V J P Saldanha(Kaddap) with centenary seminar in St. Aloysius University, Mangalore
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Pics by Alphonse Mendonsa Bellevision Media Network
Mangalore, 14 August 2025: Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters), an autonomous organisation
functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India
organisedabirthcentenaryseminar on the life and works of V J P Saldanha, popularly known as ‘Khadaap’, the
eminent Konkani novelist and journalist.
Aloysius(Deemedtobe University), andVision Konkani, that took place from August 13 to 14, 2025 at the Robert Sequeira Hall, LCRI Block, St
Aloysius(Deemedtobe University), Mangalore bringing together scholars, writers, students, and literature enthusiasts to celebrate VJPSaldanha’sliterarylegacy.
The inaugural part of the seminar commenced with the prayer ssong presented by the students Konkani InstituteofSt.AloysiusCollegge.Dr KShrinivasRao,secretaryofSahitya
address described said that VJP Saldanha was “a child of destiny” and his writings reflect people’s struggle during the captivity of the Mangalorean Christians during the captivity imposed on them by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. He praised VJP Saldanha’s command over the Konkani language and his contributionasanovelist,journalist, dramatist,andsocialworker.
Melvyn Rodrigues, convenor of Konkani Advisory Board, Sahiyta Akademi in his introductory speech said that VJP Saldanha’s historical novels manifested his ability to create characters and situations with historical background. Though he did not claim to be an historian, his novels take the readers to the historical period of Tipu Sultan with rare imagination.
The two days long seminar was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries on the dais by lighting the lamp and showering flower petals on the portrait of VJP Saldanha.
Fr. Melvyn Joseph Pinto S.J., Rector of St. Aloysius Institutions, Mangaloreinhisinauguralmessage saidthatheusedtoreadthenovels written by VJP Saldanha in his younger days and appreciated his
style of writing and depth of historicalknowledge.
Fr Dr Praveen Martis, vicechancellor of St Aloysius University, who presided overthe programme,
said that VJP Saldanha was a
student of St. Aloysius College and assuchitwasanhonourtohostthe seminar for a distinguished alumnus. He said the programme offered students and young writers an opportunity to understand and appreciate VJP Saldanha’s
contributiontoKonkaniliterature.
Fr Melwyn S PintoSJauthorand
research scholar who delivered the keynote address highlighted VJP Saldanha’s creative style and use of history as a backdrop for storytelling, adding that his readership inspired him to write extensively.
Jochim Pinto, convenor of the Konkani institution, welcomed the dignitaries with saplings. Om Prakash Nagar, Officer-in-charge, Regional Office, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai proposed the vote of thanks and Manoj Fernandes comperedtheprogramme.
Altogether there were five sessions during the two days-long seminar on VJP Saldanha in which two researchpapersondifferentaspects of VJP Saldanha’s Life and Works werepresentedbytheexperts.
TheFirstSessionon13August2025 from 10 to 11.30 am on the theme of “Journalism and Plays of VJP” was moderated by Henry Mendoca (HM Pernal). Fr. Joseph Udaya Fernandes presented a paper on ‘The Plays of VJP’ and Wilfred Lobo presentedapaperon‘Contribution
of VJP to Journalism’. The Second
Session from 2 to 3,30pm on the theme of “Captivity of Canara
Christians by Tipu Sutan: ‘Devacha Kurpen’” was moderated by Dr. AlwynD’Sa,RegistrarofSt.Aloysius UniversityinwwhichDr.PremMoras spoke on ‘Historical Trauma and FictionalResistance’andFr.Richard
Rego presented a paper on ‘Love andEmotionalResilience’.
On 14 August 2025 Third Session washeldfrom10to11.30amonthe
theme of “VJP: Life and Social Contribution” that was moderated by Titus Noronha. In this session
Alexander D’Souza presented a
paper on the ‘Life of VJP Saldanha’ and Joachim Pinto presented a
paper titled “Social Contribution of VJP’. The Fourth Session was held from 11.30 am to 01pm on the theme of “Devotional Literature of VJP” which was moderated by Fr.
Poetry of VJP’. The Fifth and Finald
Session of the Seminar was held from 2 to 3.30 pm on the theme of “Goan Inquisition and Migration: ‘Saiba Bhogos’-a Pentalogy” that
waspresidedoverbyFr.Jasononto SDB. Dr. Gerald Pinto presented a paper titled ‘Migration’ and Dr. Chandralekha D’Souza from Goa presented through Videograph a papertitled‘Inquisition’.
The valedictory programme that followedwaspresidedoverbyLeslie Rego during which closing remarks were made by Stany D’Souza and Mrs. Flora Castelino proposed the voteofthanks.
The two days-long seminars on the “LifeandWorkofVJPSaldanha”on the occasion of his birth centenary was an enriching experience. The research papers presented during this seminar touched upon the different aspects of life and literary contributions of VJP Saldanha who wrote under the pen name ‘Khaddap’ (Rock). To have a better understanding of the personality andcontributionofVJPSaldanha,a brief biographical profile is given below which is based on internet inputs.
VJP Saldanha: Pioneer of HistoricalNovelsinKonakani
VincentJohnPeterSaldanha(9June 1925 – 22 February 2000), better known as V. J. P. Saldanha with the pen name ‘Khaddap’ meaning ‘Rock’, was a Konkani language litterateur, dramatist, novelist, short-storywriterandpoet.
VJP Saldanha maintained a strong Catholicidentityinhiswritings,and hismainthemeswerethesufferings of60,000ChristiansfromtheCanara Coast during their 15-years-long captivity at Seringapatam imposed
by Tipu Sultan from 1784 to 1799, and the oppression of Goan Catholics during the Goan Inquisition.
Vincent John Peter Saldanha was born on 9 June 1925 as the eighth child to Martin Ligoury Saldanha and Theresa Saldanha in the Omzoor near Mangalore. V.J.P.SaldanhaattendedSt.Joseph’s Higher Elementary School in Mangalore. During this period, he wrote regularly to Abhyudaya (Development), the school’s handwritten magazine in Kannada. He was also very popular in writing and staging skits and short plays in school. He later joined St. Aloysius College in Mangalore to pursue his intermediatestudies.
Soon after his intermediate studies, he took up a job as a physical instructor and a teacher of English at the Padua High School in Mangalore.V.J.P.Saldanhawasalso interested in sports and physical development. He used to read foreign books on muscle building and used to train youth in weightlifting. Later, he migrated to
Bombay. With his good command ofEnglishandhandwritingskills,he was offered a job by the Hindustan Insurance Cooperative Society. V.J.P. Saldanha resigned from the job in 1950, the same year in which hebeganhisliterarycareer.
In Mangalore, VJP Saldanha had started and edited a Kannada periodical called the ‘Kannadavani’. He published his first six-page Konkaniweekly‘Poinnari’(Traveller) on 08 September 1950 in Bombay. ‘Poinnari’ was the third Konkani
weekly published by Mangalorean Catholics; the first being ‘Konkani Dirvem’ (Konkani Treasure), published in 1912 by Louis Mascarenhas, and the second was ‘Raknno’ (Guardian), a weekly published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mangalore. V,J,P. Saldanha remained an editor of ‘Poinnari’ till 1958. After his return to Mangalore that same year, he started a Kannada daily called ‘Navabharatha’(NewIndia)inwhich he worked as the sub-editor. The daily later closed down due to lack offunds.
After his study on the history of Canara Christians, VJP Saldanha chose to present it in a different way. Canara Christians’ captivity by TipuSultanwasadeadlyepisodeof our ancestors. VJP Saldanha, using historical facts and characters, first wrote the novel ‘Devachye Kurpen’, 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 focused on Goa’s Inquisition.Inquisitionwasthemain reason for Konkani Christians and also others to migrate from Goa to the south towards Canara and Mangalore. VJP Saldanha wrote novels on this topic, and he presentedfivebignovels.Firstinthe series was ‘Saiba Bhogos’. Followed by 2. Purvaz Pardeshanth, 3. Vanjelachye Vater, 4. Jivo va Mello and5.YaTariMangalapuri.
VJPSaldanhahaswrittentwomore separate, wonderful novels. His ‘Sovo Surngarun’, a mini novel explains the situation in Mangalore when Hyder Ali became prominent in Mysore state’s administration. ‘BandadechemDai’znoveliswritten on the time of captivity imposition andafter.
Afterhugepopularityanddemand, VJP converted his ‘Sardaranchi Synol’ novel into a drama. This dramaalsobecameablockbuster.
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. Among them are Agnes Cecilia, 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 Sinor John. Other
prominent characters in it are Sinor BulbanvPeregrin,VillainPapiasetc.
VJP Saldanha’s literature, particularly these historical novels, are full of adventures. There are plenty of action scenes including horse riding, sword fighting, wrestling, war scenes and many such tricky encounters. His description is very precise. His imagination and execution ability are amazing. That’s why his readers getthrilledreadinghiswritings.
The novel of V.J.P. Saldanha “Saiba Bhogos”(ForgiveOGod)dealswith the Goa Inquisitionand Portuguese oppressionoftheGoanHindusand Catholics in the eighteenth century. He received wide praise and critical acclaimforhisnovels.
V.J.P. Saldanha was also a poet; his best-known poem being ‘KonkancheShethkaar’(TheFarmers of Konkan). In recognition for his prolific contributions to Konkani literature, V.J.P. Saldanha was the recipient of several awards, most notablyamongthemwasbytheAllIndiaWriters’Conferencein1975.
V.J.P. Saldanha was a devout Roman Catholic and a devotee of theVirginMary.Attheageof44,he married Lilly D’Souza, a schoolteacherfromKasargodon29 December1969.Theyhadtwosons: Elvio Francis and Ransom Jude. His eldersonElviodiedprematurelyon 25 February 1981 at the age of 11. His wife passe away on 21 December2009.
In 1978 at the age of 53, V.J.P.Saldanhaobtainedhismaster’s degree in Sociology. He also developed an avid interest in Alternative Medicine, especially point pressure methods and Dr. Edward Bach’s herbal remedies. He co-authored a book on Naturopathy with Dr. I.G. Hukkeri. Later, he did a course in Naturopathy and obtained the ND, DHM, MD (AM) and RMP (AM) degrees.
The last decade of V.J.P. Saldanha’s life was devoted to the compilation of an English–Konkani dictionary. This work titled “20th Century English–Konkani Concise Dictionary” (Kannada and Devanagari scripts) was never completed during his lifetime, and
as a result, went unpublished. The dictionary contained the meanings of more than 160,000 Konkani words. On16January1994,V.J.P.Saldanha was appointed President of the KarnatakaKonkaniSahityaAkademi by the Karnataka Government. Shortly after this, he suffered a debilitating stroke, because of whichhewasconfinedtohishome. He passed away on 22 February 2000.
V.J.P.Saldanha has been called the Father of Historical Novels for his magnificentandmassivetreasureof studiedliterature.He wasnotjust a versatile writer but was also a wonderful musician. He had so many skills, today, many may not believe.
Though he is no more, he still lives in the hearts and minds of people through his literature. His writings have greatly enriched Konkani literature and have inspired many Konkani writers. Sadly, his literature is not easily accessible for the connoisseurs of his writings who
want to relish his mastery over Konkani language along with the strong Konkani identity that mirrored in his writings. Even if people want to buy and read his classics the copies of his books are noteasilyavailable.
To overcome this lacuna and to make his literature available to a wider section of the population, Konkani Bhas Sanskriti Prathishtan, World Konkani Centre, shouldered the responsibility of making his literature easily available to those who wish to get a taste of his writings. As a result of their efforts, thefirsttransliteratedversionofhis novel“SaibaBhogos”fromKannada toDevanagiribyAverylandMelvyn Rodrigues was released on 23 August 2013 at a function titled “Khadap Sahitik Bhandar” (literary treasure of Khadap) held at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall Bendoor. There was also a symposium on VJP’s literature. Eminent Konkani writers presented papers on his literature to give people foretaste of his literary works.
PoetandKonkaniSahityaAcademy award winner Melvyn Rodrigues
whohasbeenanardentdevoteeof VJP’s literature had suggested the idea of translating his books into other languages to make his literature available to a larger
section of society. Once this idea gained momentum Melvyn also took the initiative of transliterating “SaibaBhogos”.
V J P Saldanha birth centenary seminar begins at St Aloysius Deemed to
be University
Mangaluru, Aug 13: A two-day seminarmarkingthebirthcentenary of renowned Konkani writer V J P Saldanha began at St Aloysius Deemed to be University on
Tuesday.
The event is organised by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration with the university and Vision Konkani, bringing together scholars, writers, students,
Dr K Shrinivas Rao, secretary of Sahitya Akademi, described
Saldanha as “a child of destiny”
whose works reflected people’s struggles and served as a reminder
of historical events that shaped the Konkani community. He praised Saldanha’s versatility as a novelist, journalist, dramatist, and social worker.
Fr Dr Praveen Martis, vicechancellor of St Aloysius University, presided over the event, noting it was an honour to host the seminar foradistinguishedalumnus.Hesaid the programme offered students andyoungwritersanopportunityto delveintoSaldanha’swriting.
Melwyn Rodrigues, convenor of Sahitya Akademi for Konkani, in his introductory remarks, said Saldanha’shistoricalnovelsblended imagination with fiction, proving him to be a “complete literary person”.
Delivering the keynote address, Fr Praveen Pinto SJ spoke on Saldanha’s creative style and use of history as a backdrop for storytelling, adding that his readership inspired him to write extensively.
The seminar aims to rekindle interest in Saldanha’s works and inspire younger generations to connectwiththeirheritage.
Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ, rector of St Aloysius Educational Institutions,
was the chief guest. Om Prakash Nagr delivered the vote of thanks, Manoj Fernandes compered the event, and Jochim Pinto, convenor
of the Konkani institution, welcomed the dignitaries with saplings.
Niranjana and KhadaapThe Two Centenarians
DrCharlesLobo
Niranjana is the penname of Kulakunda Shiva Rao. It was first used in 1951. Khadaap is the penname of Vincent John Peter Saldanha. Both had many pen names. The former was born in Kulakunda village of Puttur (DK) on 15 June 1924 while the latter was born in Meramajal or Omzoor (DK) on 9 June 1925. The centenary of their birth is being celebrated during 2025. Niranjana died on 13 March 1992. VJP died eight years later in 2000. This article is an attempt to trace and compare their contributions to historical novels andliteratureingeneral.
History booksare dull. Theyare full of facts, years and dates. The charactersofhistorybooksaremere characters who lived once upon a time.Theyrequiregoodteachersto makethecharacterscomealive.The heroesandheroinesofthehistorical novels are full of flesh and blood. They have feelings and emotions. Their dialogues come from the author’s mind. They express love and hate, courage and cowardice, sacrifice and virtues. A novelist labours to make the reader get involved in the successes and failures of these characters and make them immortal. They are neverforgotten.
NiranjanaʼsNovels
Niranjana was a Kannada playwright, novelist and a freedom
fighter. Among the many novels he wrote two historical novelsKalyanaswamy (1956) and Swamy Aparampara (1965) need to be mentioned. Both these novels revolve around the Amara Sullia rebellion of 1837. In that year farmers of Bellare in Puttur and partsofKodagurevoltedagainstthe British administration which had its headquarters at Mangalore and marched on Mangalore under the leadership of Puttabasappa (alias
Kalyanaswamy), Appaiah Gowda andRamaiahGowda.Theydefeated the British, burnt down their offices at Bell Mount (Balmatta) and hoisted their flag on Bavuta Gudde (Light House Hill). They oversaw Mangalore for 13 days and later defeatedbytheBritish.
The second novel Swamy Aparamparais about a leader who mobilizedpeopleofSakleshpurand surroundingplacestorevoltagainst theBritishwhohaddethronedKing Veera Rajendra of Kodagu in 1834. As he was in the garb of a Lingayat Swamy he came to be known as SwamyAparampara.Hewantedthe Kingdom to be restored to Veera Rajendra who had been exiled. He was arrested and kept in the Tiruchirapalli prison till 1869. This novel covers a period of 50 years from1820to1870.
Niranjana immortalized these historical incidents through his two historical novels. This incident is importantinthehistoryofDakshina Kannada because it precedes the Sepoy Mutiny (or the First War of
Independence)of1857by20years. He admits that there is a lot of imagination in novels although the charactersarebasedonrealpeople. These two books encouraged furtherresearch,andmanyscholarly works have been published since then based on research material which became available in later years. InPursuitofOurRootsby Puttur Anantharaja Gowda is one among them. His other historical novel Chirasmarane(1955)dealswiththe
farmerrevoltof1941inKayyur(part of Kasargod, then in South Kanara now in Kerala) under the influence of Communist leaders. The tax collected from farmers by the Landlords in Malabar was lower than the taxes collected by landlords in Kasargod (SK). Under the leadership of the communists, the farmers of Kayyur rebelled.
Niranjana says that 60 people involved in this Satyagraha had been arrested and kept in the SubJail in Mangalore. He met and interviewed them as he was a newspaper reporter in those days. The information so gathered, and his field research provided the requiredmaterialforthisnovel.Four of them were hanged. The strong character of the Master- the name giventothecommunistleaderwho was leading the movement stands out. The book is dedicated to the three leaders who were at the forefront namely Madhavan, GanapatiKamatandV.V.Kunjumbu. Khadaap (VJP)s Novels VJPSaldanhaisknownasthefather
of historical novels in Konkani. He focused on two major historical events–1)themigrationofKonkani peoplefromGoaduetoInquisition, and 2) the captivity of Kanara Christiansfrom1784to1799during the time of Tipu Sultan. Both these eventsleftlonglasting scars onthe culture, literature, language and psycheofMangaloreChristians. His first historical novel Devache Kurpen(BytheGraceofGod)which
deals with the Captivity of Canara Christians was published in 1962. Thenovelbecameveryfamous,and hecontinuedthethemeofCaptivity andwrotemanymorenovelsinthat serieslikeBelthangadichoBalthazar , Sardaranchi Sinol , Sardaranchem Sannidan , Infernachin Dharam, and Mogachi Mahima. These novels were serialized in the Konkani weekly, and people were waiting to read the next part week after week. Its emotional appeal created awareness about the great tragedy faced by our ancestors, the Canara ChristiansunderTipu.Nearly60,000 Christians of Canara (Mangalore to Karwar)weremadetotravelonfoot from their villages to Ganjam in Srirangapatna irrespective of their age and condition. Many aged persons died on the way, pregnant women delivered babies, children died, and the youth were made to join the army. Women suffered harassment in the hands of the army. Many were converted to Islam. The survivors returned after the defeat of Tipu in 1799 and
started life afresh. It was alleged that they had helped the invading British army by supplying provisions. Many non-Christinas helped the Christians by hiding themintheirbarnsandfields. Another series of historical novels was started in 1980 with Saiba Bhogos . This deals with the Goa Inquisition and the migration of Konkani speaking people (Saraswaths and Christians) from theancestrallandsinGoatoKanara and Kerala. Inquisition started in 1560 andended in1812. The Court of the Inquisition, sufferings and conspiracies of those times are immortalized through these novels. Successofthishistoricalnovelmade him write many more in this series like PurvazPardeshanth,Vanjelache Vaater,JivovaMello , and YaThari Mangalapuri . VJP became a household name due to these historical novels more than any other writings. Many scholars like Pius Fidelis Pinto undertook research on these subjects and securedDoctorateinlateryears.
Healsowroteotherhistoricalnovels like Bandadenth Bachayillem Dirvemand Sovo Surngarun. These tragic tales are full of heroic deeds aswellascrueltyandsuffering.This emotional angle was exploited by VJP while writing historical novels using his own imagination. Like Niranjanahetravelledextensivelyin the concerned geographical areas for field work. These novels evoke same emotions and sentiments even after 60 years of their publication.Thatisthegreatnessof thesenovels.
AsaJournalist
In 1942 Niranjana became Asst. Editor of Rashtrabandhupublished from Mangalore and worked as a reporter for Samyukta Karnataka published from Hubli. During this time, he met the farmers of the Kayyur Satyagraha. In 1944 he became Mangalore based reporter for Tainadu , Daily News and Janavani newspapers published from Bangalore and reporter for Rashtrabandhuand Navabharatof Mangalore.In1945hebecamejoint
editor of Prajamata magazine. In 1947hebecameeditorofJanashakti weekly.
VJP was the founder-editor of Poinari,a Konkani (Kannada Script) weekly newspaper published from Bombay. Itwasstartedin 1950,and he remained as its editor till 1958. He also started a Kannada newspaper called Kannadavani in 1960 . He worked as Asst. Editor of Navabharata,aKannadanewspaper published from Mangalore. When the Konkani Institute was started in St. Aloysius College, Mangalore he became the founder-editor of its KonkanijournalAmarKonkani . Otherwritings
TulupoemsandstoriesofNiranjana were first published at the age of thirteen (1937) in Tulunadu newspapertheneditedbyShriS.U. Paniyadi. His first short story in Kannada,Mohajaala . was published in Rashtrabandhunewspaper then edited by Kadengodlu Shankara Bhatta. VJP wrote his first Konkani play Bavana tho Gulob in 1942. Since then, he has written 45 plays
including dance dramas. Like Niranjana, VJP has written many books, novels, plays, and dance dramas. Both were active in the literary movement. VJP became the first president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy. VJP has written books in Kannada and English too. Niranjana’s books have been translated into Malayalam, Bengali, Tulu and English and have been prescribed as textbooks. VJP suffered health breakdown in the 1980’s and recovered slowly. Niranjana suffered paralytic stroke in 1971 but completed the seven volume Kiriyara Vishwa Kosha and twenty volume Vishwa Katha Kosha whilehewasbedridden.
During the Centenary year, the Konkani Institute, the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Kannada Sahitya Academy should jointly organize seminars to study andunderstandthecontributionsof these two writers to historical novels, literature and other art forms. Exchanging ideas and sha ring knowledge between
SOMETHING ROTTEN…!
-*Fr.CedricPrakashSJ
‘Hamlet’ written by William Shakespeare, sometime between 1599 and 1601, is one of his immortal works and the longest play he has written. It is considered among the ‘most powerful and influential tragedies in the English language’, with a story capable of ‘seemingly endless retelling and adaptation by others. There are strong and emotive scenes in the entireplay.Someofthephrasesand key sentences in ‘Hamlet’ have
stoodthetestoftimeandaretoday accepted even as idiomatic expressions. One significant phrase is “somethingisrottenintheState of Denmark." It is spoken by Marcellus,a guard, in Act I, Scene IV.The line signifies that something is deeply wrong or corrupt within the kingdom of Denmark, hinting at serious hidden problems and moral decay. It implies intrigue, manipulations, murder and the basic fact that something is terribly wrong…in fact rotten!
There is something rotten: One must revisit the Durg Railway Station the night of 25/26 July. An Adivasi Sukhman Mandavi, (a resident of Narayanpur) was accompanying three young Adivasi ladies (all adults between the ages of 18-20 years) Sukhmati Mandavi
(Sukhman’ssister),LalitaUsendiand Kamaleswari Pradhan. Apparently, the girls were going to Agra for employment in a hospital attached to a convent. When they arrived at the Durg Railway Station the TTE asked for their tickets. He was told that the nuns who were already on the platform had their tickets. The nuns were Sr. Preeti Mary and Sr. Vandana Francis belonging to the CongregationoftheAssisiSistersof Mary Immaculate (ASMI). Without verifying the tickets, the TTE apparently called the local Bajrang Dal outfit and in a matter of time they had arrived in a big group –shouting and raising all hell. So under whose instructions did the TTE call these goons? Who gave them the authority to yell at and intimidate, these citizens of India, bonafidepassengerswithlegitimate tickets?
There is something rotten: The goonsbeganaccusingthegroupof travellersofallkindsofthings.They were ultimately taken to the police station and detained there. Ultimately, the nuns and the man were arrested and remanded to judicial custody and the three young ladies were sent to a government run shelter home. The three were charged for offences under Section 143(human trafficking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)2023 and under Section 4 (unlawful religious conversion) under the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act, 1968. Significantly, the initial FIR did not include charges of religious conversion and mentioned only Section 143. The three women are all Christian, so there is absolutely no question of any religious conversion.Sowhywerethesefalse and fabricated charges framed which blatantly violate the Constitutional rights of a citizen? Under whose order? Can not a group of adults travel in India? On what basis was the FIR and chargesheetmade
Thereis somethingrotten: In the police station, in full view of the policemen (who were sitting like spinelessmorons)oneJyotiSharma,
a Bajrang Dal activist, threatened, abused and even assaulted the detained group. Videos, on her unacceptable behaviour have gone viral.Sheisheardyellingattheman, “Do you understand? Will you speak?OrshouldIhityou?” She then turns to the nuns and threatens, “If you don't want to speak,Iwillsmashyourface,I’m warningyou.”Sheaccusesthenuns ofbeingpartofahumantrafficking and religious conversion racket, claimingthattheirbagcontained “a Bible,aphoto,apassbook,anATM card, and a diary with pastors’ numbers.”She tells the crowd who had gathered in support of the nuns, “Thesenumbersprovethisis aracket.Iftheydon’thavearacket, whywouldsomanypeoplegather fortwonunswhoarenotfromhere? IamfromaHinduorganisation.I havecometosavemydaughter. Whohavetheycometosave?”She violently pulls their bags from their hands and begins to inspect their
contents and documents in them. Speaking to a news channel she says, “Idon’thiteveryone.Ijusthit peoplewhoconvertHindugirlsto Christianity.Iamsurethatthose womenareHindu,theyhaveHindu names. It’s the duty of Hindu organisationsaswellasthepolice toprotectthem.” Who gave this terrorist the right to take law and order in her own hands? Why were the police complicity silent while she ranted and raved? Could they not have stopped her? Could they have not arrested her? Why have theynotdoneso?
There is something rotten: The nuns and the man were sent to judicialcustody. Thecaseishanded over to the National Investigation Agency(NIA)Court,Bilaspur.Finally, the Courtof a Special Judge (under theN.I.A.Act)grantsthembailon2 August.Thebailorderamongother things and stipulated conditions state, “thereisnorequisitionfrom the Investigating Agency for custodial interrogation of the accusedpersons.Itisapparentthat theinvestigationaswellasthetrial shallrequireareasonablespanof time for completion. The InvestigatingAgencyhasnotplaced
anymaterialonrecordbeforethe Court to show how continued custody of the accused persons would be necessary for the investigation or ends of justice. Hence,thisCourtisoftheopinion thattheapplicants/accusedpersons are entitled to be enlarged on regularbail.Theordergrantingbail shall not be construed as a reflectiononthemeritsofthecase, which shall be examined at the appropriatestageAccordingly,the bailapplicationunderSection483 of BNSS, 2023, filed by the applicantsinconnectionwithCrime No. 60/2025, Police Station GRP Bhilai, District-Durg (C.G.), for offences under Section 143 of B.N.S.,2023r/wSection4ofthe Chhattisgarh Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam,1968,isAllowedanditis ordered that if each applicant/accused executing bail bondsforasumofRs.50,000/-with two sureties of the like sum producedtothesatisfactionofthis Court with following conditions, theyshallbereleasedonbail.”Why did an NIA Court have to deal with such a matter? The NIA was constituted ‘to investigate and prosecute offences affecting the sovereignty,securityandintegrity ofIndia.’ . Further, why wasthe case not quashed immediately, and all chargesdroppedunconditionally?
There is something rotten: According to reports, in sections of the Media, a group of Parliamentarians from Kerala, met with Amit Shah, the Home Minister on 31 July in Delhi. They were apparentlytoldbyhimthatthenuns wereinnocent,andhewouldensure their release as soon as possible! The statement if true stinks more than rotten fish. How does the Home Minister know that the three are innocent? Have they been purposelyarrestedinkeepingwitha carefully scripted yet hidden agenda?Soiftheyareinnocentwhy weretheynotreleasedimmediately and unconditionally? Why are the charges still not dropped? Why are all those involved in the arrest of these three innocent persons, not beenputeventillnow,behindbars? Above all, is the judiciary so pliable to listen to the orders of their politicalbosses?
There is something rotten: PTI reportssaythattheBJPPresidentof KeralaRajeev Chandrasekharstated
on 1 August that the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh over allegationsofhumantraffickingand forced conversion were due to a "misunderstanding" and that they will be released on bail soon. He made the statement after meeting with Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, the current President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). He went to brief him that the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister have assured the nunswouldbereleasedonbailand that the State Government would not oppose the bail plea of the nuns. Chandrasekhar also stated that, "Itisajudicialprocess.Letit happen.Ionlywanttosaythatdon't politicise the issue. We are not seeingitaspolitics.Weareonly tryingtohelpthepeople.Thiswasa misunderstanding,”. If it was seriously a ‘misunderstanding’ why have the cases not been withdrawn on all three and immediately? Like
mostofthecourtcasesinIndia,will it be a tiring, lengthy process until all three are declared innocent and setfree?
There is something rotten: After the nuns and the man were jailed, there was, naturally a national outrage. A part of the Church in KeralahasbeentoeingtheBJPline. However, through its official mouthpiece‘Deepika’,itdenounced the arrests in unequivocal terms while the CSI and Orthodox Churches have also registered their protest. Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kerala also raised the matter in Parliament, though a motiontodebateitwasdisallowed. MPs belonging to the Opposition partiesvociferouslycondemnedthe arrests; some Parliamentarians also visited the three who were incarcerated in Durg; vehement protests came also from civil society, including academics, intellectuals and human rights defenders. Rallies and protest marches took place all over; statements emerged from all sections of society. All this was good, necessary and important. Such protests must take place. Sadly,manyarequestioningChurch
leadership in their very selective stand. Christianityisneverselective; Jesus never took a stand selfishly! When hundreds of Adivasis are killedanddisplacedinChhattisgarh alone, why is the Church silent? When human rights defenders and even Christian pastors are unjustly incarcerated and languishing in jail for years, why is the Church not visible or vocal? There are so much happening in the country today –theConstitutionisbeingdestroyed, the minorities are being trampled upon, the poor and marginalised are being denied their rights- on whose side is the Church? Why is there no outrage and protests –when someone not like us – is excluded and exploited, denigrated and demonised, harassed and incarcerated? What would Jesus havedone?
Thereissomethingrotten:Playing footsie with the BJP and their ilk, is absolutely dangerous! It is a known fact that the Sanghi are able to put together the scams, scandals and sins – of many; particularly those who may oppose them or not on their side! It is no state secret that several members of opposition parties have been blackmailed into
getting into the BJP washing machine!Oncetheytoethelineand acquiesce to the demands of the BJP, all their sins are forgiven, even court cases are dropped. This is something very serious! The deathknell of the values enshrined in the GospelandtheConstitutionofIndia
There is something rotten: The factthatthethreeweregivenbailis becauseofaninterventionfromthe Pime Minister’s Office (PMO) and it is being viewed as a feather in the party state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s political cap. The New Indian Express claims that it “wasthefirsttoreportthePMO’s intervention.Theentireepisodeis now expected to function as a catalyst in Rajeev’s efforts to intensify his party’s Christian outreach programme in central Kerala in the coming days.” Chandrasekhar, other party officials and even their legal team were there in Durg when the three came out of jail. Many photos clicked! Latertherewerecelebrations – with Chandrasekhar and some Church prelates giving each other cake. There are some who are genuinely questioning ‘what is there to celebrate- when the case is
fabricate,therealcriminalsarescotfree, and the case is bound to be a long-drawn out one. An extremely clever ploy on the part of the BJP –very manipulative yet strategic. It is not without reason that Chandrasekhar posted on his Facebook page after the nuns got bail, “TheBJPwillalwaysstandby anyMalayaliincrisis,whereverthey areintheworld,regardlessoftheir religion,caste,orbeliefs.Whenever thereisaneed,wewillstepforward andworktosolvetheirproblems.I also thank all those who worked tirelesslyoverthelastfewdaysto makebailofthenunspossible.”He conveniently forgets that Malyalis are not only Christians and Hindus but also Muslims! What is his stand on the false, derogatory film ‘The KeralaStory?’
Thereissomethingrotten:TheBJP is systematically destroying the country; they have already eroded thesecularfabricoftheConstitution and the democratic ethos of the country. The attacks in the country take place with frightening regularity: recently a group of Catholicpriests,nunsandcatechists
wereattackedbyaBajrangDalmob in Odisha. In Mumbai, the ABVP forced the St. Xavier’s College authorities to cancel a memorial lectureinhonourofFr.StanSwamy. Thefascistforceshavepolarisedthe country into ‘majority; versus ‘minority’- through divisive propaganda and hate speeches. India today is a laughingstock on the world stage. Whilst the crony capitalist friends of the ruling regimehaveaball,itisthepoorand themarginalisedofthecountrythat mustbearthebrunt.Theelectoral process is sabotaged (as we see what is happening in Bihar today) and Constitutional bodies are usurped. Freedom of Religion, FreedomofSpeech,Expressionand Dissent and other fundamental rightsaredenied.
As we observe another Independence Day in a short while from now, what the country desperately needs at this moment, isthatpeopleawaketotherealities around, overcome their fears and act now, keeping in my mind the wordsofRabindranathTagore: “Freedomfromfearisthefreedom Iclaimforyou,mymotherland!
Freedomfromtheinsultofdwellinginapuppet'sworld, wheremovementsarestartedthroughbrainlesswires, repeatedthroughmindlesshabits, wherefigureswaitwithpatienceandobedienceforthe masterofshow, tobestirredintoamimicryoflife.” We must stop the rot NOW! To act fearlessly and to say in unison, with Tagore, “intothatthatheavenof FreedommyFather(andMother)let mycountryawake! 7August2025
c*(FrCedricPrakashSJ isahuman rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer.
Contact:
email: cedricprakash@gmail.com)
Heaven on earth - Saanidhya -
Saanidhya Group of Institutions, Advisory Board Member, Eric D'Souza, soon after the recent visit ofCapt.BrijeshChowta,presentMP of Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore) expressing his gratitude for the MP's concern and consideration said that the MP had expressed a desiretovisitthe'SaanidhyaSpecial School' and it's developed facilities and services due to hard work of dedicated people. The MP during
his recent visit spent time with all the challenged children and teachersshowingkeeninterestinall aspects.
By the time the MP was through
after an hour of deep-dive interactions, he not only became a little emotional but also assured us ofbringingalittlebitmoresunshine intothelivesofthechildrenandthe entire ecosystem. He asked for a memorandum of as-yet unheeded requestsmadetotheauthoritiesso far and any new demands if any. A suitable document was ready, hoping he would ask for the same, which was then gladly handed over to the MP. "We are all pretty confident that he will be able to do something positive andease a little of the weight on our already burdened shoulders". And the challenged children will get substantial relief in the long term, which is very vital.
In a special plea Eric Dsouza, in an article in the media, hopefully has caughttheattentionandconcernof people who can uplift the suffering category which needs reaching out to immediately. Although facilities existatthenational,state,andlocal levels, it is still heart-breakingly evident that a comprehensive, fully functional support structure for these children and their families is painfully lacking—especially when
compared with the facilities available in other scenarios, where such children are considered as “privileged citizens” and benefit from structured lifelong care facilities, with structures in place practically benefitting the affected withacomprehensive “FromWomb To Tomb” cover and guarantees/assurances.
AN OVERLOOKED POPULATION:
A serious concern is the lack of accurate data on the number of children/ adults, with mental or intellectual disabilities. The Indian census does not distinguish between those who are physically disabled and those who are mentally disabled; consequently, it is impossible to ascertain the exact number of individuals who need specialisedcare.Thelastnationwide census was conducted in 2011, placing India’s population at 1.21 billion. By 2025, estimates suggest that figures may have risen to around 1.45 billion substantial increases. Naturally, the number of children and adults with special needs has also likely grown, yet we have no precise records of how many require vital support and
services, specially the category of Mentally Challenged Children...whichisthePersonal24x7 Caretaking category.
Parentingachildwithspecialneeds who has to be helped and supportedineverythingthatshe/he hastodo,canplaceimmensestrain on family life, marital relationships, health, and careers. Many families' ability to focus on their work is severely compromised, as was their hope for an ordinary family life. Althoughtheyeventuallylearnedto cope, the most pressing question remains unanswered: Who will care for their ward after they are gone? Whowilllookafterher/him?Evenif they manage to save and invest for theirwards,they willalwaysrequire dedicated personal support and someonetohelpnavigateeveryday tasksincludingthemostprivateand personal. In India, where official recordsdonotproperlyaccountfor childrenandadultslikethese,there is no substantial, unified system to ensuretheywillbecaredforinlater life after the death of their parents.
sectors of society. While there is undoubtedly much work to be done, raising awareness is the first step towards finding lasting solutions. I sincerely hope that, in time, each concern will be addressed in depth, easing the burden on individuals with special needs and their families, most importantly specific categories. There are not many options available for Lifetime Home, because running the home would entailextracommitment,dedication and selfless personal service, which not many are willing to undertake because of the complexities involved.Ultimately,themeasureof a society’s progress lies in its capacity for empathy, inclusivity, andcareforthosemostinneed-and itispastthetimethatwerisetothis challenging task. I sincerely hope andpraythatthisarticlewilltoucha fewindividuals,galvanisingthemto take up the challenge and thus becoming a Ray of Hope for the worried parents of the Differently Abled, especially the specific Category.
Addressing these challenges calls for coordinated efforts from all
Letusproceedtoknowmoreabout "Saanidhya" : This on-line weekly
VEEZ, and it's Editor is a mirror of Mangalore and Tulunadu for long and has endeavoured to reach out to its numerous interested and supportive readers young and old, with informative and transparent articles from different perspectives, on a very wide range ofsubjectsthat bringblessingsand careformany. Itisajoytobringout another admirable institution just ontheoutskirtsofthecityproviding much needed care, education and security in all its facets to the intellectuallydisabled/challenged,a most unfortunate human condition which needs the utmost attention from all normal and good-hearted humans.Thisweknowishappening and the compassionate and largehearted people of this region are well known for humane and generousactionandreactioninthe kindest ways imaginable. Let us look at "SAANIDHYA" an
institution of great promise andpractical humane service - the information is compiled from various sources, here comprehensive information can be gathered by our enthusiastic readers, we are thankful and acknowledge all concerned.
Dr. Vasanth Kumar Shetty, the founder of 'Saanidhya' is a rare force, and true to its name he is practically transforming it as an 'Abode of God'. A multifaceted school and home, dedicated to the welfare of intellectually disabled persons. The institute was founded on April 4, 2003 - it was completed for 22 years. The institution was started with two students and a teacher at the founders' residence. As of now, there are 170 plus studentswithintellectualdisabilities who lack access to the special school or training facilities. Currently a new concept of Saanidhya is providing a lifetime stay facility for intellectually disabled children. This facility was started intheyear2018,therewere roadblocks due to the pandemic and is now being revived with four studentsinthisuniqueconsolidated
facility. At this juncture, Vasanth Shetty says he also recalls that his wifesupportedhimalotinhissocial
serviceandinthisproject too. With the help of like-minded friends and well-wishers, Saanidhya was established with great hope. Now and providing employment for
morethan70staff.,thisinstitutionis nurturing more than 170 especially abled children
and facilities for children/persons Saanidhya iprovidingnd support downsyndrome,autismandrelated conditions. Simple, digestible, healthy, nutritious balanced food is givenalotofimportanceasitisvital to our well-being; cleanliness and hygiene is carefully monitored. The especially abled children are admitted to the classes after assessing their abilities and intelligence quotient (IQ), age, and relatedfactors. Studentsaretrained inbasiccomputerhandlinganduse other skill-oriented courses. Saanidhyagivesalotofimportance andattentiontoartsandcrafts-like makingflowerbouquets,decorative hand work, paper bags and much more. Trained and skilled "Special Educators", psychologists and specialists help the residents in Saanidhya with their day to day physical and mental development. Training in extracurricular activities,
dance, Yakshagana, and so on is partofthesyllabus,sportsareavital part too. The students/ children haveparticipatedinfieldandindoor sports, cultural programmes and so oninthe country andoverseastoo, bringing laurels andtrophiesto the institution here.
Saanidhya is always open to the Differently Abled children/persons, who are unable to access special schools and training centres. This institution always provides highquality services, supported by responsible, experienced, and dedicated special educators and caretakers who demonstrate humility and consideration.
'Saanidhya' always extends its helping hand to support and take careofmild,moderateandseverely challenged persons in the age group of four to forty years, of all genders in an inclusive manner.
'Saanidhya' imparts 'Functional Academic Checklist Programme (FACP)' expertly formulated by the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped(NIMH)withqualified, committed and responsible coaches/teachers. Optimum care and initiative in training the
challenged inmates in 'Activities of DailyLivingSkills(ADLS)'.Functional Academics (FA), Pre-Vocational Skills (PVS), Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Sports, Games, Vocational Skills, Drama, Dance Therapy and Extracurricular Activities. Facilities are almost free of cost, case-to-case, payment is not a rule and may be voluntary; which includes education, food, schoolbusservice(pickup&drop), picnics, excursions, outings and all round developmental activities.
Dr. Vasanth Kumar Shetty, the founder of Saanidhya, has now been inspired to make the intellectually disabled children, physicallyfitinmorewaysasitisthe vital need. He has now come forward to plan and arrange many essentials for the growth and welfare of these challenged childrenand their sufferingparents/guardianstoo.
SaanidhyaSkillTrainingCentrefor endosulfan victims in Ujire, Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre for Mentally Challenged, Saanidhya PreVocational, Vocational and Home Science Centre, Saanidhya
Shashwath Home for Adult Male
Mentally Challenged (Lifetime Stay Home) and Saanidhya Centre for Autism are the institutions and services now part of the Saanidhya efforts.
Readers and public who wish to know more about this great institution and render services and help,mayhaveuseofthefollowing contactdetails:
Saanidhya Residential School & Training Centre for the Mentally Challenged, Near Water Tank, Shakthinagar,
Each becoming a single entity, much easier to vanquish
Providing a perfect space for infiltration of the malicious kind
Crumbling whatever little connection remains
A family bond is maintained by parents, be it one or two
The results are clear to see through generations
With all evolution family dynamics are also evolving
Raising a generation of flawed and confused individuals
Divide a corporation, and see the cracks expanding Each fragment becoming or dissolve, accordingly The split like a void, more lethal than any weapon on earth Crumbling an empire into rubble, without lifting a finger
This is the world we're living in today, where deceit rules
Driving a wedge amongst nations and polarising people With time being the essence, will humanity wake up in time Sirens are blaring while we continue sleepwalking into oblivion
-Molly Pinto.
A Historic Milestone for Konkani in the Lok Sabha
InNewDelhi,Hon’bleChiefMinister Dr. Pramod Sawant met and extended his greetings to Evita D’Souza, Gauri Mavlinkar, and Samiksha Velip on their appointmentasKonkaniConsultant Interpreters in the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Dear Austin Baab,
You are a blessing to our community. Your tireless work to uplift the Konkani language, culture, and people is truly admirable. Your humble and simple nature is an inspiration to many.
With their induction, arrangements have now been made to enable listening to the entire proceedings of the Lok Sabha in Konkani. The interpreters are currently undergoing training under the guidance of Sharat Krishna Raikar.
From Monday, 18 August 2025, the complete interpretation in Konkani will be broadcast live — a historic first and a proud moment for all Goans and the global Konkanispeakingcommunity.
Happy 75th Birthday, dear Austin Bab Wishingyouatrulyspecial day filled with love, laughter, and
Congratulations on your platinum birthday! Our prayers and wishes are for your continued good health, peace, and happiness so that you can easily score a century without any difficulties.
Warm regards, Roshan D'Silva, Vamanjoor/Dubai
cherished moments. You are more thanjustafriend you’reablessing in my life. Your wisdom, kindness,
and sense of humor have touched so many hearts over the years, and today we celebrate the incredible person you are. May this milestone remind you of all the lives you’ve inspired, the memories you’ve created, and the joy you’ve spread.
Here’s to good health, peace of mind, and many more years of happiness ahead. Cheers to 75 amazing years, my friend! Stay blessedalways.
DayanDʼsouzaandfly -Dubai
Goan is Vatican Observatory's Director. Fr Richard D’Souza SJ
VaticannewsthatPopeLeoXIVhas appointed Fr Richard D’Souza SJ as the new Director of the Vatican Observatory, has received unusual attention. It indeed spells out a lot about Fr. Richard's credentials and popularity in his field. Fr D’Souza borninPune,isofGoandescent.
Hisbasicsetof qualificationsare as follows : BSc Physics, St. Xavier's College, University of Mumbai, India, 2002;MSc Physics, University of Heidelberg, Germany, 2005 Bachelors in Philosophy, Jnana
Deepa Vidyapeth, Pune, India, 2007;Bachelors in Theology, Jnana Deepa Vidyapeth, Pune, India, 2011; PhD in Astronomy, Ludwig MaximilianUniversity,Munich,2016 andsoon.
History of very slow progress: I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Vatican has an enviable Observatory. History indicates the Church in the past has punished scientists like Copernicus (14731543), Bruno (1548-1600) and Galileo(1564-1642).
The Bible says and what scientific observations are well matched. Bible passages imply that the earth isthecentreoftheuniverse,andthe
sun, moon and planets revolve aroundit.Copernicusproposedthat the sun was the centre (heliocentrism)andtheearth,moon and planets revolved around the sun. Copernicus died shortly after publishing his book. Giordano Bruno was not that lucky. He was cremated alive by the Church in 1600 for his “heretical” cosmological views. (Today, thankfully, the Church permits cremationforthedeadonly.)
Galileo,bychance,acquiredasmall telescope. What he saw through it stunned him. In 1610 he published Sidereus Nuncius (Starry Messenger), detailing his telescopic observations and support for the heliocentric model of the solar system. He invited Church leaders to look through the telescope and see for themselves the travelling moons of Jupiter and the craters of our own moon. Church leaders preferredthedrywordsoftheBible over the living witness of their own observations. In 1615 Galileo was accused of heresy for supporting heliocentrism. In 1616 the Church declaredheliocentrismtobeafalse doctrine.
Galileobravelypersistedinscientific observation. In 1632 he published DialogueConcerningtheTwoChief World Systems, further advocating heliocentrism. The very next year Galileo was tried by the Inquisition, found “vehemently suspect of heresy” and sentenced to house arrest. Galileo’sworkswerebanned by the Church in 1633. It took the Churchanother359yearstoissuea formal apology for its treatment of Galileo,andacknowledgementofits error in condemning him and his theories. The formal apology was issued by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Times have changed and Fr Richard D’Souza SJ will have an easiertaskthanGalileoinexplaining whatisoutthereintheuniverse Galileo Galilei
The word insurance is very familiar in our society. It can be a life insuranceorhealthinsurance.Most of the times insurance is ignored. However, we must know why insurance is important and what might happen if there is no insurance.
If we visit any of the country, insurance is mandatory. Without insurance, no visa or any other
documents can be issued. Also, the Insurance Planners or Life Planners hold a big and respectful position there. Then why it ignored in our country. Its only 12% of the population are having the insurance. Rest 88% need to be aware on the importance of insurance and its everyone's responsibility.
“Dotheworksothersaren’twilling to do and you’ll get the things otherswillneverhave” .
As soon as we buy any vehicle, insurancebecomesmandatory. Our life is much more worth than a vehicle.Hence,wemustthinkonthe
insurance on our life. Today we mightbeearninggoodenoughand everything is going well. Incase if the things go wrong, insurance is the big asset, which we have made to our family when there would be noonetoassistthem.
How to overcome ‘I don’t need insurance’. Nobody expects bad things to happen. That’s why we exactly wear a seat belt. We don’t wearit because we expect to crash. We wear it just in case………… Insurance is our financial seat belt. We may feel we never need it. But wewillbesogladifsomethingever happens.
Insurance is not an investment. It is not buying or selling the insurance. It is a product turns into a habit of responsibility. What happens to your family when you are not there anymore. Ifthereisnoinsurance or nootherfinancialsource,ourfamily has to consolidate the assets or business and find out the right way to maintain the things. Why don’t we make sure that they no need to worryaboutcash.
“Risk your money for freedom, ratherthanriskyourfreedomfor money” .
Themostimportantthinginourlife isnotassets.Itscashflow.Youhave theincomethatyourfamilydepend on. Nobody depends on the assets. Everybody depends on cash which is liquid income. Everybody make sure liquid income is coming even though we will not be there to continue the same style that we currently living. When we replace our income, we build our assets. This is what is the purpose of insurance where the income never stops.
We have a wrong thinking that insurance can be claimedonlyafter the death. Its only a part of the
insurance. Assoonasthe insurance termcompletes,thereturns start to cometous.InCOVIDwehavelearnt a big lesson that to bear the huge medical bills, insurance is very important.Insurancewillgiveusthe belowadvantages.
1)Protectionforhealthanddeath
2)Returnsasperthepolicyterms
3)Flexibility
4)Liquidity
5)Taxbenefit-returnsaretaxfree.
6)Financial freedom after retirement
Insteadoftellingtheinsuranceafter death, why can’t we aware the people when they are alive. Just thinkaboutit.
“Consistency is like compound interest, small efforts done daily leadtobigreturns” . By advising others or creating awareness on insurance is a blessing. We may think what that person thinks of us. But it’s not necessary for us. Thus, everybody makes an insurance and encourage othersaswelltomakeaninsurance. If we don’t speak today, somebody elsewillspeak.
“Takeyourfinanciallifeseriously. Money isn't everything, but everythingneedsmoney” .
In one of the events, a family member who was the only earner died,andthegatheredpeoplewere discussing about the insurance. Unfortunately, that person didn’t make the insurance and family was too shocked how to maintain the financial needs of their children.
Finally, by God’s grace these days most of the people are economically well. When we do the savings plans and other investments, let us have proper future saving plan and today itself make a insurance saving plan as well.Also,itsgovernmentmissionto insurance for all by 2047 and let us putamissiontoawarethepeopleof theimportanceofinsurance.
Faith Over Fate: Harold D’Souza’s Mission
to End Human Trafficking Inspires at St. Thomas University:
Miami, Florida | July 31, 2025
One common man is doing uncommon things. A failure once labeled “illegal” is now famous globally. A sinner is shining like a star, illuminating paths of peace, hope, and freedom across continents.
This is not just Harold D’Souza’s story. This is a wake-up call to humanity.
In a world where the shadows of modern slavery continue to claim the lives of millions, one man’s journeyfrombeingtraffickedinthe United States to becoming an
international symbol of hope is transforming hearts, minds, and communities. Harold D’Souza, once avictimoflabortraffickinganddebt bondage, has risen, through faith, resilience, and purpose, to become not just a survivor, but a thriver. Today, he stands tall as the President of Eyes Open International (EOI), inspiring people globally with his message: “A common man can do uncommon things.”
On July 25, 2025, this message echoedpowerfullythroughthehalls of St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, where Dr. Roza Pati, FounderandDirectorofTheJohnJ. Brunetti Human Trafficking
Academy, extended a prestigious invitation to Honorable Harold D’Souza to share the success story of Eyes Open International. As a leading global voice on human rights, Dr. Pati recognized the lifechanging impact of Harold’s mission and gave him the platform toeducate,empower,andenlighten both in-person delegates and hundredsofZoomattendees.
Founded on August 24, 2016, Eyes
Open International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. What began as a dreamhasgrownintoa powerfulglobalmovementworking to prevent human trafficking, protectvulnerablepopulations,and empower survivors. Operational in numerous countries, EOI continues to expand, touching lives across India, Mexico, Ghana, U.A.E., Nepal,
Guatemala, Bangladesh, U.K., Canada,andtheUnitedStates and mostrecently,Tanzania.
Opening his motivational address, Harold humbly shared, “My presenceatSTUisnotaboutme,it’s a pure reflection of all of you, the delegates in person, on Zoom, and your commitment to empowering, enlightening, educating, and encouragingsurvivorstothrive.”
A packed hall and global Zoom audience were leftflabbergasted as Harold unfolded his emotional journey from Pain to Pleasure, HurttoHappiness,FeartoFreedom, and Slavery to Success. He recounted the harsh realities of being trafficked, labeled “illegal,” andstrippedofdignity:yethenever surrendered.
The foundation of Eyes Open International is built on seven core
values: Discipline, Character, Education,Faith,Love,Respect,and Charity. Harold credited these principles as the pillars that carried himfromdespairtodetermination.
Importantly, Harold D’Souza emphasized Eyes Open International’s unwavering commitmenttovictims:“WhenEyes Open International works with victim, we clearly inform them; EOI will support them totally free, without taking a single PENNY. We are not here for profit; we are here forpurpose.
Haroldadded;EOIisjustapostman. We don’t have all the answers; but we connect victims with resources, services, and healing. We deliver hope.
He highlighted a proud moment of EOI’s recent outreach: launching a food mission in Majevu Village, Tanzania, where 100 God’s people
are fed free meals daily through a partnershipwithSr.MariaAnithaof the ASSISI Convent Sisters. Funded entirely by EOI, this initiative exemplifies their on-ground commitment to dignity through directservice.
Harold passionately explained that while America is often the destination country for trafficking, many source countries include India, Mexico, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Eyes Open International is working globally to educate,raiseawareness,andequip communities to prevent trafficking beforeitstarts.
To the attendees, he issued a solemn reminder and a lifeline: “If you or someone you suspect is a victim of labor exploitation, sexual abuse, or LGBTQ harassment in the United States, call 1-888-3737-888. InCanada,dial1-833-900-1010.”
Speaking on red flags, problems, solutions, and resources, Harold didn’t hold back in sharing the darkest moments of his life. He revealedthathistraffickerhadonce hired a hitman to kill him, and thougha4-inchbulletcameclose,it failed to knock down a 6-foot man withunbreakablefaithinGod.
“My trafficker brainwashed me that I would die a slave,” Harold shared, pausing with strength in his voice, “ButIbelieveinFAITH,notfate.”
Haroldthendeliveredacriticaltruth for all in attendance: “Suicide or Silence is not a choice, option or solution. Speaking up is the beginningoffreedom.
Harold’s dream is to see EOI operational in 50 countries and emphasize that EOI is not my organization: it’s yours, it’s ours. Today, I’m alive. Tomorrow, I may notbe.ButEyesOpenInternational will live on to serve victims, survivors, and the vulnerable for generationstocome.
In one of the most powerful declarations of the day, Harold
described how his trafficker once threatened him with arrest, handcuffs, jail, and deportation, mocking him that it was “IMPOSSIBLE”towin.Today,Harold proudly proclaims: “For Harold D’Souza…I.M.POSSIBLE.”
With raw authenticity, he told the audience: “I am a Common Man, a Failure,andaSinner.”
Yet,intheeyesoftheworld,Harold D’Souzaisa shiningstar,proofthat the broken can heal, the oppressed canrise,andthevoicelesscanlead.
As the event concluded, applause filled the hall not only in appreciation but in awe. Delegates, professors, students, judges, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, lawyers, NGO’s and advocates alike left uplifted by the realization that true change is possible; not by superheroes or saviors, but by everyday people choosingtofightforjustice.
This is Eyes Open International, educating, empowering, and elevating the world, one life at a time.
Bishop Francis Serrao
Appointed as Bishop of Mysore
New Delhi, August 15, 2025 (CCBI): His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Francis Serrao, S.J. (66), as the new Bishop of Mysore. The appointment, announced on August 15, 2025, comes while Bishop Serrao is servingastheBishopofShimogain Karnataka and as Chairman of the CCBICommissionforEcumenism.
onMay7ofthesameyear.Bornon August15,1959,inMoodbidriinthe Diocese of Mangalore, he entered the Society of Jesus on January 3, 1979, at Mount St. Joseph, Bangalore. His philosophical and theological studies took place at Jesuitinstitutions SatyaNilayamin Chennai and Jnana Deepa Vidya Peetha in Pune—followed by a Licentiate in Theology from Vidya JyotiCollege,Delhi.
Bishop Serrao, a Jesuit, was appointed Bishop of Shimoga on March 19, 2014, and was ordained
He was ordained a priest on April 30, 1992, and made his perpetual professionintheSocietyofJesuson May 1, 1999. Over the years, his ministry has spanned pastoral service, social action, academic leadership, and community formation. He began with pastoral ministryinMundgodintheDiocese of Karwar, before serving in social development work at Loyola Vikas Kendra in Mundgod. He later directedtheRegionalTheologatein Bangalore, led St. Joseph Church in Anekal as parish priest, served as superior of the Jesuit community in Bejapur, and was rector of St. AloysiusCollegeinMangalore.
His episcopal journey now takes a
new turn as he prepares to shepherd the Diocese of Mysore, bringing with him decades of pastoral experience, Jesuit formation,andadeepcommitment toecumenism.
Bishop Francis Serrao is the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Mysore. Thediocesebecamevacantin2024, andArchbishopBernardMoraswas appointed as its Administrator. The MysoreMissionwasseparatedfrom the Vicariate Apostolic of Pondicherry on 16 March 1845 and madeaPro-Vicariate,laterelevated toaVicariateApostolicin1850.
In 1886, Mysore became a diocese with Bangalore as its headquarters.
Bangalore was separated as a diocese in 1940, followed by the creation of Ootacamund Diocese in 1955 and Chikmagalur Diocese in 1963,bothcarvedoutofMysore.
Today, the Diocese of Mysore comprises the districts of Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar, bordering the dioceses of Bangalore, Ootacamund, Salem, Mananthavady, Kannur, Calicut, Mangalore, and Chikmagalur. It has a Catholic population of 1,34,000, servedby93parishes,140diocesan priests, 108 religious priests, and 893religioussisters.
Dr.StephenAlathara
MCC Bank Celebrates 79th Independence Day with Pride andPatriotism
79th Independence Day was markedwithgrandeurandpatriotic fervour at the Administrative Office of MCC Bank Ltd, on 15th August 2025, uniting staff, dignitaries, and well-wishersinavibrantcelebration ofIndia’sfreedom.
Esteemed personalities, including MrPadhmarajR.Poojary,Advocate, Notary Public, Treasurer of Kudroli Temple Trust, and social worker, along with Mr A.C. Vinayaraj, renownedAdvocateandCorporator ofCourtyard,gracedtheoccasionas ChiefGuests.FormerViceChairman ProfEdmund Frank and Former
Professional Director, Mr Michael DsouzawastheGuestsofHonour.
The highlight of the morning was thehoistingoftheNationalFlagby Chief Guest Mr Padhmaraj R. Poojary. As the tricolour unfurled, thegatheringstoodinsolemn
respect, singing the National Anthem in unison, filling the atmospherewithprideandunity. Chairman of MCC bank Sahakara Ratna Mr Anil Lobo extended a warmwelcometoalldignitariesand guests at the MCC Bank
Independence Day celebration highlighted the importance of celebrating Independence Day withintheBank
In his address, Mr Padhmaraj reflected on the sacrifices of the freedomfightersandurgedcitizens
to uphold constitutional values while embracing India’s “Unity in Diversity.” He also expressed pride inMCCBank’ssteadyprogress. Mr A.C. Vinayaraj, in his speech, reminded the audience of the true essence of Independence,
highlighting Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and its roleinnation-building. The celebration also recognized communityserviceandprofessional excellence. Mangaluru City’s dedicated Traffic Wardens Mr
FrancisMaximMoras,MrSunilJohn Dsouza, Mrs Jayanthi, and Mr Marcel John Rodrigues were felicitated for their selfless contribution to managing city traffic.
Professional Director Mr Sushanth Saldanha was honoured for being elected as President of the Mangalore Diocese Konkani Catholic Lawyers’ Guild, while Director Mr Roshan Dsouza was recognized for his distinguished
service as an advocate completing 25years.
Theeventcommencedwithaprayer song led by Mr Alwyn Dsouza and team. Patriotic songs added a musical touch, lifting the spirits of thegathering.
Pinto, Mr Sushanth Saldanha, Mr Felix Dcruz, Mrs Sharmila Menezes Mr Alwyn P. Monteiro and staff of MCCBankwerepresent. The programme was compered by Mr Jaison Shirthady, with a vote of thanks delivered by the General Manager,MrSunilMenezes.
The event served not only as a tribute to the nation’s freedom but also as a reaffirmation of MCC Bank’s commitment to the community and the values that shapeournation.
Independence Day & Feast of the Assumption
Celebrated at St Anthony’s Destitute Home, Jeppu
On Friday, 15 August 2025, St. Anthony’s Destitute Home, Jeppu, celebrated both the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven and India’s Independence Day with great devotion and patriotism.
The celebration began with a solemnHolyMass,presidedoverby Fr Alwyn DʼSouza, Guardian, St Zuze Vaz Senior Priests’ Home and Director of the Family Life Service
Crasta, FrGilbert, FrPraveen, and Fr Vivian. In his homily, Fr Alwyn highlighted the need for both spiritualfreedomandfreedomfrom external bondage , reminding everyonethattrueliberationbegins intheheart.
AftertheMass,thenationalflagwas unfurledbyFrAlwyn,whoalsopaid respect to the tricolour. This was followedbya rhythmicmarchpast by the residents and students, displaying discipline and unity. The institution’s brass band played stirring patriotic tunes, adding grandeur to the occasion. Patriotic songs and dances were also presented by the residents and students, filling the atmosphere with pride and joy. The programme was directed by Fr Vivian the assistantdirector.
In his address, Fr Alwyn said, “True freedomcomesthroughalifeof
service,andpeaceisessentialforall ofusinsociety.Wemustrespect our nation, its Constitution, and cooperatewiththeauthorities.Let usthanktheAlmightyforthepeace andjoyweenjoytoday.”
The prayer song was rendered beautifullyby Solitaandteam.The Wise Menʼs Club of Mangalore joined the celebration and
sponsored sweets for all. Princita welcomed the gathering, Lohith proposed the vote of thanks, and Shanneal ably compered the programme.
The celebration concluded with a spirit of gratitude to God and renewed commitment to live as responsible citizens and faithful childrenofOurLady.
Mangalore Diocese Unites 1,100
Faithful for BEC Convention at Cordel
Cordel,Kulshekar–August10,2025
The Diocese of Mangalore witnessedahistoricandgrace-filled gathering on August 10, 2025, as 1,100participantsfrom124parishes came together at Cordel Hall, Kulshekar, for the Diocesan-Level Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) Convention on the theme “BECs: Pilgrim People, Living the Synodal Church.”Thedaybeganwithawarm welcomebyRev.DrSunilGeorge
D’Souza,DiocesanDirectorofBECs, whosetthetoneforadayofprayer, reflection,andcommunitybuilding. Theconventionwasinauguratedby Msgr. Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese, who, in his
address,emphasizedtheneedfora participatory Church where every member journeys together in faith and mission. Fr Maxim Dias, representing the KRCBC and the RegionalBECSecretariat,laudedthe DioceseofMangaloreforitsvibrant BEC movement, calling it a model for grassroots evangelization and communityliving.
The first keynote address was delivered by Very Rev. Fr Naveen Pinto, Diocesan Coordinator for Pastoral Commissions, who reflected on the Church’s call to synodality and its mission as a pilgrim people united in prayer, fellowship, and service. The second talk, by Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, focused on The Spirituality of Communion, inspiring participants to deepen their relationship with God and with one another through Gospel living and sharedresponsibility.
The highlight of the morning was the Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. In his homily, the Bishop underlined the importance of leadershipformation atthegrassroots,urgingthefaithful to raise leaders rooted in faith, humility,andservice.
The afternoon session featured a lively panel discussion moderated byRev.FrFrederickMonteiro,Parish Priest of Anjelore. The panelists Rev.DrAlphonsusD’Lima,VeryRev. Fr Naveen Pinto, Prof. Santhosh Saldanha Anegudde, Mrs. Ida Sequeira Milagres, and Mrs. Asha Monteiro offered valuable insights on the pastoral, spiritual, andsocialdimensionsofBECs.They discussed how small Christian communities can foster unity, live out Gospel values in everyday life, and empower lay leaders for parish and neighbourhood ministry. Participant interaction enriched the conversation,makingitboth practicalandinspiring.
In his concluding remarks, Rev. Dr Sunil George expressed deep gratitude to all who worked tirelessly for the success of the convention. Mrs. Asha Monteiro, Diocesan BEC Secretary, proposed the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging clergy, lay leaders, and volunteers. ThedayconcludedwiththeClosing BibleCeremonyandblessingledby Rev. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, Director of the Pastoral Institute, commissioning participants to continue their mission as Pilgrim People.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Mrs. Thresa Cardoza of Moodbidri.
The convention was a true celebration of faith, fellowship, and shared mission renewing the Diocese’s commitment to walk together as a Synodal Church, rooted in Gospel values and dedicatedtocommunitybuildingat everylevel.
Bondel welcomes Pilgrims of Hope to a grace-filled Feast of St Lawrence.
The Annual Feast of St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, was celebrated with heartfelt devotion and vibrant grandeur on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The joyous occasion began with the Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, inaugurating thenewlyopenedstallattheshrine, offeringavarietyofspiritualarticles tothe faithful. Tofurtherenrich the atmosphere of prayer and reflection, a special candle-lighting provision was also introduced,
creating a serene and sacred space for devotees to deepen their spiritualconnection.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided as the main celebrant of the feast. Concelebrating with him were Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest; Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Very Rev. Fr James D’Souza, Vicar Forane of the City Varado; along with several diocesan and religious
priestsfromvariouscongregations. Inhisheartfelthomily, BishopPeter Paul Saldanha called St Lawrence a priceless treasure of the Holy Catholic Church and a shining example of unwavering faith and divine love. He spoke of St Lawrence’s sacred mission andcourage in martyrdom a love
so strong that even the fiercest flames could not silence him. Though consumed by fire, St. Lawrenceremainedsilent,sustained by the fire of Christ’s love burning within him—a flame no earthly suffering could extinguish. This inner fire is his enduring witness to usall.
Drawing from the Gospel where Jesussaysthewheatmustfalltothe soil to bear fruit and calls us to “Come, follow me,” the Bishop urged the faithful to embrace their Christian calling with hope and courage. Following Christ means accepting the cross, trusting that sufferingleadstonewlife.Inaworld
often filled with hardship, Bishop Saldanha encouraged all to keep their hope rooted in Christ, who transformssufferingintoglory.May StLawrence’sexampleinspiresusto live with faith, sacrificial love, and courageinChrist’sfootsteps. Bishop Peter Paul extended his warmwishestoalltheParishclergy,
concelebrants, and devoted Parishioners, greeting them with a joyousfeastcelebration.Theliturgy was gracefully led by the Parish Council members, while the Bondel Church Choir uplifted the spiritual ambiance with their soulful and melodious singing. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the
Parish Priest, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop, all concelebrants, Shrine Committee Members, volunteers from all fields including those at the food counters,stalls,parking,liturgy,and cleanliness teams PPC members, soundsystemandmediateams,and Parishioners for making the celebration meaningful and filled with grace. Donors were felicitated withflowerbouquetsandcandlesas tokensofappreciation.
NRI entrepreneur Mr Michael D’Souza was specially honored as the generous donor of the adoration chapel. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Michael shared his deep affection for St Lawrence Shrineandhisprofounddevotionto the saint, assuring every one of his prayers through the chapel’s enduringpresence.
In a profound display of unity, devotees from all religions thronged the shrine, offering homage and reflecting the beauty of mutual respect. Special prayers were lifted for all donors and devoteesofSt.Lawrence.
The festivities will conclude with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 6:00 p.m.,celebratedbyBishopEmeritus,
observed World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2025, at the college auditorium with the objective of raisingawarenessabouthepatitis,a silent yet serious disease affecting millions worldwide. The event primarily benefitted students from Milagres Central School and firstyearB.Sc.Nursingstudents. The program commenced with a prayer song, setting a solemn and respectful ltone fortheoccasion
. This was followed by a warm welcome address delivered by Ms. Vidya Ferrao. Ms. Hanna Anusha then introduced the theme of the day:“Hepatitis:Let'sBreakItDown.” The theme emphasized the importance of demystifying hepatitis and educating the public
onitsprevention,transmission,and management. The keynote address was delivered by the Resource
Person,Dr.RitheshJosephD’Cunha, AssociateProfessoratFatherMuller Medical College. In his insightful andinformativesession,Dr.Rithesh shed light on the global burden of viral hepatitis and underscored the importance of early diagnosis, preventive strategies, and communityeducation.
Dr.DianaLobo,PrincipalofMilagres College of Nursing, addressed the audience and stressed the value of observing global health days. She encouraged students to actively engage in such awareness initiatives,fosteringasenseofsocial
responsibility and inspiring future nurses to serve as proactive health advocates.
Aspartoftheobservance:
• A poster competition was organizedfornursingstudents,and the winning entries were awarded prizes.
• An exhibition of informative posters was displayed throughout the college premises to educate students and visitors on the types, symptoms, and preventive measuresofhepatitis.
• First-year B.Sc. Nursing students performed a melodious song focused on the prevention of hepatitis, further spreading awarenessthroughmusic.
The program was compered by Ms. Anshel. The event successfully combinededucation,creativity,and engagement, reinforcing the college’scommitmenttopromoting public health awareness and inspiring future nurses to become proactivehealthadvocates.
ICYM Bondel Unit Hosts “Pavsa Khel
2025” – A Day of Unity and Celebration.
“Pavsa Khel” is a traditional monsoon-themed inter-ward water games event promoting fun and unity. The ICYM Bondel Unit successfullyhostedPavsaKhel2025 onSunday,27thJulyat2:30p.m. at the St. Lawrence English Medium Schoolpremises.
The event was inaugurated in a specialandmeaningfulwaybyRev.
Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the Parish PriestofBondel.Unlikeatraditional ribbon-cutting, the inauguration was done in a unique style that set a joyful and symbolic tone for the day.
The President of ICYM Anson Rego extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to all the distinguished guests present for the event. As a gesture of love and appreciation, each guest was presented with a rose.Thedignitariesincluded:–Rev. FrAndrewLeoD’Souza,ParishPriest
Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, ICYM Director and Assistant Parish Priest.
– Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, – Mr John D’Silva, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, –Mr Santosh Misquith, Secretary, ParishPastoralCouncil,–MrsZeena Cornelio, ICYM Animator, – Anson Rego,ICYMPresident,JeslinNinora, ICYMSecretary
– Ashton D’Souza, host from City Varado,Their gracious presence added charm and value to the celebration.
Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza extended his best wishes to all the participants and congratulated the ICYM team for successfully organizing the event. He encouraged everyone with the inspiring words: "Play with joy, and accept failures – for they are the steppingstones to success. “The inter-ward competition beautifully reflectedthespiritofunity,love,and brotherhood among all the wards, making it a truly memorable and meaningfulgathering.
At the beginning of the event, Ashton D’Souza, the host from City Varado, explained the rules to the participants and coordinated the
entire games with commendable clarityandenergy.
The day witnessed enthusiastic participation from 21 wards, featuringinter-wardgames,cultural dance performances, and engaging competitions for men, women, and children.
In the evening, during the prize distributionceremony,Rev.Fr.Peter congratulated all the participants and emphasized two key values: "Unite parishes with love and teamwork,"and"Supportandguide theyouthastheygrow–forthisisa traininggroundfortheirfuture."He highlighted that the enthusiastic participation from parishioners reflectedtheunityandtogetherness among the wards and within the entireparishcommunity.
The celebration also marked the birthday of ICYM Director, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, whose birthday fell on 19th July. The occasion was joyfully commemorated with a cake-cutting ceremony, joined by theguestsonthedais.
. MsJeslinNinoraproposedtheVote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all who made the event a success –specialheartfeltgratitudetoRev.Fr
Peter Gonsalves for graciously rendering the school premises for thesuccessfulconductoftheevent., Ashton, SoundSystem, the DJ, Devi Caterers, Cherish Events, ICYM animator, and all enthusiastic participants.
During the event, YCS and ICYM members showcased their talents through a vibrant dance performance that captured the attentionofallparishioners
Ms Preemal Saldanha efficiently compered the program.The Executive Committee members from the City of Varado served as the judges for the day’s competitions. To recognize the effortsanddedicationofthosewho workedtirelesslybehindthescenes, mementos were presented to all individuals who significantly contributed to the successful organizationofthisevent.
Ms Zeena Carnelio, the animator, proudly announced the winners of the various games, adding excitement to the prize distribution ceremony.
WinnersofPavsaKhel2025:
1stPlace:SacredHeartWard
2ndPlace:St.AnnaWard
As the event ended, the ICYM members sang their theme song, followed by a lively wireless dance, adding to the festive spirit of the day.
With energy, harmony, and dedication, the ICYM Bondel Unit brought to life a celebration that reflected the true essence of parish unity, joyful teamwork, and the dynamicspiritofyouth.
Photography:Canʼtupload Report:MeenaSerraoBarboza
Pilgrims of Hope Gather in Prayer – Night Vigil at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel.
In preparation for the annual feast of St. Lawrence, a night vigil was held at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel. The vigil began at 6:00 p.m. on 26th July and continued until 6:00 a.m. on 27th July. At 4:00 p.m., the Kripa Abhishekha Prayer Group led a
vibrant session of praise and worship. Their joyful singing set a spiritualtoneforthenightahead.
At 5:00 p.m., Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration were led by Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza from the Diocese of Pilgrims of Hope Gather in Prayer – Night Vigil at St. LawrenceChurch&Shrine,Bondel
In preparation for the annual feast of St. Lawrence, a night vigil was held at St. Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel. The vigil began at 6:00 p.m. on 26th July and continued until 6:00 a.m. on 27th July. At 4:00 p.m., the Kripa Abhishekha Prayer Group led a vibrant session of praise and worship. Their joyful singing set a spiritualtoneforthenightahead.
At 5:00 p.m., Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration were led by Rev. Fr. Franklin D’Souza from the Diocese of Shimoga. He preached onthe grace of God, saying, “If you believe and have faith, nothing is impossible for God.” He invited the faithful to repent and believeinthe Gospel. After Mass, Fr Franklin led healing prayers during adoration.
Br Prashant Frank from Kripa Abhishekha Prayer Group shared histestimony.Hespokeofhiscallto the preaching ministry. His team works to spread God’s Word and bring youth closer to Jesus. He emphasized prayer, obedience, and listening to God’s voice. The Kripa Abhishekha Prayer Group led the session with beautiful hymns that touchedthesoul.
Rev.Fr Abraham SVD reflected on thelifeof St Lawrence. He spoke of thesaint’sservice,humility,andlove for the poor. Fr Abraham highlighted St Lawrence’s courage anddevotiontill hismartyrdom. He reminded everyone to live with prayer,compassion,andsacrifice.
Br Prakash from the Divine Mercy Prayer Group, Bandra, led a session of adoration and healing. He reflected on Psalm 121, encouragingtrustinGod.Heledthe Divine Mercy Chaplet with deep devotion.Hiswordsonthepowerof Scripture inspired and uplifted
many.
Rev. Fr Harry D’Souza, Spiritual Director of the Minor Seminary, Jeppu, shared a touching message. Hespokeaboutthepowerofprayer and worship. His session included devotional bhajans that moved hearts. He reminded the faithful to praiseGodwithsimplicityandlove.
The night vigil concluded with the HolyMassat5:45a.m.celebratedby Rev.FrHarryandconcelebratedby
USWAS,Shirva
Rev.FrAndrew LeoD’Souza.
After the Mass, the devotees received the Sacrament of the Anointing. Fr. Andrew thanked all for their prayerful participation. He also expressed gratitude to the organizers, prayer groups, and volunteers.
The vigil ended in peace and joy. Hearts were renewed. Souls were strengthened.Itwastrulyanightof grace,healing,andhope.
Grandparents Day Celebrations in the Diocese of Shimoga
Shivamogga, July 28, 2025: The Diocese of Shimoga celebrated Grandparents Day on July 27, 2025,
withgreatenthusiasmanddevotion in various parishes. The day was marked with special Holy Eucharist
celebrationsandprogramstohonor the elderly and promote intergenerationalbonding.
DiocesanYouthDirector,celebrated Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. and delivered a meaningful homily on theimportanceofgrandparentsand the need to care for them. The 'Hongirana' association for the elderly, which has been active for fifteen years, organized a program after the Mass. Parish Priest Rev. Msgr.StanyD’Souza,Directorofthe association, Sr. Dorothy, animator, and Mr. Victor D'Souza, President, playedkeyrolesinthecelebration.
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga:
At Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, Fr. Franklin D'Souza,
CarmelDeaneryProgram: The Women Commission, led by Directoress Sr. Elize, organized a
special program for grandparents and the elderly at Infant Jesus Shrine, Sharavathinagar, Shivamogga.ResourcepersonsRev. Fr. Simon Pinto, Coordinator of DiocesanPastoralCommissions,Mr. T.V.Davis,andRev.Fr.BijuThomas shared valuable insights. The program concluded with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Simon Pintoat12:15p.m.
OtherParishes:
Grandparents Day was also celebratedinthefollowingparishes:
1. *Monti Mary Church, Talaguppa*: Mission Director Rev. Fr. Regan Furtado (link unavailable) offered Holy Eucharist and blessed thegrandparentsandelderly.
2. *Christ the King Church, Jogfalls*: Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Salvador Fernandes celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparentsandelderly.
3. *St. Thomas Church, Davanagere*: Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Anthony Nazareth celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparentsandelderly.
4. *Good Shepherd Church, Gopala*: Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Stephen Maxi Albuquerque celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
5. *Church of Our Lady of Vailankanni, Old Town, Bhadravati*: Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Steevan D'Sa celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparentsandelderly.
6. *Mary Immaculate Church, New Town, Bhadravati*: Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Lancy Barthalomeo D'Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
7.*OurLadyofPerpetualSuccour Church, Kargal*: Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Lawrence D'Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparentsandelderly.
The celebrations brought together families and communities to honor
thewisdom,experience,andloveof grandparents,promotingasenseof gratitude and respect for the elderly.
Batate(Potato)Pickle
Ingredients
1. Potatoes – 2 nos
2. Red Byadgi Chillies (whole) – 8
3. Ramnad Chillies – 4
4. Coriander Seeds – ½ tsp
5. Hing / Asafoetida – small piece
6. Methi (Fenugreek) Seeds – ¼ tsp
7. Tamarind – 1 inch piece
8. Salt – to taste
9. Mustard Seeds – for tempering
10. Curry Leaves – 10 nos
11. Coconut Oil – as required
Method
1. Clean, peel, and cut the potatoes into small pieces. Boil them in water until just cooked.
2. Heat a little coconut oil in a frying pan. Fry both types of chillies until crisp and remove.
3. In the same oil, fry coriander seeds, hing, and methi seeds until golden brown.
4. Transfer the fried spices and chillies to a mixer jar. Add tamarind and grind into a fine paste using little water.
5. Pour this ground masala into a vessel, add salt, and let it boil.
6. Add the boiled potato pieces and simmer for a few minutes so they absorb the masala.
7. For tempering: Heat a little oil, splutter mustard seeds, add curry leaves, and pour over the pickle.
8. Mix well and serve hot with neer dosa or idli.
This is a traditional, slightly spicy and tangy Konkani-style side dish!
Under the Leadership of Catholic Sabha Mangalore
Pradesh (R), Bantwal Deanery
With the support of the Dakshina Kannada Minority Welfare Department and Corporation, and theChristianDevelopment
Corporation, an awareness camp was inaugurated on the benefits available to minorities by HonourableMLCMr.IvanD’Souza.
He encouraged the gathering to understand the facilities provided bytheMinorityWelfareDepartment and the Christian Development Corporation and urged everyone in the community to make efforts to avail these government schemes. HecalledupontheCatholicSabha
tobeeneficiariesreceivethebenefit.
Delivering the blessing and speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Victor D’Souza, the Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha, emphasized that all churches and deanery units should take responsibility in ensuring that the eligible beneficiaries from theminority communities receive theentitledfacilities.
Mr. Santosh D’Souza, President of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R),participatedasachiefguestand congratulated the president, office bearers, and members for organizingtheawarenesscampand for working toward providing facilitiestominorities.
Another chief guest, Mr. Pius L Rodrigues, stated that merely providing information about the benefits from the Christian Development Corporation and other minority-related schemes is not enough. He highlighted that manyinourcommunitystruggleto avail RTC and other government benefitsandrequestedtheCatholic Sabhatotakeresponsibilitytoassist suchpeopleinthecomingdays.
Mr. Arun Roshan D’Souza, another chiefguest,appreciatedtheBantwal deanery of the Catholic Sabha for organizing the camp and remarked that the community is not coming forward to claim the benefits availableforminoritiesandfromthe government. He said such awarenesscampsarenecessary.
Mr. Stany Lobo, former Central President and Political Coordinator, spoke as another chief guest and mentioned that under the leadership of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R), two meetingshavealreadybeenheldto plan out strategies to ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive benefits from the Minority Welfare Department,ChristianDevelopment Corporation, and the government. He urged all units and members of the Catholic Sabha to take leadership and ensure the community members get these benefits.
Mr. Manjunath R, District Manager, provided detailed information on the benefits available from the MinorityWelfareDepartment.
Mr. Yashodhar J, District Manager, shared information on the schemes from the Minority Corporation and the Christian Development Corporation.
The program was presided over by Mr. John Lasrado, Deanery
President, who welcomed the gathering.Mr.AustinLobo,Deanery Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.Theeventwascomperedby Mr. Kelvin Fernandes from the Bambilunit.
Grandparents' Day Celebration at Our Lady of Vailankanni Church, Gandhinagar, Bhadravath
On 27th July 2025, Our Lady of Vailankanni Church, Gandhinagar, Bhadravathi, joyfully celebrated Grandparents' Day with great reverence and gratitude. The event
was organized by the Catechism Commission, under the leadership of Sr. Theresa Mascarenhas SCB, who guided the catechism children in preparing meaningful and
prayerfulliturgy.
Children dressed as elderly individuals, carrying thoughtful messages urging the faithful to show love and gratitude to the elderly. Their presentation placards respect, care for, and the celebration began with a solemn
entrance procession led by beautifullyhighlightedthethemeof honoring the elders in our families andsociety.
During the homily, Fr. Steevan D'Sa delivered a heart-touching sermon, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of grandparents and elderly
members in the family. His words deeply moved the congregation, remindingeveryoneof the wisdom, values, and blessings that elders bringintoourlives.
A special moment of adorationwas held, duringwhich heartfeltprayers wereofferedforthehealingofbody and soul of all elderly members present. In a touching gesture, the Blessed Sacrament was brought close to them, giving them an opportunity to touch and receive a personal blessing, which brought greatcomfortandspiritualjoy. FollowingtheEucharistic
celebration, the grandparents and elderly were honored and appreciated for their lifelong contributions and continued presenceintheparish.Asatokenof love and recognition, each elderly person was presented with a blanket, symbolizing the community’s warmth and gratitude towardsthem.
The day concluded with smiles, blessings, and a renewed sense of appreciationfortheelderly,whoare indeedapreciousgifttotheChurch andthecommunity.
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL-A SOFT SKILL PROGRAM
The Department of Chemistry organized a soft-skill program‘Unlocking Potential’ which focused onTimeManagement.Theprogram began with Ms. Anvitha Shetty welcoming the gathering. A prayer song led by Ms Rani Mariyal and group filled the room with a sense of calmness and peace. The resourcepersonofthedaywasMrs.
Carol Pais – an alumna of St Agne Collegewhoisarenownedsoft-skill trainer.
Mrs.CarolPaisbeganthesessionby allocating the students into different groups and assigning them activities to boost their enthusiasm and build teamwork. Through various games and activities, the students were informedabouttopicsrangingfrom stress reduction, procrastination, and most importantly, time management. The session was engagingandencouragedstudents in learning tips on how to manage time and how to enhance their personality by effective Time Management. Allthe studentswere given an opportunity to work with each other as a team, which was interesting. Overall, the students were able to take part in a collaborative way and learn some valuable lessons. The program concluded with Ms. Nikitha proposingtheVoteofThanks.
DioceseofMangaluruStrongly
Condemnsthe UnlawfulArrestand HarassmentofTwo Catholic Nuns in Chhattisgarh.
PRESS RELEASE Diocese of Mangaluru Strongly Condemns the Unlawful Arrest and Harassment of Two Catholic Nuns in Chhattisgarh. The Diocese of Mangalore expresses deep anguish and strong condemnation over the recent unjustarrestandharassmentoftwo Catholic Religious Sisters in Chhattisgarh. The incident, reportedly incited by members of a right-wingoutfit,isagraveviolation ofreligiousfreedom,humandignity and in particular dignity of women. Thedistressingincidentoccurredon 25 July 2025 at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh.TheSistersas well as a third person were accompanyingthreeyoungwomen, all of whom were above the age of 18andtravelingwithfullknowledge andwrittenconsentoftheirparents. Yet they were wrongfully detained and allegedly assaulted. Even more disturbingly, when the parents
arrived at the station, the police unlawfully denied them access to their daughters. Moreover, adding charges under Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act,1968 – whichwasabsentinthe original FIR, raises serious concerns about manipulation and abuse of the legal process. The failure of law enforcement authorities in protecting the innocent citizens appears either intimidated or complicit with the right-wing groups.Atthecontextofincreasing attacks on Christians in India, the presentincidentalarminglydisplays religious intolerance and lawlessness in the Country. Such acts particularly against women Religious, who have committed their lives to prayer, education, and service, are deeply distressing and unacceptable in a democratic society.Themisuseofforceandlaw under mob pressure undermines
the Constitution of India, which guaranteeseverycitizentherightto practice and propagate their religion under Article 25. This incident is not just a violation of law itisaviolationofthevaluesof peace, unity, and respect that India has long cherished. The Diocese of Mangalore calls for the following immediate actions: 1. Immediate and unconditional release of the two detained nuns, along with a public clarification of their innocence. 2. A judicial inquiry into the incident, including the conduct of the police and those involved in the mob action. 3. Strong legal actionagainstindividualsorgroups misusing anti-conversion laws to
spread fear and hatred. 4. A firm assurance from the Chhattisgarh State Government to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of all religiousminorities.
TheDioceseofMangalorestandsin solidarity with the victims and calls for peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity. We urge civil society, interfaith leaders, human rights organizations, and responsible citizens to speak out boldlyagainstsuchactsofinjustice. We hope justice and peace prevail inourcountry.
PublicRelationOfficer
The Catholic Diocese of Mangalore Mangaluru
(Rons Bantwal)
Mumbai,Aug.11:Whenwecometo
the Bunt Sangha, we desire to see greater participation, especially from learned and intellectual professionals like doctors, lawyers and chartered accountants. Although some are active, bringing doctorsactivelyonboardremainsa challenge. This is because their professional lives are very different from others. We can share or postpone our work, but doctors, who are deeply involved in the critical care of their patients, with
patients waiting for them, find it hardtosparetime.Amongsomany Bunt organizations, it is a great honor for me to have the opportunity provided by the Bunt Doctors’platform.Therevivalofthe doctors’ association brings immense joy and satisfaction, saidDr. Shashikiran Shetty, CMD of ofAllCargoLogistics.
The Association of Bunt Doctors Mumbai (ABD) organized the Bunts MegaMedicalSummitonSundayat theMrs.RadhabaiTimmappa
Bhandari Auditorium of Buntara Bhavan, Kurla East. The event includedahealthawarenesssession like Mega Health Seminar and an expertPaneldiscussion.
With the aim of understanding the four aspects of well-being physical, mental, social, and spiritual and living a disease-Free life (4+1=100)up to 100 years,ABD President Dr. Satyaprakash Shetty presided over the Wellness Knowledge Summit, which was inaugurated by Praveen Bhoja Shetty, President of Bunts Sangha
Mumbai, who lit the ceremonial lamp.Dr.ShashikiranShettywasthe chief guest and unveiled the Bunt Doctors’ Emblem (Logo) and the Buntdoctors.com website. He commended the capable President PraveenShettyandappreciatedthe care shown by Dr. Satyaprakash Shetty in managing the Bunt Doctors’organization.
Praveen Shetty spoke, praising Dr. Satyaprakash Shetty as an exceptional talent in the medical field.Underhisgreatleadership,the restorationoftheBuntDoctors’
association is commendable. It is myfortuneandhonortoinaugurate the event as the President of the Bunt Sangha. Everyone knows that the Bunt Sangha is a large organization. As its president, I consideritmygoodfortunetounite all Bunt organizations and foster brotherhood among Bunts. Regardless of personal equations, theBuntSanghamusttreatallother Bunt organizations fraternally, he stated.
A special feature of today’s event was that doctors wore their white
coats and sat together with their own patients. Typically, one sits opposite the doctorinthe patient’s seat, but here about 30 specialists gathered differently. It is our intention to bring out the intellectualresourcesofthecountry thatremainunderutilized.Todaywe are ready to come together on a common platform and prepare to engage in social service in the coming days. This was the foundational idea behind forming the Association of Bunt Doctors, explainedDr.SatyaprakashShettyin hispresidentialaddress.
Vinay Shetty, CEO of Life Blood Council and CA. Shankar B.Shetty (Former President, Bunts Sangha Mumbai) and Auditor & Advisor of ABD, along with Shobha S.Shetty and Vedanth S. Shetty, were speciallyhonored.
Senior experienced doctors, including Dr. Padmini Shetty, Dr. Sundar Shetty, Dr. Tukaram Shetty, Dr. V. Shivananda Shetty, Dr. Seetharam M. Shetty, Dr. Umavati Shetty, Dr. Narendranath Shetty, and Dr. Mahabal Shetty were felicitated for their excellent service tosociety.
Doctors present included Dr. Vijay Shetty (MS. Orthopaedics Director, Hiranandani Hospital), Prof. Dr. Sadanand R.Shetty (Director of Cardiology Somaiya Superspeciality Institute), Dr Shishir Shetty (Consultant Surgical Oncologist Fortis Hospital, Vashi Gleneagles Hospital Parel), Dr. Sangeeta S. Shetty (MD, DGO, CMIP Gynecologist and Menopausal Consultant), Dr. Vidya Shetty (Gynecologist, MBBS, DGO, LLB), Mrs. Sujata Ashtekar (Co-
ordinatorRegionalandState-Organ and Tissue Transplant (ROTTOSOTTO-KEM Hospital), CA. Bhavesh Thakkar (PRO, Secure Investments), Dr. Rajiv Kovil (DiabetologistNanavati, Raheja Hospital), Dr. Laxmikant Kasat (Paediatric Surgeon, TEDX and motivational speaker. Jupiter Hospital, Thane), Dr. Harish Shetty (Eminent Psychiatrist) and Dr. Ashit Hegde (Shetty Test for Ankle Fractures. Knee Pain and Osteoporosis) who shared health-related information and advised on health care and protection. Amongthesponsorsanddignitaries presentwereMaheshS.Shetty(Vice President),Dr.RKShetty(Hon.Gen. Secretary) of Bunt Sangha Mumbai; Advocate D.K. Shetty, President of Bombay Bunt Association; K.C. Shetty (President) & S.B. Shetty (Vice President) of IBCCI; CA. Vishwanath Shetty, President of ABCA; Advocate Prabhakar Shetty, President of Bunt’s Law Forum; CA. Karunakar Shetty, President of Mulund Bunts; Ashok M.Shetty, President of Thane Bunts; Rajesh B. Shetty, President of JAVAB; and sponsors B. Vivek Shetty (Vishwat),
Dr. P.V. Shetty (Payyade), Krishna Y.Shetty, Uma Krishna Shetty (Krishna Palace), Sanjeeva N.Shetty (Ashwit)N.VivekShetty(Association of Bunts Engineering) among others. The president Dr. Satyaprakash Shetty honored them and other Heads of various organizations.
Many prominent Bunts including Thonse Anand M.Shetty (Organic), Kishan J.Shetty, ABD General Secretary Dr. Udaya Shetty, Vice Presidents Dr. Ajit Shetty and Dr. RanjanShenava,TreasurerDr.Vidya
Shetty, Joint Secretary Dr. Shravan Shetty, Advisor Dr. Sadanand R. Shetty, Chief Coordinator Dr. Swaroop Hegde, and Dr. Tushar Hegdewerepresent.
Shuti Shetty and Sneha Shetty offered prayers. Dr. Satyaprakash Shetty welcomed and introduced the event. Dr. Ajit Shetty and Prof. Dr. Vijeta S.Shetty introduced the guests and anchored the program. Office bearers honored the guests by presenting bouquets and mementos. Dr. Uday Shetty offered avoteofthanks.
Anil Kapoor Presents ₹75 Lakh Cheque to Dr.
Dharmendra Kumar at GJEPC Event for Nation's Largest Free Medical
Camp
Mumbai, Aug.06: In a proud moment for the healthcare and socialservicecommunity,legendary
Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, along with GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali, ViceChairmanShaunakParikh,and
former Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, presented a ₹75 lakh cheque to Dr. DharmendraKumar,founderofR.K. HIVAIDSResearchandCareCentre, ataspecialceremonyheldattheJio World Convention Centre, BKC, Bandra(W).
The honor was part of a grand felicitationhostedbyGJEPC(Gem& Jewelry Export Promotion Council) inrecognitionoftheNGO'srecordbreaking achievement of conductingtheWorld’sLargestFree General Medical Camp, acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records. Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Dharmendra Kumar thanked GJEPC for their trust and generous contribution. “This support strengthens our mission to reach the unreached. Our commitment is to ensure no one is denied healthcareduetolackofresources,”
he said. Forovertwodecades,Dr.Kumarhas ledfreemedicalcampsacrossIndia, offering critical services to millions. His NGO has also been organizing free healthcare camps exclusively for Bollywood workers for the past four years. Beyond general medical care, the organization has distributed thousands of wheelchairs, free reading glasses, and medicines worth crores to needy patients across the country further cementing its role as a lifeline for underserved communities.
Dr.Kumarisalsoactivelyinvolvedin the “TV Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”, a tuberculosis eradication initiative in collaboration with the Government of India. This significant supportfrom GJEPC highlights the power of collective goodwill and public-private collaboration in transforming lives.
The event brought together icons fromhealthcare,entertainment,and
business to celebrate a shared commitmenttonationalwell-being.
August 06 has been declared Helen D’Cruz Day as a celebration of music
Mumbai(RBI),Aug.06:Onthebirth anniversary of the legendary Helen D’Cruz, an iconic voice in Konkani musicandatrailblazerforwomenin Indian broadcasting we write to sharewithyouadeeplymeaningful tribute event and announcement that we hope you will consider
featuring in your esteemed publication.
August 6, 2025, has been declared Helen DʼCruz Day , a celebration of music, memory, and legacy. As the first female MangaloreanKonkanisingerto
cleartheAll-IndiaRadioauditionin her very first attempt, Helen D’Cruz’s contributions span music, journalism, social service, and community impact. Her enduring anthem “Ye Ye Katrina” and her work with legends such as Hemant Kumar remain unmatched in the historyofKonkanimusic.
Thisyear’stributeincludes:
· A global music competition, inviting performers worldwide to honorherlegacy.
· A special musical presentation by her daughter
Lorraine Fiona Aloysius and a musician – intheformof"ASonata for My Mother" , combining BeethovenandKonkanirhythms.
· The announcement of a memoir,OneMinuteMum,which captures Helen’s journey of artistic excellence,resilience,andlove.
HelenD’Cruz’simpactwentbeyond performance – she was a writer, a bilingual artist, a mentor, and a quietforceforgoodincommunities fromMangaloretoKuwait.Through hervoice,sheshapedthesoundof
As her son-law / daughter and CoFounders of Lorraine Music Academy, wewouldbe honouredif you could feature this story in your publication. We believe it will resonatedeeplywithyourreaders –celebrating the unsung legacy of a woman whose song is still being sung by the generations she inspired.
Helen DʼCruz Day: A Global Musical Tribute & New Book Launch
With grace and gratitude, today — August6, the birth anniversary of Helen DʼCruz we honor the lifeandlegacyofoneofthegreatest voicesofKonkanimusic.Celebrated across continents, yet always remaining deeply personal, Helen’s journeycontinuestoinspire.
HerLegacy:FromAIRPioneerto IconofKonkaniMusic
· Helen D’Cruz was the firstfemaleMangalorean Konkani singer to pass the All-India Radio audition in her very first attempt, sett
aprecedentforgenerationsto come.
· Her hit duet “Ye Ye Katrina” , recorded in the early 1970s with Henry D’Souza, became a cultural anthem played daily on AIR for over four years due to popular demand an unprecedented featinKonkanimusic.
· She released her first LP under the His Master’s Voice
(HMV)labelandlaterrecorded with the legendary Hemant Kumar, who personally garlanded her followingtheirduet.
· Honored with the SandeshaKonkaniMusic Award (Lifetime Achievement) in 2020, she wascelebratednotonlyforher voice but for her contribution toupliftingKonkaniculture.
LifeBeyondMusic
Helenwasnotjustasinger.Shewas:
· A journalist and writer, with published short fiction inMirrormagazine and scripts sold to Bollywood’s late music directorRavi.
· A devoted social worker active in church, founding Seekers to support theunderprivileged,andother socialworkduringheryearsin Kuwait.
HelenʼsLegacyContinues Her musical lineage lives on through her daughter Lorraine Fiona Aloysius’ Lorraine Music Academy, with students across five continents; through her daughter Marianne’sThe Singing Express ;
and granddaughter Sarah’s work teachingmusictospecial-needs
children.
India’s Clean Energy Leap: Vardhaan
Lithium to Build First Refinery in Nagpur
Mumbai, Aug.03: India is taking a monumental step toward clean energyself-reliancewiththelaunch of its first-ever lithium refining and batterymanufacturingfacility,tobe builtinAdditionalButibori,Nagpur, Maharashtra. The project, led by Vardhaan Lithium (I) Pvt. Ltd., representsastrategicinvestmentof Rs.42,532crore, andaimstocreate asecure,domesticsupplyoflithium to power India's electric future. Atthehelmofthisambitiousvision are Sunil Joshi (Chairman) and Vedansh Joshi (Managing Director), whose leadership is driving the establishment of a world-class
facility spanning 500 acres, making itoneofthelargestsuchprojectsin Asia.
Indiaʼs Lithium Breakthrough Thenewfacilitywillboastanannual refiningcapacityof60,000tonnesof lithium, along with a battery production capacity of 20 GWh, designed to support everything from electric vehicles to residential and industrial energy storage systems.
With India currently dependent on lithiumimports,thisdevelopmentis a crucial step in establishing a selfsustaining lithium supply chain vitalforthecountry'senergy
security and clean technology ambitions.
InSyncwith‘MakeinIndiaʼVision
Fully aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Make in India' initiative, this project showcases India's readiness to take charge of its future in green technology and innovation. It places India firmly on the map as a competitive manufacturer in the global battery ecosystem.
Global Partnerships and WorldClass Standards
By collaborating with top technology partners from the USA and Europe, Vardhaan Lithium ensures that every stage of the production process from refining to battery assembly meets the highestglobalstandardsforquality, safety, and sustainability.
Maharashtra: The New Clean EnergyHub
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been instrumentalinsecuringthisproject for the state. The deal was formalized during the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, reinforcing Maharashtra’s status as a forwardthinking industrial powerhouse. Hosting India’s first lithium refinery places Maharashtra at the center of the nation’s green industrial revolution.
Driving Economic Growth and Jobs
Beyond its technological and environmental significance, the project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, uplifting local communities and creating a thriving clean-tech ecosystem in and around Nagpur. Ancillary industries such as
component suppliers, logistics, and services will also see accelerated growth as a result. Energizing Indiaʼs Green Future
As global demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to surge driven by the EV boom and renewable energy storage India’s entry into large-scale lithium refining could not come at a better time. The Vardhaan Lithium project is set to playa defining role in the country’s energy transition, reducing reliance
on imports and empowering the nation toward clean energy independence.
The launch of India’s first lithium refinery and battery plant by VardhaanLithium(I)Pvt. Ltd. marks a historic leap for the country. By building local capacity, embracing global innovation, and driving economic development, this initiative is poised to transform India into a global leader in sustainableenergymanufacturing.
Mumbai,Aug.03:Thecurrentmedia landscape is one of the biggest challengesandreportingisdubious. The question today is how we can report independently. We cannot run media without advertising and sponsorship. Hence 100% transparent reporting is possible. It is shortsighted that today about 98%ofthemediahousesareowned by politicians and corporates, so peopledonotbelievethereportsof our television channels today. The current reports are only one-sided biased reports and journalists should have courage and do transparentreporting.saidWalter
D'Souza Nandalike, Founder and Managing Director, Daijiworld MediaPvt.Ltd., Kannadiga Patrakartara Sangha, Maharashtra organised A special Patrakartara Upanysa (lecture) programme at the Late Shri RammohanShettyBalkunjestageat Club House Hall, Solitary Corporate Park, Andheri East, Mumbai on this Sunday. ProgrammePresidedoverbyRons
Bantwal, President of Patrakartara Sangha Maharashtra. Film actor Arvind Bolar, Director of A.J.S Marketing (Malad) Allwyn Sequeira Gardadi, KPSM First Vice President Kacheri Sadananda D.Nayak.
Gracingthestageasthechiefguest wasWalterNandalike,whoreleased the fifth book 'Minchi Mareyaada Saraswat Ratnagalu' written by Sadananda Nayak, published by AkhariPrakashan.
Senior Advocate Kadandale Parari
Prakash L.Shetty, Special Advocate of Maharashtra Government's NationalInvestigationAgency(NIA) and Senior Adviser to KPSM Advisory Committee, delivered a lecture on Journalism isFree, fair, and fearless this must remain the foundation of journalism. Freedom ofthepressmustbepreservedatall costs. Newspapers have existed since the early days of communication,anditisremarkable toconsiderhow,evenin
challenging times, press reports reach the public. In today’s fastpaced world, journalists must be cautious not to compromise the core values of responsible reporting. There has been a
noticeable decline in in-depth, research-based journalism, and the insightsofsubjectexpertsmustnot be ignored. With the rise of electronic media, some argue that print media is no longer necessary.
However, print media continues to hold a place of trust and remains a reliablesourceofinformation.
Senior Journalist Srinivasa Jokatte gave a lecture,even amidst the flood of mainstream media, journalism that nurtures Kannada languageandthespiritofKarunadu
is still very much alive in Mumbai. He remarked that today’s journalist’s work is under immense pressure, and the life of a correspondent is increasingly challenging."
Sadanand Nayak said that, why we need associations because in times
of trouble such associations become our pillar. This journalist's association, which has been built with great difficulty for 17 years in the outback Karmabhumi Maharashtra,hasbeenahelpinthe difficulttimesofthemembers.Letit grow as a journalist-friendly organization in the future, Nayak said.
Arvind Bolar said that it was journalists who made me famous from theater to cinema.I am only a comedian actor, but the collaborationofjournalistsisunique formetogrowtothislevel.Iamnot shytotalktoanyone.However,Iam still afraid of journalists. Because if there is any flaw in the world, journalists are the ones who highlight it. The good minds of journalists cultivate artists, and the service of such journalists is commendable. But media people report on common people and identifythemtosociety.
Rons Bantwal said in the presidential address that journalists need a special lecture for such progress. Social concern should be amustamongjournalists.Intoday's era,thereisaneedfororganization
for careers. For one reason or the other, the parties need to be aligned,soletusasjournalistsform unity in the association and move forward as members of the association.
Krishna B. Bangera, who has been serving as a worker at Billawar BhavanandGuruNarayanMandirin Santacruz for the past three decades, felicitated and congratulatedhimandisamember ofKPSM.
Achievers Chittari Hospitality Pvt Ltd. Director Sadaram N. Shetty Sampadamane, Dr. G. P Kusuma, Chandrasekhara R. Belchada, Anita P. Poojary Tackode, Lata Santhosh Shetty Muddumane, Nithyanand D. Kotyan, C.A Poojary, John Wilson Lobo (Suktha News), famous actor of Aa Dinagalu, Producer Aryan Jagadish Bangalore were honored andfelicitated.
In this occasion KPSM Hon. Gen. Treasurer Vishwanath Poojary Niddodi, Jt. Treasurer Dr. Durgappa Y. Kotiyawar, Executive Committee MembersRanga S. Poojary,Peter F. D'Souza, Shyama M. Handhe, Advisory Committee members CA.
I.R Shetty, Surendra A. Poojary, CA. JagdishB.Shetty,LaxmanC.Poojari, Gregory D'Almeida, Special Invitee MemberDr.ShivaramaK.Bhandary, Harish Poojary Kokkarne, Sudhakar Uchil and other members were present.
Vice President Dr. Shiva Mudigere welcomed and made introductory
remarks. Jt. Secretary Savita Suresh Shetty and Gopal Poojary Trasi introduced the guests and awardee and compared the programme. Hon. General Secretary Sa. Daya (DayanandSalian)proposedvoteof thanks.Theprogramendedwiththe NationalAnthem.
International Inspirational Couple Harold
and Dancy D’Souza Honored by Ohio
Attorney General Dave Yost at 2025 Human Trafficking Summit
Columbus, Ohio. On the globally significant occasion of the United Nations World Day Against TraffickinginPersons,July30,2025, the State of Ohio witnessed an inspiring moment of recognition and resilience. Harold and Dancy D’Souza, a remarkable Indian American couple whose lives have become a beacon of hope for millions, were honored by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost at the 2025HumanTraffickingSummitfor their exceptional contributions to thefightagainsthumantrafficking.
Harold D’Souza, having served two consecutive terms from 2021–2025
asanAmbassadorAdvisoryCouncil Member for the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative, was presented with a proclamation and Commemorative Plaque, a special recognition by Attorney General Yost. The honor acknowledged Harold’s tireless advocacy, survivor leadership, and unwavering commitment to supporting victims, mentoring survivor leaders, and shaping policiesthatprotectthevulnerable.
Theproclamation,adornedwiththe official seal of the Ohio Attorney General, stated: “It is my honor to recognizeandcongratulateHarold
D’Souza’s tireless and dedicated service with the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative.” Dave Yost, Ohio AttorneyGeneral
The acknowledgment marked not onlyHarold’spersonaljourneyfrom victim to global leader but also the shared legacy he and Dancy have built together as the first couple to ever serve as Ambassador Advisory Council Members for the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative. This unprecedented distinction reflects both their mutual commitment to justice and their unique ability to inspire systemic change as a united force.
Survivors are not defined by what brokethem,butbyhowtheyriseto rebuild a world better than the one theyendured.
FromSlaverytoSuccess
HaroldandDancy’sstoryisnotone ofmeresurvival,itisatestamentto transformation. Years ago, the couple faced unimaginable exploitation and hardship after arriving in the United States. Betrayed, abused, and stripped of dignity, they endured a modern form of slavery. But through courage, faith, and unbreakable determination, they rewrote their destiny.
Refusing to be silent, they became powerful voices for the voiceless. Together, they co-founded Eyes Open International (EOI), a nonprofitorganizationdedicatedto combating human trafficking throughprevention,protection,and empowermentofsurvivorsglobally.
Today, their work spans continents, influencing legislation, inspiring communities, and igniting hope wheredespaironceprevailed.
Dancyʼs Leadership and ContinuedService
WhileHaroldcompletedhissecond and final term, Dancy D’Souza has successfully completed her first term and has been reappointed for her second term, continuing her leadership in the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative. Her role extends beyond advocacy;sheisamentor,caregiver, and catalyst for change, often working quietly behind the scenes to ensure survivors are not only rescuedbutalsorestoredtoalifeof dignity.
Dancy’sreappointmentensuresthat thevaluesofcompassion,resilience, and justice remain embedded in Ohio’s fight against human trafficking. It also symbolizes the couple’ssharedmission,whereboth voices, equally strong and equally committedaredrivingchange.
ACelebrationofCommitment
The ceremony honoring the D’Souza’s at the 2025 Human Trafficking Summit was more than an award presentation; it was a celebration of their journey and a call to action for all in attendance. That it took place on the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons amplified the significance, reminding the world thatbehindeverypolicy,statistic,or headline, there are real human beings whose lives can be forever changedbycompassionandjustice.
Attorney General Yost praised the couple’s dedication, emphasizing that true leadership is born from lived experience and unwavering moralcourage.Attendeesdescribed the eventas “a momentof history,” marking a milestone in Ohio’s humantraffickingpreventionefforts
and setting a powerful example for thenation.
LivingRoleModels
HaroldandDancyD’Souzaembody the reality that survivors are not definedbytheirtraumabutbytheir transformation. As living role models of resilience, they have “flipped the script” not only for themselves but for their children, community, and countless others aroundtheglobe.
From the shadows of exploitation, they have stepped into the global spotlight not for fame but to light the path for those still trapped in darkness. Their lives remind us that change is not just possible; it is inevitable when courage meets purpose.
Impact Beyond Borders Through Eyes Open International,
D’Souza’s have expanded their mission far beyond Ohio. Their programs in Asia, Africa, and the United States have educated communities, prevented trafficking beforeitcouldbegin,andprovided survivors with tools to rebuild their lives. Their message is universal: Every survivor has the power to become a leader, and every leader hasadutytoliftothers.
As they continue their advocacy, HaroldandDancyremaingrounded in humility, deeply rooted in their faith, and fiercely committed to theircause.
From slavery to success, from silence to global advocacy, Harold and Dancy D’Souza are living proof thatthehumanspiritcanriseabove its darkest hour and transform pain into purpose, creating ripples of hopethatcanchangetheworld.
Youth Fest ‘TARUNOTHSAVA 2K25’ organized by the PG department of Big Data Analytics, held at St Agnes College, Mangaluru
onThursday,07August2025.The festbroughttogetherthestudents ofSt.AgnesCollege,Mangaloreto showcasetheirtalents. ThefestwasinauguratedbythePG Coordinator Sr Dr M. Vinora A.C. and the Dean of Postgraduate
studiesDrKavyashreeK.B.
In her inaugural address, the PG Coordinator highlighted the importance of engaging in cultural and technical activities in addition to classroom learning for overall development, improved performance and contribution to society.
Participants from the Undergraduate and Postgraduate
departments at St. Agnes College enthusiastically participated in the fest. The fest included four competitions: Alekhan (Poster designing), Rupa Rekha (Face painting), Punar Roopa (Best out of Waste) and Tatva Tarang (Group dance).
The poster of the forthcoming Hackathoncompetition,CIFRA2K25 was also released during the Youthfest.Thestudentcoordinators of the fest were Ahsayad from second year and Bhavishya from first year MSc Big Data Analytics
under the guidance of faculty coordinatorMs.RelishaDsouzaand the student president of the departmentFarvezAktharD.K.
The valedictory programme included felicitating the winners of thecompetitions.
ChristiansDemandJustice!
On 25th July 2025, in Chhattisgarh, two Malayali Catholic nuns from Kerala, Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preeti Mary (Angamaliya) of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Assisi,Thalassery,werestoppedand falsely accused while traveling with three girls aged around 18 to 19 years, from Narayanapura, Chhattisgarh.Ofthethreegirls,one was being accompanied for domestic work, while the other two fornursingstudies.However,under the leadership of a woman named
Jyothi Sharma, the nuns were detained and accused of human traffickingandreligiousconversion. They were unjustly booked under theBharatiyaNyayaSanhitaandlaws pertaining to religious conversion, and subsequently imprisoned. This incident has shocked the community. The innocent nuns allcharges should be widthdrawn andappropriatelegalactionshould be taken on those responsible for suchmisdeedandjusticeshouldbe provided. In response to this grave
injustice, on Monday, 4th August 2025, at 4:00 PM, a massive protest was organized by the Catholic SabhaMangalorePradesh®infront of the Mangalore Mini VidhanaSoudha. The protest witnessedtheparticipationofnearly 6,000 people, cutting across party lines, religious backgrounds, and divisions, united in the name of humanityandjustice. We have sent a request letter through the District Commissioner to the Central Government and respectedMinistersincharge.
Attendees
1. Santhosh Dsouza – Central President, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh®
PhDawardedtoVinolaSandraSequeira ofStAloysius University
Ms Vinola Sandra Sequeira, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics,School of Arts and Humanities,ofStAloysius(Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, was awarded the degree of PhD for her
thesis titled "Women and Child Health Care Services - A Study with Reference to Dakshina Kannada District” by the Mangalore University,Mangalagangothri.
ShewassuccessfullyguidedbyProf. (Dr) Shripathi KallurayaP,Rtd. Professor, Department of
The 59th anniversary of the St Christopher Driver and Owners’
Association was celebrated on August 3, 2025, with great reverence and enthusiasm in Mangaluru.
The event began with a prayer session, setting a spiritual tone for
theday.Aformalwelcomewasthen delivered by the association president, Dr. John Edward D'Silva, who warmly greeted all the dignitaries and attendees.
The annual report highlighting the
association’s yearly activities was read by Secretary Sunil Peter Lobo, followed by the 2024–2025 Annual Financial Report presented by Vice President John Baptist Gomes.
excellence, Pratibha Puraskar awards were given to deserving students. A felicitation programme followed, celebrating the contributions of distinguished individuals.
The chief guest, Judith Crasta, delivered an inspiring talk. This was followed by messages from the spiritualdirectorsandthepresident of the event, Fr Valerian D’Souza, each highlighting the values of service, unity, and faith.
The election of the new executive committee took place, setting the pathfortheassociation’scontinued progress. Awarmvoteofthankswasgivenby Mr. Gerald D’Souza, expressing gratitude to all who supported and participated in the event.
The programme was gracefully compered by Leena D’Souza, who ensured the smooth flow of the event with elegance and professionalism.
Toencourageandhonouracademic
The celebration reflected the commitment,unity,andcommunity
spirit of the St Christopher Associationasitsteppedintoits 60thyear.
Techniques in Plant Science –
Hands on Workshop
Aloysius(Deemedto be University), organised a one-day Handson Workshop on the theme "Techniques in Plant Science” on 28th July 2025. The programme began with a formal inauguration at Sanidhya Hall followed by skillbased experiments at Botany lab with the participation of 60 Pre University students in and around MangaloreandUdupidistricts.
The inaugural session featured speeches by the Director of Xavier
BlockandDeanoftheSchoolofLife Sciences. The Director of Xavier Block, Dr Ishwara Bhat in his address,highlightedtheimportance of organizing such workshops as a meansofencouragingcuriosityand practical learning among students.
The Dean of School of Life Science, Dr Hemachandra in his speech, stated theinstitution’scommitment in organizing the workshop annually, recognizing its value in reinforcing academic learning with practicalexposure.Heemphasized
the importance of Botany as a fundamental pillar of Basic Science, contributingtoastrongfoundation inLifesciences.Theprogrammewas compered by Ms Susanna Xolo, invocation by Ms Ankitha and
Swarananda of III BSc. Welcome SpeechwasdeliveredbyMrsShilpa B, Head of the Department of Botany, and Vote of Thanks by Ms Akshatha Pai, III BSc. The programme was coordinated by Dr
SanaSheikh, AssistantProfessor, Dr JyothiMiranda,AssociateProfessor, DepartmentofBotanyandstudents of III BSc Mr Harshith KK and Ms AkshathaPaiP.
During the workshop, participants engaged in a range of experiments and demonstrations to familiarize themselveswithessentiallaboratory techniques in plant science. The experiments included Synthetic seed preparation, Agarose gel electrophoresis, Soxhlet extraction of phytochemicals, Clevenger apparatus demonstrating essential oil extraction, Gram staining, herbarium specimen preparation, isolation of Rhizobium from root nodules, identification of
microalgae, instrumentation, sterilization techniques, exploration of various ecological groups of plantsinFernhouseetc.
The workshop provided a platform for interactive learning, skill development, and academic enrichment.Thehands-onnatureof theprogramenabledparticipantsto gain confidence in using scientific equipment’s and applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Overall, it contributed significantly to the participants understanding of modern plant science techniques and reinforced therelevanceofBotanicalsciencein contemporary research and development.
Camões and Churchill
PhilomenaLawrence
GilbertA.Lawrence
Luís Vaz de Camões(1524-80) and Winston Spencer Churchill (WSC 1874-1965).
