, RBI to some extent, implements the rate change directly. The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) provides liquidity to the banks when required, which at present is available at 5.75%, which is 0.25% higherthantheprevailingreporate. Similarly, when the banks have excess liquidity, they can deposit funds with RBI under Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) at 5.25%. So, the width of the liquidity corridor is 0.5%, ensuring that call and money market rates, by and large, stay within this corridor. By influencing thecostoffunds,thechangeinrepo rate seeks to control inflation or encourage investments when growth is sluggish. When too much moneychasestoofewgoods,ahike
in the rate raises the cost of credit and makes deposit (savings) attractive. A rate change can also affect one’s investment portfolio. A repo rate cut means lower call money rates. Yields on short term debt instruments take their cues from call market rates. So, for instance, it is likely that 91-day Treasury Bill will earn less. Also, the yields on dated (long term) securities like the 10-year Govt Bonds or corporate bonds, will also fall though not proportionately, depending on their duration. Existing securities, however, will gain in value (called treasury gains) thereby raising the NAV (Net Asset Value) of debt mutual funds. Forequities,thechangeinreporate essentially transmits itself by influencing the rate used to discount future cash flows of the company.Thus,ahikeinratecutwill increase the cost of equity finance, while a rate cut will decrease the cost of such finance.
2.CRR: Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) specifies how much of the bank’s deposits are required to be kept with the RBI as interest free reserve.
RBI can infuse or drain out liquidity byreducingorincreasingCRRandit canalsobeusedasabuffertosome extent against liquidity mismatches between sources and uses of funds of the bank.
3.SLR: Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) is the minimum percentage of bank deposits which must be maintained in secure liquid assets like government securities. The securities are held by the banks themselves and hence SLR determines the quantum of money banks can lend and thereby influences the money supply in the economy. The policy governing SLR has come someway since the days when SLR was used as tool to provide, inter alia, a captive market to finance the deficit of the government and to some extent monetary seigniorage dictated SLR levels. RBI at present uses SLR more as a tool for controlling money multiplier and for protection of depositor’s funds and strengthening solvency of the banks.
4.OMO Auctions: RBI uses Open Market Operations (OMOs) to
manage liquidity. When there is excess liquidity, it sells G-Secs thereby sucking out funds from the banking system. When it buys, the opposite will be the result. During sub-prime crisis andagainthewake of Covid pandemic, many central banks resorted to, what came to be known as, “quantitative easing” which was nothing but a more aggressive form of OMO to flood sluggisheconomieswithliquidityof a more durable kind, by buying bonds where such purchases sometimes even went beyond GSecs. The result of such protracted quantitative easing was that the banking system was sloshing with liquidity bringing deposit rates to almost zero, thereby punishing savers and encouraging consumption/investment!
6. VRRR Auctions: Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auctions are the obverse of VRR auctions. While VRR is used to provide liquidity, VRRR is used to absorb liquidity. UnderVRRRauctions,bankscanbid for an interest rate which the RBI would be paying them for parking excess funds with it. VRRR too is a short-term tool that impacts yields at the short end of the yield curve. Debt securities at the longer end andequities largelyremainimmune from VRRR.
7. Provisioning: RBI does tweak the levels of provisions that banks are mandated to maintain, to discourage or mitigate risks involved in lending certain sectors, like unsecured personal loans.
5.VRR Auctions: Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions are a tool to inject short term liquidity. When RBI perceives a liquidity crunch in the money market, it announces a VRR auction for an amount it considers adequate to address the liquidity gap. The auction could be for 14 days or even overnight, that is, one day.Throughthiswindowthebanks borrow from RBI at rates higher than the repo rate. While both VRR and buying G-Secs in an OMO are meant to infuse liquidity, VRR auctions are used to address very short-term, often transient liquidity deficits. OMOs in general address longer-term deficits.
Well, given the arsenal at the disposal of central banks, their job may appear straight forward, and it might be presumed that economies would respond to the use of these tools as expected. But economies have their own peculiarities and growth cycles. Further, as economies evolve and technologies emerge, monetary policy faces challenges galore. For instance, although the RBI has reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points since February this year and infused adequate liquidity, the response to these accommodative steps has been underwhelming with credit growing at less than 10 per cent. In fact, the daily average liquidity surplus, reported to be Rs 3 lac crores, reflects poor credit appetite, particularly on the investment front. It appears that in a milieu where demandisrestrainedbyheightened uncertaintyduetotariffshock,poor sentiment coupled with sluggish urbanincomes,openingthespigots alonecannotspurcreditgrowthand investment. Besides, the size of the informal economy and consequent predominance of cash in the currencyincirculationcanalso dent the efficacy of monetary policy. Evenwithintheformaleconomythe transmission of policy rate changes, may not be the same for large corporates who can access capital markets with better terms than say, MSMEs who must largely depend on banks and NBFCs, who transmit thepolicychangeswithtimelagand not always entirely, given “institutional” friction. Globalization of country’s debt is again another challenge which the monetary policy must contend with. And then of course, there is the challenge posed by ever-changing technology. Blockchain technology, for instance, which has given rise to crypto currencies, such as Bitcoin is something that is increasingly transcending the environment regulated by Government monopolies like central banks and hence not amenable to the control and policy changes of monetary authorities. Some central banks, including RBI, have brought out CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currency) to blunt the challenge posedbycryptocurrencies,butthey
have largely remained confined to the wholesale transactions of captive institutions. Now, Stablecoins, like the Tether (USDT) or Circle (USDC) which are pegged to a reference asset, like the US dollar, have the potential to draw investments from economies with weaker currencies to those with stronger ones notwithstanding CBDCs. So central banks along with Governments must continuously innovate and invent new tools and regulations to stay relevant. Alas! In economics there is nothing like a permanent equilibrium state.
Arunanjali Securities
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Norbert Shenoy
Moggem Sasanv (Cucumber Madras Curry)
Ingredients
• Cucumber Madras – 600 gms
• Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp
• Rice – 1 tsp
• Green Chillies – 3
• Grated Coconut – 1 bowl
• Tamarind – ½ inch piece
• Ramnad Chilli – 1
• Salt – to taste
• Curry Leaves – few
• Oil – for tempering
Method
1. Prep thecucumber
o Remove the seeds from the cucumber and cut into mediumsized chunks.
2. Boilthecucumber
o In a vessel, add water and cucumber pieces. Let them boil until they are just cooked.
3. Soakthe rice
o Soak the rice in water for about 5 minutes.
4. Preparethe masala paste
o In a mixer jar, add grated coconut, half of the mustard seeds, green chilies, soaked rice, tamarind, and Ramnad chilli.
o Grind into a coarse paste (not too smooth).
5. Combineandcook
o Add ground masala to the boiled cucumber.
o Let the mixture boil for a few minutes so the flavours blend.
6. Tempering
o Heat oil in a small pan, add the remaining mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
o Add curry leaves.
o Pour this tempering into the cucumber masala.
7. Serve
o Serve hot with white rice, along with dal and r
Mangaluru: Three-day Sahitya
Akademi book exhibition marks
VJP Saldanha centenary
Pics:AbhijithNKolpe
Daijiworld Media Network –
Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 12: As part of the centenary celebrations of eminent Konkani novelist and journalist VJP Saldanha, the Sahitya Akademi has
organised a three-day book exhibition-cum-discount sale from August12to14atSahodayaHall,St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru. The exhibition will remain open to the public between 10 am and 6 pm.
Dr Mahalinga Bhat, Dean, School of
Language and Cultural Studies, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), inaugurated the event. The exhibition features books in Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Marathi, English, and Hindi.
Sahitya Akademi, the National Academy of Letters under the
Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is also hosting a birth centenary seminar on Saldanha’s life and worksfrom August13 to 14 at the Robert Sequeira Hall, LCRI Block, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
The programme is being held in collaboration with the Konkani Institute of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) and Vision Konkani. Sahitya Akademi Konkani Advisory Board convenor Melvyn Rodrigues andboardmemberHMPernalwere present at the dais.
Camões and Churchill
PhilomenaLawrence
Gilbert A.Lawrence
Luís Vaz de Camões (1524-80) and Winston Spencer Churchill (WSC 1874-1965). (FromLast week)
