ವೀಜ್ ಕೊಂಕಣಿ 450, ವೀಜ್ ಕನ್ನಡ & Veez English Weeklies
The Hunchback of Notre Dame For though he was gentleandkind,itwasQuasimodo's crime to have been born hideously deformed. But one day his heart would prove to be a thing of rare beauty. ShewasEsmerelda.
. "peace, calm and serenity. It is without any storm in life; it is mainly internal) = ಶಾಂತ,
external disturbances. It
Dedd HozarRupoi -Konkani short story published in Rakhnno Weekly written &presented byValleyQuadrosfor AshawadiPrakashan. Kindly SUBSCRIBE andsupport this channel,sothatwecanbring more quality ofliterature to thischannel. Listenhttps://youtu.be/5e5SSgHZ0HI
Located onMangaloreUdupiHighway(NH66),thisplot is close to Lady of Fatima Church & High School & Pilarkhan Reserve Forest is just across the highway from it. Udupi is only 18 kilometers away. It is ideally suitedfora holidayhomeorhighwayrestaurant.
Photos of the mentioned church and forest are attached.
Those interested may please contact: <panazareth@gmail.com>
Remembering a life that touched so many hearts...!
A fatherfigure to me and Nanda, a mentorand guiding light to many. His constant support to CIL (Centre for Integrated Learning), and his belief in nurturing young minds created a lasting impact.
A visionary leader, he pioneered the Toastmasters International movement in Mangaloreand buildinga strongfoundationfor communication and leadership that continues to empower generations. His life was a testament to vision, generosity and the power of uplifting others. He lives on in every voice he inspired and in every life he touched.
Max
Sir, you will always be remembered and deeply missed. Rest in Peace
-Srinivasan Nandagopal Prakruthi Nandagopal
Sumadhur-2: A musical spectacle of compassion draws
thousands to Santhekatte
Daijiworld Media NetworkUdupi(SB)
Udupi, Apr 6: The grounds of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, were transformed into a sea of melody andemotion as'Sumadhur2', a mega musical concert led by acclaimed singer-composer Joshal D’Souza, enthralled a massive audience on Sunday. Organised by the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R), the event served as a perfect
Easter gift to the region, blending high-caliber entertainment with a monumental charitable mission. Immediately following the formal stage programme, the musical nite commenced with a soulful prayer
song by the students of Sumadhur Music Academy. The event was expertly navigated by acecompere
Nelson Monis, whose charismatic opening won over theaudience.
reachedits first crescendo when Joshal D’Souza
Themusicaljourney
took to the stage, ending the fans' anticipation with her hit"TuYetai
from thealbum 'Hero'.
Munon"
The stage was further graced by Konkani musiciconsRobinSequeira and Jason Lobo, alongside promising young talent Ishney Fernandes from Kemmannu. Together, they delivered a diverse
repertoire of multilingual medleys, heartfelt duets,and powerful solos. Astandout moment of the nite was provided by little Leona Olivera, who won hearts with her bold rendition of the famous Goan song "Red Rose". The talented students of the academy remained a vital part ofthe evening's musical fabric, providing flawless backing vocals. Beyond the vocals, the event featuredarichvarietyofperforming arts. Team Memory Mangaluru provided perfect comic relief with engaging skits, while thedancers of
Urban Groove set the stage ablaze with high-octane choreography. The entire production was elevated by Sanjay Rodrigues and his band, whose world-class orchestration provided a flawless accompaniment. The seamless flow and professional execution of the show were credited to the vision of show director Stany Bela. At its heart, Sumadhur-2 was a celebration of compassion and community service. During the show, the organizers honoured Ronald D’Almeida, president of the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, for his visionary leadership in spearheading the massive fundraising drive.
Under his guidance, and with the support of parish units and donors, the organisation successfully collectedRs1crorededicated tothe developmental works of Goretti Hospital. Joshal D’Souza was also felicitated for her pivotal role and the dedicated association of her teamin thismega charity initiative. The Central Council of the Catholic Sabha expressed profound gratitude to the clergy of theUdupi Diocese and allstakeholders whose collective support ensured that Sumadhur-2 was a historic milestone in regional philanthropy andcultural promotion.
Canada: Nihal Tauro, Jacqueline Fernandes, Walter
Nandalike
to join MAC Silver Jubilee
celebrations
GerryD'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network -
Toronto Toronto, Apr 8: Canada's premier Konkani Association 'Mangalorean Association of Canada' (MAC) will present the most spectacular evening of the year – ‘MAC 25th Anniversary Celebration’ on May 2 at the state-of-the-art Canadian Convention Centre, Brampton with culturalentertainment from 2pmto 5.45pmanddinner dancefrom6.30
pm to midnight, a time of entertainment filled with live performances from acclaimed global artistes like Nihal Tauro, Jacqueline Fernandes, lovely music, innovative games and lots of exciting prizes. Undoubtedly MAC Silver Jubilee extravaganza will be a thrilling andmostmemorable event with the presence of Daijiworld supremo Walter Nandalike, Bollywood orchestra, most popular live band ‘The Band Syndicate’, classic DJ Joyson D’Souza and
Nihal Tauro
Jacqueline B Fernandes
renowned emcee Ivan D'Lima. The sole objective of this super event is to bring various families together under one roof in the spirit of oneness under the banner of love, joy andpeace. TheMAC,withmembers originating from different parts of Coastal Karnataka,hasformed asonefamily in this distant land of Canada.Their motto is ‘Together we can make difference’ and by organizing various spiritual, cultural, social and sports events attract every Mangalurean to this wonderful organization. Its unequivocal commitment in preserving the rich Konkani language, culture and tradition and strengthening the relationship with Mangalureans in Canada for the past 25 years is praiseworthy.
In this star-studded MAC 25th anniversary musical programme, the Canadian music lovers going to witness marvelous performances by following international star performers with the professional music accompaniment of international fame Bollywood orchestra.
A powerhouse vocalist and multiinstrumentalist, Nihal Tauro rose to fame as a top 5 finalist on Indian Idol Season 12. With 100+ songs across four languages and 300+ global performances, he has collaborated with top composers likeHimeshReshammiyaandRaghu Dixit. From chart-topping hits like
Walter Nandalike
‘Tere Sath Hoon Main’ to awardnominated playback work, Nihal’s soulfulvoiceresonates withmillions across 174 countries.
Known as the ‘Lorna of Mangalore’, Jacqueline B Fernandes is a dynamic, multilingual singer who has captivated audiences worldwide. A former vocalist of Rhapsody Out Loud on India’s Got Talent and winner of the ‘Queen Nightingale’ title, she effortlessly performs across genres and languages, bringing global flair and heartfelt expression toevery stage.
A visionary media leader and founder of Daijiworld, Walter Nandalike has transformed journalism into a force for communityimpact.Beyondbuilding a global media platform, he is celebrated for his humanitarian initiatives and engaging stage presence seamlessly combining leadership, social change, and entertainment to inspire audiences worldwide.
Event highlights:
• May 2 at the Canadian Convention Centre, Brampton
• Silver Jubilee of the Mangalorean Association of Canada celebrating 25 yearsoflegacy,impact andunity
• 2 distinct programmes: Cultural Concert with spectacular performances by international artistes
• All performances will be backed by a premier live orchestra and stateof-the-art sound and media production, delivering a truly immersive concert experience
• Second part of the programme: Dinner & Dance Social with The Band Syndicate, a dynamic Toronto rooted live band, known for delivering high-energy performances singing the biggest musical hits that captivate diverse audiences, DJ Joyson, bringing his unique blend of global sound and Konkani soul to the stage and Emcee Ivan D’Lima, bringing his natural charisma, polished delivery, versatility and ability to connect with audiences
• Lots of amazing door and spot prizes, MAC’s 50/50 draw will support Unity Health Toronto (Providence Healthcare, St Joseph’s Health Center and St Michael’s Hospital) is a Catholic leader in
senior care, rehabilitation, palliative andlong-term care.
Speaking to Daijiworld Canada, Janet D’Souza the MAC president giving a clarion call to the music lovers said, “Undoubtedly, it’s exciting news for Canadians residing in Ontario region and surrounding areas. The highly anticipated release of tickets got released already for the Konkani community event at The Canadian
Convention Centre. Be sureto book your tickets early and do not miss your chance to experience the incredible performances and festivitiesthatawaityouatexclusive event.”
The organizers are encouraging people not to miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness live some of the biggest names in music.
Advaita is the theology enunciated by the8th century South Indian sage named Shankara and is rooted in the ancient Vedic “Tat Twam Asi”(Thou ArtThat) maxim.
The eminent American historian WillDurant,inVolume Iofhis‘Story of Civilization’ describes Shankara as the “greatest of Indian philosophers and at once the Aquinas and Kant of India” and states “Like Aquinas, Shankara accepts the full authority of his country’s scriptures as divine revelation and then sallies forth to find proofs in experience and reason for them. Unlike Aquinas, however he does not believe that reason alone can suffice for this task. It is not logical that we need Shankara says, it is Insight, the
faculty of grasping at once the essential out of the irrelevant, the eternal out of the temporary. Shankara establishes the source of his philosophy at a remote and subtle point, never quite clearly visioned again until a thousand years later when Kant wrote his “Critique of Pure Reason. For Shankara,Brahman isthecauseand effect, the timeless and secret essenceofthe world”
In his Brahmasutra Bhasya, Shankara sources and affirms his thesisthus: “Itisfromtherealization that the selfis theBrahman, that all miseries are ended and the aspiration ofmanisachieved”.
In his Dakshinamurti Stotram, Shankara declares “Just as the rays of the light hidden in a pot with many holes, emanates from those holes, so the self-manifests itself through the eyes and other sense organs giving rise to the notion I know. Every object shine (i.e.isown afterthe self-manifests itself.)
What all the above philosophical aphorisms mean in simple terms is that ‘God’, the ‘Creator’ is not all the many images and idols made of him and worshipped. He is the ‘Vital
Principle’/Elan Vital” (Atman), the ‘Supreme/Cosmic Energy’(“Maha Shakti”) that pervades and sustains the whole universe, in which every aspect is a manifestation of Energy. Esoteric and incredible as this may seem, its validity can be simply illustrated by analyzing through spectroscopy a ray of sunlight and the light from a small little candle. Both will break into the same rainbow spectrum even though the sources of their respective lights differ in intensity by trillions of times, thereby establishing they are ofthesamenature. Whatto most is only sunlight and shadow, white or black, hasin factmuchelse ofgreat beauty/worth ensconced within it. Until and unless we comprehend this, detach ourselves from ephemeral things and focus on the Divine Spark within us, we will be chasing shadows, missing the substance, and be mired in an endless cycle of birth and rebirth, with allitsattendant travails. This Truth is clearly revealed to Arjuna by Lord Krishna in the Bhagwat Gita, which embodies the essence of Hinduism, in these words: “O Arjuna, I am the selfresiding in theheart of every being.
I am their beginning, their life span andtheir end.Ofallbeings Iamthe seed. Whatever exists in this world, living or non-living, none of them can be, if I were not. Of the eight VasusIamAgni”
Thatthe“essence” withinusis energy rather thanmatter hasbeen well established by the energy mapping of the human body by India’s “Chakra” sages, These Chakras (wheel in Sanskrit), which are psychic-energy centres, are the focal points where psychic forces and bodily functions interact with each other. Among the estimated 88,000 chakras in the human body, six major ones located roughly along the spinal cord and another onelocated justabove thecrown of the skull are of prime importance. Themostimportant ofthesearethe lowest chakra (muladhara), located at the base of the spine, and the highest(sahasrara),atthetopofthe head. The muladhara encircles a mysterious divine potency (kundalini) that the individual attempts, by Yogic techniques, to raise from chakra to chakra until it reaches the sahasrara and selfillumination i.e. enlightenment results.
Inhis‘MysticismandtheNew Physics’, Michael Talbot writes “Since the time of the ancient Greeks,WesternSciencehastriedto understand matter by dividing and re-dividing it in efforts to discover its fundamental building blocks. Einstein brought us closer to figuring out the fundamental building blocks of matter when he discovered that the primordial substance of the universe is not ‘matter’ but waves, particles and quanta, in other words energy in various minute forms. …The Hindu concepts of ‘Nada’ and ‘Bindu’ are identical to the concept of matter being both a wave and a particle. Translated roughly ‘Nada’ means movement or vibration; ‘Bindu’ literally means a point, and according to Hindu belief when the universe finally collapses, it collapses into what is known as the ‘Shiva Bindu’ . This bears a striking similarity to modern physics. The macrophysical blackhole and the ‘ShivaBindu’ are identical.
In a concurrent parallel development to the revolution in physics brought about by Einstein, Max Planck and others, Neils Bohr and Erwin Schroedinger opened
new avenues in biochemistry. The former had speculated about the complementarity of physics to biology. The latter wrote a book in the late1930s titled ‘What islife’,in which he postulated that the gene wasnotamere physicalor chemical substance but also an information carrier. This book stirred much new interest in the biological sciences and several scientists moved from physics to genetics as the new scientific frontier and described themselves as molecular biologists. The first breakthrough in this new field came in the early 1950s, when Linus Pauling discovered the structure of the protein molecule. Subsequently James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the precise architecture of DNA, and a decade later discovered, with the aid of the new scientific device of X'ray crystallography, the internal structure of molecules and how exactly genetic information is encoded in chromosomes, which are DNA molecules. Further advances in this ever more minute field have led to the discovery that the basic characteristics of all living creatures, from bacteria to humans, are encoded in their chromosomes,
using the same code script. Molecular Biologists have thus discovered the basic alphabet of a truly universal language oflife.
The eminent astronomer Sir James Jeans had broadly indicated intheearly fortiesthat“Today there isawidemeasureofagreement that thestream ofknowledge isheading towards a non-mechanical reality, and the universe begins to look more like a great thought than like agreat machine"
Paul Davies, well known physicist andauthor of ‘TheCosmic Blueprint’ and ‘The Mind of God’ puts the same idea this way “The very fact that the universe is creative, and that its laws have permitted complex structures to emerge anddevelop tothe point of consciousness –inotherwords, that the universe has organized its own self-awareness – is for me powerful evidence that there is something going onbehind itall. The impression of design is overwhelming.” Nobel prize winning physicistLeonLederman,in hisbook ‘TheGod Particle’writes in thesame strain.
In the 1990s, Dr Andrew Newberg of the University of
Pennsylvania, conducted a few scientific experiments on those in ‘transcendental states’ and even made SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imagesofthebrainofthoseinthese states. In his book, ‘Why God won’t go away’ hewrites “There is no way to determine whether the neurological changes associated with spiritual experience mean that the brain is causing those experiences…or instead, is perceiving a spiritual reality. However, itisafactthatifyoublock sensory input to the ‘orientation association region ofthebrain,asis done during the intense concentration of meditation, you prevent the brain from forming the distinction betweentheselfandnon self, and thus perceive the self as intimately interwoven with everyone andeverything”
All the abovementioned scientific discoveries are very much the “other side of the coin” of Shankara’s Advaita, which is based ontheancientVedic “Thatthou art” affirmation. All of creation, whether animate or inanimate, solid or liquid, water or vapour, airor cloud, sunshine or shadow, are all
manifestations of the creator, of his infinite wisdom and energy, his protean variety, his supreme allpervading consciousness and cosmic master plan, in which every created being and substance is intimately interconnected, and that all perception to the contrary is ‘Maya’, which is both illusion and ignorance.
Interestingly Gandhi,whowas as much an Advaitin as a Sanatni Hindu defined his Satyagraha in spiritual energy terms. “There is an indefinable mysterious power that pervades everything…a living power that is changeless, that holds all together, thatcreates,dissolves and recreates. That Power is God…This God is a Living Force. Our life is of thatForce. ThatForce resides inbut is not of the body. He who denies the existence of that great Force denies to himself the use of that inexhaustible Power and thus remainsimpotent. ……Satyagraha is soul force pure and simple and whenever and to whatever extent there isroom for theuseof armsor physical force, there and to that extent there is so much less possibility for soul force. These are purely antagonistic forces, andIhad
full realization of this antagonism even at the advent of Satyagraha……. Satyagraha connotes the living Law of Life. The law will work, just as the law of gravitation will work, whether we accept it or not. And just as a scientist will work wonders out of various applications of the laws of nature, even so a man who applies the law of love with scientific precision can work greater wonders”
Based on the above, Gandhian scholar Michael Sonnleitner concludes “A sufficiently developed satyagrahi could render venomous reptiles harmless or set a hungry tiger to peace. Gandhi’s citing of numerous satyagrahi images thusincludes the exemplary figure of Daniel, who on entering the den of lions, was left unharmed by them…. No force could withstand the light of the world,theforceofGodembodied in humankind…. Whether or not Gandhi is correct in his formulations, however, mustremain an issue of incredible importance, on which our more personal reflections may, in time, shed greater light.”
Gandhi had also stated: “Scientists tell us that, without the presence of the cohesive force amongst the atoms that comprise this globe ofours, it would crumble to pieces, and we would cease to exist. Even as there is a cohesive force in blind matter, so must there be in all things animate and the name of that cohesive force is love….But wemustlearntousethat force among all that lives…. Where there is love there is life; hatred leads to destruction. The rishis who discovered the law of non-violence during violence, were greater geniuses than Newton…”. It is notable that Gandhi’s “Living Force” which can provide “inexhaustible power” to every human soul, is remarkably akin to Einstein’s E = MC2 formula which reveals that even the tiniest particle ofmatter is compacted energy which when released could provide enormous quantities of power. (According to Einstein’s equation, mass and energy are interchangeable. The energy (E) in any substance can be foundbymultiplying itsmass(M)by the speed of light (C) squared)
Interestingly, thetwo conceptswere enunciated within a year of each
other - 1905 and 1906. It is also notable that Gandhi described his “theory” as “science in the making” adding “Mytechnique ofnonviolent
struggle is in the same stage as electricity in Edison’s time. It needs to berefined and developed”
Love unravels under a thunderstorm
(Philip Mudartha)
The monsoon arrived not just heralding new season but a new chapter of my life. Ishould say‘our’ lives because Imet Uma inthe grey corridors ofmyjunior college. When we left the college in the evening of our first meeting, a sudden storm burst and forced us under the narrow roof of the only tea stall in the village square. We were both drenched, butIdidn’t fail to notice ‘that’ which I remember eventoday aftersomanyyears.Her
hair was clinging to her cheeks. Round droplets of rainwater rolled down herslimnecklikeshinypearls. Our eyes met. She smiled. She was my heaven-sent angel.
Then, a thought came to my heart, asifshewasmadeforme.Sheused to dwell somewhere among the stars before; she was summoned to theEarth forme.
The stall owner poured steaming ‘cutting chai’ for us in tiny glasses. As a deep, sharp and
resonant rumble of thunderstorm raged aroundus,wespoke inbursts between thesounds.
She told me about her love for ‘Panjurli Kola’ dances. I told her about my love for old Bollywood romantic songs. Like the immortal “वादाकरलेसाजना”. Make a promise, my beloved. I will not live without you. You will not livewithout me. Evenifwearemiles apart, this is a promise that we will not beseparated.
Shetoldmeofherhobbies:howshe loved to collect postcards from places she’d never been but would love to visit. She told me that the rain made the world beautiful, graceful,niceandsoft.And,howshe loved getting wet as peacocks danced around her. When the thunderstorm passed, a strange but unknown feeling came over us.
Uma was beautiful in her own way. Her beauty unfolded slowly, like dawn spilling over a quiet lake. Her hair, dark and heavy, caught the light in strands of bronze when the firstsoftraysofthesunkissed them. Her eyes—deep, almond-shaped, and flecked with gold seemed to hold the entire monsoons within them.
Herskincarried thewarmthofsunlit earth after rain.When shesmiled, it wasasiftheairitselfleanedforward tolisten.Therewasasoftnesstoher features,butalsoaquiet strength.It made me believe that she could weather any storm. Her lips curved gently, as though they were always onthe verge oftelling asecret. Yet, what made her truly beautiful wasnot inthesymmetry ofher face or the grace ofher movements, but in the way she noticed the world around us. She watched me as the raindrops race down my cheeks. Howshewasfilledwithlife. Shewas lit from within. I loved to watch her and wished the moment would last foreternity. Withherbymyside, the world around usfeltsofter, warmer, andalive.
Welived inthe samevillage for two years. Our days were filled with same small rituals. In the morning, on our way to the college, we strolled along the river, holding hands if no one watched. We often paused to pluck a strain of unripe paddy and tasted its tender white milkwithin,which,wouldsoongrow into a grain of mature rice. We sat onasmallblackrockprotruding out
of the edge of the river, our feet wrapped around and submerged knee deep in the running stream. We laughed and mildly shrieked in pleasure when the tiny but naughty fishespecked atour heels. All good things come to an end, as they do.
Thelastdayofthefinalyeararrived. Our exams were set in the nearest cityinthedistrict. Umahadrelatives neartheexamcentre. Iarranged for my PG accommodation nearby for theduration.Wewalkedtogether in both directions. We knew that with exams, our togetherness will soon be over.
The day arrived for us to bid adieu. Whenthelastexamwasover,Iwent overtomeetUma.Shewasstanding intheshadeunderthehugebanyan tree at the far end of the college compound.
As if on cue, the horizon turned deep dark blue. Swollen clouds appeared in the sky from nowhere and masked the sun. A heavy stillness swept the compound heralding a thunderstorm, as if nature was holding its breath. Then a sudden, unhinged and ferocious
The pre-monsoon rains arrived. The huge banyantree sheltered usfrom getting drenched.
“So, here we are. What are your plans?”
What followed is a moment of shared silence. Our eyes met. I gazed from her eyes to lips. They were slightly open, as if to touch mine inaslowmotion first kiss. Ifeltthe unusual heatof her breath as she moved closer to wrap me in a tight embrace. A shimmering vibration started at my collarbone and raced down my spine until my knees trembled with weakness. Instinctively, my shivering hands wrapped around her slender waist, pulling hertowards me.
Then,something unusualhappened as it happens with village boys brought up inCatholic tradition.
My Catholic soul awakened. Iheard the voice of my pastor recounting thevenialsins: “Thoushallnottouch her, lest …” Thoughts of sexual shamecrowded myentire being. Ipushed heraway,alittle violently. Thethunderstorm passed. The rains stopped.
“Rooted in Gratitude"
Article dedicated for International Plant Appreciation Day on 13/04/2026.
Importance of theDay
International Plant Appreciation Dayisallabout taking amoment to really see the plants around us.Not just the big, leafy ones in parks or gardens, but also the quiet little greens on windowsills, the vines crawling up fences, and the herbs sprouting in kitchen pots. They don’t askfor much…
History ofthe Day
International Plant Appreciation Day began in 2018, started by the American Public Gardens Association. Their goal was to raise awareness about the importance of plants in everyday life. They also wanted to encourage more people to connect with nature through
local gardens and green spaces. Public gardens, botanical gardens, arboreta, and similar institutions have long been places where plant knowledge is shared, where rare species are protected, and where people can simply wander among living collections. Creating a dedicated day helped spotlight that work andinvite more people into it.
How Plants are useful to the Living Beings
They don’t ask for much, yet they give so much back: shade on a hot day, cleaner air to breathe, asplash of color in grey places, and even a kind of calm that is hard to explain until someone has sat near a thriving plant for a while. This day nudges people to slow down, look
closer, and feel a little more connected to thenatural world.
Plants do more than just sit around looking pretty. They build the foundation of most life on land, turning sunlight into energy and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. They help manage water by slowing rainfall, reducing runoff, and improving how soil absorbs moisture.
Share the Green
Gifting a plant can brighten someone’s dayandbring atouchof nature into their space. Choose a low-maintenance variety like a succulentor peacelily.Athoughtful plant gift starts with matching the plant to the person. Someone with a bright window might enjoy a photos or spider plant that grows quickly and forgives the occasional missed watering.Someone withless natural light may do better with a cast-iron plantor aZZplant.
Sharing the green can also mean sharing cuttings. Many common houseplants root easily in water or moist potting mix. Passing along a cutting is like sharing a living postcard, and it comes with abuiltin story: “This plant started on my
shelf, and now it gets to live on yours.” It’s a small act that spreads plant confidence from one home to another.
Start a Garden
Planting your garden, whether in a backyard or on a windowsill, allows you to experience the joy of nurturing life. Begin with easy-togrow herbs or vegetables. For beginners, the best gardens are the ones that fit real life. Afew pots on abalcony or ahandfulofcontainers by a door can be more successful than a large plot that becomes overwhelming. Herbs likebasil,mint (best kept in its own container), parsley, and chives offer quick rewards. Leafy greens and radishes tend to grow fast, which is helpful for new gardeners who want visible progress.
Watering is another common stumbling block. Manyplants suffer more from overwatering than underwatering, especially in containers without good drainage. Apotwithadrainage hole,asaucer, and a habit of checking soil moisture with afingercanprevent a lot ofheartbreak.
Thosewhowanttogoastepfurther canplantwith wildlife inmind. Even asmall patchofflowers canprovide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies. Choosing a mix of blooms that open at different times creates a longer buffet. A garden doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Itjustmustbe alive.
So finally let’s respect and love the plants and forests. They are also part of the nature like us.Plants are being giventousbynaturetomake useofit.Not tocutand destroy the plants.
-Roshan Dsouza, Kinnigoli
Sleep and Dogs
Andrew L D'Cunha
Day before yesterday...
Barked the dogs the whole night. Her sleep was disturbed. A litany of abuses did she unleash.
Yesterday....
I awoke to see.
Like the silenced media, With the 'thrown' bonesCrushed bones strewn across the yard, With pleasure do the dogs lick, Broken doors; open rooms.
How truthful are the poets!
Those carrying bones in the bag, Have no fear of howling dogs!
Now....
Without the barks of the dogs, She doesn't get sleep!
Konkani: Andrew L DCunha
English translation: Dr. Alwyn DSa
The Sky IS OpenIng
There's humour now, in watching the lengths people go to Her mouth is sealed and she moves without zeal A deep unexplained sadness within her breaths, hurting Disguised as insecurities, ever since she was a child
No love in the world could fill her aching heart
There was no reason to explain the emptiness inside She never belonged, feeling a misfit wherever she went Only in nature and in the eyes of her furry friends, did her soul soar
There she was, possessing more talent than she cared to admit Instead, she chose to retreat, in the hope of blending into the crowd Conquering hearts with her gentle passivity was not her intent Enslaving herself to the praise of those who didn't care
With the years and painful wakings, the cuts healed, creating armour
Slowly but surely, choosing herself without permission
Her spirit soaring with every morn, grateful for the sounds of dawn
This is a beautiful recipe for summer. Packed juices harm our healthasthey arehigh insugar and carbohydrate.
Juice Recipes: Ingredients
1. Red Juice
6carrots
2tomatoes
1small sliceofbeetroot
1celery stalk/handful ofcoriander
3cucumbers
¼cup coriander
2cups spinach
¼cup mint
½”pcfreshginger
½alemon peeled and seeded
2. Green Juice
3. Carrot-Beetroot-Ginger
4carrots
1beetroot
2stick celery/coriander/mint
¼”–½”pcginger
4. Carrot and Greens
4carrots
2 cups spinach or microgreens or other greens
½tbsp lime juice
5. Tangy Juice
1small-sized bottle gourd
2green capsicums
6tomatoes
alittle rock saltor black salt
6. Mixed vegetable juice
2tomatoes
¼ofabeetroot
1carrot
1stick celery
2cups spinach
1 spring onion or a small piece of onion
1cucumber
7. Ridge Gourd Juice
1-2 ridge gourds
1tomato apinchofsalt
Method
Put all the ingredients except lime juice,salt,orspicesinthejuicer(not blender). Discard the fibre and consume only thejuice.
Notes
You may add onion and leeks or freshherbs likecoriander, parsleyto the juice ingredients to make the juice more flavourful and condiments like lime juice, ginger, black salt, chaat masala and ice to make ittastier asneeded.
-Roshan Dsouza, Kinnigoli
Source and inspiration: Dr Nanditha from Sharan with her permission. There are plenty of such recipes available. Website is
"This
www.sharan.com. This is a small effort to aware about the vegan recipes and to live a lifewithout medicines.
Record Will Definitely Happen" –
Dinesh Gundu Rao Upon Unveiling the Logo
"Although the Konkani population is small, their enthusiasm and creativity are commendable. The Konkani community is at the forefront of the cultural realm and social service. Music is in their blood. Mandd Sobhann, an organization that has set many records, isnow gearing uptocreate anewWorld Record with 6,000
singers and 5,000 songs. I am
confident that this record will be achieved. If possible, I will also attend the program," said Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka.
He was speaking after inaugurating theFirstWorld KonkaniMusicMega Convention - organized from November 3rd to 15th by the Premier Konkani Cultural OrganizationManddSobhann onits Ruby Jubilee celebrations. He inaugurated the event by lighting 12 differently colored lamps on a
replica of aVeena and unveiled the convention's logo from a flower bud.
Guest of Honor and MLC, Ivan Dsouza, handed over the Musical Baton to music director Joel Pereira and spoke. "Mandd Sobhann, an organization that has made magnificent achievements, has not yet been given the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award. The government's attention will be drawn to this matter. The government must provide grants for this program organized by an institution that forever flies the flag
of Konkani glory high. I wish this record would attempt a grand success,"hesaid.
Guest of Honor, Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, and Goan Artiste Michael Gracias conveyed their best wishes.
Delivering theintroductory remarks, President Louis Pinto said, "Continuing thework ofEricOzario, who brought immense glory to Konkani music,isthetruetribute we canoffer him.This will not just be a Guinness Record attempt, but an opportunity to celebrate Konkani unity, hoist the Konkani flag to global heights, and thereby celebrate the rich heritage of KonkaniMusic.Seeingthediscipline and impeccable organization ofour programs, people have cooperated so far. This program will also be
successful with everyone's cooperation."
Singer Joyce Ozario was honored during the event.
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Chairman Harish Kumar, Mandd Sobhann Coordinator Stany Alvares and Secretary Ronald Crasta were present on the dais. A singing
performance was delivered by the 'Sumell' troupe led by Raina Sequeira. A documentary showcasing the journey of Mandd Sobhann wasscreened. Kalaangann 'Pirjent' RoyCastelino proposed the vote of thanks. Irene Rebello compered the program.
TampaFriendscelebrateEaster
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Tampa, Apr 6: The Mangalorean, Goan and East Indian Catholic community known as ‘Tampa Friends’ in Tampa, Florida, came together during the Lenten season toobserve theStationsoftheCross, fostering faith, family unity, and cultural connection.
Throughout Lent, families hosted weekly gatherings in their homes, inviting fellow community members to pray the Stations of the Cross together.
About 25 to 30 Tampa Friends participated every week. Each evening concluded with a simple fellowship meal, reinforcing the spiritoftogetherness andreflection.
While the gatherings featured funfilled games and activities, the
primary focus remained on Lent, faithformation, andeducating both children and adults about the journey of Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Walter Lobo, a native of Pezar, Mangaluru, and a Tampa resident, shared reflections from his childhood. “This gives me immense joy and hope,” he said. “Our faith has put prayer and family first here in the USA, and we have been blessed with an abundance of gifts for ourselves and our children.” He shared his childhood experience at home praying stations of the cross
that began some 246 years ago from St Joseph Church to the Holy Cross Hill,Pezar. Theseason culminated withajoyful Easter Sunday potluck celebration, commemorating the Resurrection of Christ and the unity of the community.
Merlin Mendonca was specially thanked by the people who organized the prayers, coordinated the gatherings, and documented the events through photographs. The Tampa Friends community continues to expand through the dedicated efforts of Joseph Colaco and Merlin Mendonca, along with the growing participation of many familiesjoining thecommunity.
Cub Master Mrs. Shashikala brings laurels to St. AloysiusGonzaga School
Mrs. Shashikala, Cub Master of St. Aloysius Gonzaga School, has been honoured withtheprestigious HWB
with HWB Award.
(Himalayan Wood Badge) Award by the Bharat Scouts and Guides at Kondajji Basappa Auditorium, Shanthigraha, Bengaluru,onApril 3, 2026.
The course was conducted at the State Training andCamping Centre, Doddaballapur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, under theguidance ofV. M. Narayanaswamy, Leader of the
Course, Scouts & Guides, from September 24 to30, 2025. Onthesuccessfulcompletion ofthe course, the Management, staff, and students at St. Aloysius Gonzaga
School extend their heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Shashikala on this commendable achievement and wish her continued success in allher futureendeavours.
“Easter Rays” Celebration at Bajjod
On the auspicious occasion of Easter Sunday, the Stree Ayog and Stree Sanghatan of the InfantMary parish, Bajjodi, organized a vibrant culturalprogram titled“EasterRays” tocelebratetheresurrection ofLord Jesus. The event successfully brought the community together through faith, joy, and traditional cultural expressions.
Thefestivities includedaFancyFete, which was officially inaugurated by Fr.Pranam andFr.Cyril. Theformal
The program commenced with a soulful prayer song by the youth andwomen, followed by an
energetic welcome dance performed by the parish altar servers. The formal program commenced with Mrs. Molly Rodrigues (Vice President, Stree Sanghatan) warmly welcoming the dignitaries and the gathering. The highlight of the evening was a Tulu comedy performance by the renowned “Telikeda Tenali” team from Karkala, led bySunil Nelligude andhisteam.Duringtheevent,Sunil Nelligude and his team were officially honoured for their stellar entertainment.
Lucky draws of coupons, a beer draw game, and a housie Housie lgame were also conducted. The highest coupon seller, Anitha Veigas was felicitated. Mrs. Molly Rodrigues was specially felicitated forher dedicated efforts insecuring
the highest sponsorship collection.
The church grounds were a hub of activity,withvariousfood andgame stalls organized and conducted by the YCS (Young Christian Students) and the women of the parish, providing entertainment and local delicacies for all parishioners.
The “Easter Rays” program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the President, Mrs.JacinthaMonis,who expressed gratitude to thepriests, performers, andtheentire parishcommunity for their overwhelming support. The celebration ended on a joyful note with Baila.
Theprogram wascompèred byMrs. Meena Pinto and Mrs. Janet D’souza.
Ajoyous dayintheholy mother the church to celebrate Easter which
indeed isthefoundation ofourfaith and the church. The feast was celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm as faithful came to the church with the festive mood after forty days of fasting and penance. The mass was celebrated by the Parish Priest Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Fr maxim Rosario
Preached, Fr Uday Fernandes solemnised thepaschalhymnandFr Gerald pinto conducted the service of fire and water blessing. Fr Avith Pais and Fr Jason Pinto concelebrated. The volunteers guided the service. Many people participated in the service singing Alleluia, Christ is Risen and He has attained victory over sinanddeath.
