Veez Global Illustrated Weekly e-Magazine.

Illustrated Weekly

Vol:

1

No: 4

January 27, 2022

Pioneer of Construction ‘Rohan Corporation’ Enters 29th Yea

Will Russia invade Ukraine?

Ukraine-Russia

been

and Moscow signing a peace deal in

simmering for a long time, over the past

Minsk in 2015, brokered by France and

decade that culminated into the current

Germany, there have been repeated

escalation in tensions at the Ukraine-

ceasefire violations.

Russia Border.

According to UN figures, there have been

In 2013, Ukraine's former President Viktor

more than 3,000 conflict-related civilian

Yanukovych was under severe economic

deaths in eastern Ukraine since March

pressure from Russia to not join the

2014.

European Union. And he pulled out of

The European Union and US have

talks with the EU last minute, after a year

imposed a series of measures in response

of insisting that it was intent on signing a

to Russia's actions in Crimea and eastern

historic political and trade agreement

Ukraine, including economic sanctions

that was aimed at creating closer political

targeting

and

specific sectors of the Russian economy.

economic

border

ties

have

and

fostering

individuals,

entities,

and

economic growth among the nations of

The Kremlin accuses Ukraine of stirring

Eastern

Caucasus,

up tensions in the country's east and of

including Ukraine. This sparked weeks of

violating the Minsk ceasefire agreement.

violent protests in Kyiv.

What's happening now: The US and

In March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea,

NATO have described the movements

an autonomous peninsula in southern

and concentrations of troops in and

Ukraine with strong Russian loyalties, on

around Ukraine as "unusual."

the pretext that it was defending its

As many as 100,000 Russian troops have

interests and those of Russian-speaking

remained amassed at the Ukrainian

citizens.

border.

Shortly

Europe

and

afterwards,

the

US

intelligence

findings

in

pro-Russian

December estimated that Russia could

separatists in Ukraine's Donetsk and

begin a military offensive in Ukraine "as

Luhansk

their

soon as early 2022." New Year 2022 will

independence from Kyiv, prompting

bring Peace or War? Only the time will

months of heavy fighting. Despite Kyiv

tell.

regions

declared

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Pioneer of Construction ‘Rohan Corporation’ Enters 29th Year The name Rohan Corporation is synonymous to quality, uniqueness, and service at its best. The man instrumental in shaping Rohan Corporation into a dynamic and pioneering construction firm is Rohan Monteiro.

Dynamism, versatility and a passion for excellence are some of the key factors that contribute to the success of an individual. Rohan Monteiro, the dynamic managing director of Rohan Corporation, Mangaluru's premier real estate developer firm, is a highly

enterprising entrepreneur who is known for his business acumen, his quest for excellence and his constant endeavour to always deliver the very best to his customers. It is these qualities of his that have been the driving force behind the success of Rohan Corporation, thus earning it a place of pride among the real estate firms of the region.

Rohan is a man who has taken up every challenge that came his way with the right spirit and transformed them into his steppingstones of success. His pioneering efforts are there for all of us to see with Rohan Corporation forging ahead with all its glory with new experiments in each passing project. Each project of Rohan Corporation is not merely a project, but a wonder, complete with the best of amenities on par with global standards.

Rohan who entered the real estate arena at a very young age has learnt the intricacies of the field with all perseverance and has earned

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stunning success.

Rohan Corporation's projects speak for themselves as such is their impeccable quality and high standards of construction. Each of the projects of Rohan Corporation, be it residential or commercial is unique and magnificent in its own way and has a distinct touch that stands apart from the rest.

Experimenting in each of the projects that is taken up by Rohan Corporation is something that Rohan Monteiro loves and has even succeeded in.

Another special quality of this dynamic businessman is his earnest willingness to listen to his clients and their priorities, thus taking them into confidence, something that is very much essential for success in business. Noteworthily, every project of Rohan Corporation has been completed with due suggestions from the clients.

hallmark of quality and excellence is a household name in Mangaluru, all credit to Rohan Monteiro and his dedicated team.

Rohan Corporation is known for its quality construction of Apartments, Layouts and Commercial Complexes in the past 28 years. The residential apartments: Bellissima, Hillcrest, Infinity, Micasa, Bianca, Ventura, Primero, Peters Cote, Daijiworld Residency, Exotica, Luminous & Catalonia etc are highly appreciated by its clients.

Rohan Corporation has the credit of successfully completing 23 projects and 15 layouts while three new complexes and one layout are ongoing projects.

The 14-storey High Crest luxury residential apartment on KadriKambla Road will also be inaugurated soon. The Rohan Square commercial, hotel and ultra-luxury housing complex, on the Pumpwell-Capitanio main road is underway. The Zorion housing complex in Jeppinamogaru is complete and only a few flats are available for purchase. The City Square commercial building on M G Road, Lalbagh has completed its construction work and there are only a few commercial spaces available for purchase.

Rohan Corporation through its string of successful projects known for their

Owning a home is everyone’s dream.

If many choose to buy an apartment,

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there are many more who want to have a home that transforms their vision into a reality and is in tune to their tastes, needs and aspirations.

Rohan Estate can be a perfect choice for the latter as it offers perfect plots amid verdant greenery that beckons everyone.

solution. It offers the best layout on par with international standards at its new project - Rohan Estate.

Rohan Estate - Luxury Villa - Layout Project Coastal Karnataka is a land of a billion dreams, a place of natural beauty, pristine beaches and much more. It has always been a home buyer’s best destination- not just for those who belong to the region, but for many others who have made this city their home after landing here for jobs and other reasons.

In the recent few years, there has been a sharp rise in the number of residential apartment complexes in Mangaluru and its outskirts, but residential layouts with plots packed with all amenities have not seen an equal rise. For those who dream to have such a plot where they can build their home according to their own plan, Mangaluru's renowned real estate firm, Rohan Corporation has a 5 Veez Illustrated Weekly

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boast to be the Best in this arena.

It has all amenities which one looks for in an ideal layout including gardens, parks, playgrounds, jogging tracks and kids’ play areas and 24×7 security.

The Green Concept

Located amid verdant greenery at Pakshikere off the HaleangadiKinnigoli road, Rohan Estate is nestled amid nature's beauty in an area untouched by the urban pollution.

These premier 32 acres villa layout at Pakshikere with residential plots ranging from 3.5 cents & above, is suitable for building private villas customized to one's needs. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Rohan Estate has many more unique features including wide concrete roads, fruit-bearing trees, and aesthetic landscaping.

It is an ideal place for those who want to lead a serene and peaceful life with all modern amenities in a rural locale.

Rohan Estate is one project that can

Rohan Corporation, which strongly believes in the significance of greenery in life and how it adds to a peaceful living, has set up beautiful gardens at Rohan Estate prior to sale of plots. These gardens have come up in as many as 10 places adding beauty to the Layout. Rohan Estate roads are also wide and spacious, resplendent with greenery around. Special efforts have been made to plant saplings wherever possible. Fruit bearing trees have also been planted adding to the beauty and ensuring a great living for those who buy plots and construct houses here. As the layout is in an elevated area, residents can enjoy the cool breeze.

An ideal layout that suits everyone Though at the outset there may be a feeling that Rohan Estate is for the

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affluent sections, it is not the case as even the middle-class families can purchase a plot here. Installment facilities are an added advantage.

Rohan Estate can also be an ideal investment. Ample security measures are also provided and those who are settled abroad too can purchase a plot here without any fear of encroachment.

Rohan Estate is equipped with a fullfledged Sewage Treatment Plant to ensure perfect cleanliness in the surroundings. Arrangements have also been made to lay drainage pipes to all houses that will be constructed here.

Rohan Corporation also has a special plan to use the recycled water for gardening purposes by laying special pipelines for the same.

Buy a plot of any size Vaastu compliant A special feature of Rohan Estate is that customers can choose from plots ranging from 3.5 cents to 10 cents.

They can also choose sites that are adjacent to each other.

Customers will also have an opportunity to get their houses built on the selected plot, at a cost ranging from Rs 35 lac to Rs 75 lac with the help of experienced architects. Rohan Corporation promises to build beautiful houses at affordable cost within six months to customers who opt for the same.

A full-fledged STP

Rohan Estate and the plots available here are 100% Vaastu compliant and customers can rest assured to have a great plot where they can build a dream home.

Affordable plots Plots at Rohan Estate are affordable.

The price has been fixed at Rs 4 lac per cent. However, as an inaugural offer, customers can avail a discount of Rs 50,000 per cent and plots will be available for Rs 3.5 lac per cent for a limited.

The RERA approved layout has been

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constructed in accordance with government guidelines.

Customers who buy plots here can construct houses without any hassles.

A plot at Rohan Estate can also be a favourable asset for investment.

rainwater harvesting, underground drainage, borewell and 24×7 security.

Rohan Estate is also a pleasant sight with fruit-bearing trees around aesthetic landscaping and wide concrete roads.

Monthly installments Ideal Location The Rohan Estate project was initiated with the objective of homes for all.

Here customers can book a plot by paying just Rs 10,000 while the rest can be paid in installments. Those who wish to buy a plot and construct a house must make an initial payment of Rs 25,000 and the rest in installments.

The Perfect Layout Rohan Estate, a project by Rohan Corporation is perfect in more ways than one. Customers can purchase sites here at ease and construct houses. Those who buy plots for investment purposes can also sell them at a later stage without any hassle. The layout’s amenities include gardens, parks, playgrounds, jogging tracks and kids’ play areas. Other features include streetlights,

Rohan Estate has come up just 100 meters away from S Kodi Junction of Pakshikere, abutting the Haleyangadi-Kinnigoli main road. The layout is near NITK Surathkal, Srinivas Medical College, Kateel shrine, Pakshikere Church and other places.

With just 25 km away from Mangaluru city, it is just half an hour drive from Mangaluru, four km away from Haleyangadi NH Junction & Kinnigoli and six km away from Kateel shrine.

The 32-acre Rohan Estate has 372 plots. There are 12 high resolution CC Cameras to ensure abundant security, 5 km long walking track with interlock, badminton court, children's play area, thus making it the first of its kind layout in the coastal district.

The entire layout has wide concrete

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roads, underground drainage, and separate drinking water facility. Water pipelines have also been laid down to avail the gram panchayat supplied water to the layout in the future.

Project Highlights • 372 plots spread over 32 acres • 10 gardens across the layout • 30 to 40 feet wide high quality concrete road • Rainwater Harvesting, Water Treatment Plant • Huge tank for uninterrupted water supply • Underground Drainage Facility • Street light facility • A full-fledged inter-locked walking track • Scope for shopping outlets • Fully Equipped Gym • Modern Swimming pool Added Advantage for Customers • Plots in full-fledged modern layout at affordable rates • Realizing a dream home for Rs 35 lakhs • Facility of owning a home or plot by paying in installments • A discount of Rs 50,000 per cents – a limited period offer

• Plots ranging from 3.5 cents to 10 cents • A new experiment in real estate sector • Suitable for middle-income groups too • Pradhan Mantri Awas scheme facility available • Pay just Rs 10,000 and book your plot An Attractive Scheme Rohan Corporation as part of its Rohan Estate Project has put forth an attractive offer for building contractors and civil engineers. As part of this offer, contractors or engineers can purchase a site in installments to build a house. Later, while handing over the house to the customers within a year they can pay the balance amount to Rohan Corporation.

This gives an opportunity for contractors to choose plots that are best for their customers.

This scheme is a boon for contractors who construct houses and sell the same and such contractors can thus join hands with Rohan Estate.

• A company with 28 years of experience

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• 15 layouts measuring total 4.70 million Sqft • Completed 23 projects measuring total 21 lakh Sqft • 3 projects measuring 10 lakhs Sqft under construction in Mangaluru • Three new projects to be launched soon • Launching soon new layouts measuring 10 acres at Mukka and Bondel • On-time completion of projects • 2,000 satisfied customers • Employment to hundreds

beauty in an area untouched by urban pollution. This premier 32-acre villa layout at Pakshikere with residential plots ranging from 3.5 cents & above, is suitable for building private villas customized to one's needs. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Rohan Estate has many more unique features including wide concrete roads, fruit-bearing trees, and aesthetic landscaping.

Contact numbers: 9845607724 / 9845607725 / 9845400595 Website: www.rohancorporation.in

Rohan Estate is nestled amid nature's -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Link:→ available to buy on Amazon

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WE NEED A RUTILIO GRANDE TODAY! a red-letter day. Three of their sons, Jesuit Fr. Rutilio Grande and his two lay associates 72-year-old Manuel Solorzano and 15-year-old Nelson Rutilio Lemus (and Italian Franciscan missionary Fr. Cosme Spessotto

-

*Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ

For the people of El Salvador, 22 January 2022 will be more than just

who was also martyred) will be beatified in San Salvador. The first three were assassinated by the death squads of Salvador’s then ruling regime on 12 March 1977. On that fateful day, the three had been driving to the small town of El Paisnal to celebrate the novena for the town’s patronal feast of St. Joseph when they were gunned down. Their brutal murders brought universal condemnation.

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Among the first to openly condemn this heinous crime was Archbishop Oscar Romero. He was appointed the Archbishop of San Salvador just three weeks earlier. For years, Romero and Rutilio were good friends but poles apart in their thinking, very particularly in their responses to the terrible realities which gripped the poor Salvadoreans. As a young priest and later as a Bishop, Romero was known for his conservative thinking.

He never wanted to rock the boat by disturbing the ‘status quo’. He was afraid to be on the wrong side of the powerful and other vested interest groups of El Salvador. Inspite of a long-standing friendship with Rutilio he refused to be drawn into the latter’s line of thinking.

Rutilio, on the other hand, was steeped in the faith-justice mandate of the 32nd General Congregation of the Society of Jesus and the vision of Vatican II. The poor and exploited of the country were his major concern. Rutilio wrote, preached and spoke with passion and clarity about the injustices suffered by the rural population, and he stood with them as they

organised to seek land reform and social development. He left no stone unturned to highlight the sufferings of his people and to make their struggles his own. Unlike Romero, Grande did not hesitate to take up cudgels against the powerful. The landowners came to see Rutilio’s pastoral programmes as a great threat to their interests. In doing so he made several enemies from the most powerful of his country!

When he preached, Rutilio did not mince words. His most famous sermon was the one he gave on 13 February 1977 at Apopa; many people consider that sermon to have provoked his death. In the sermon, Rutilio proclaims the equality of the children of God and criticizes the Salvadoran government for deporting a priest, Mario Bernal. Rutilio Grande uses the metaphor of the communal table to declare the love of God’s kingdom and that God has created the material world for everyone to share. In addition, he reminds us that the Gospel message of truth and justice is often considered subversive, especially when

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surrounded by unjust oppressive social structures.

and

He said, “It is dangerous to be Christian in our midst! It is dangerous to be truly Catholic! It is practically illegal to be an authentic Christian here, in our country!

Because out of necessity the world around us is rooted on an established disorder, in front of which the mere proclamation of the Gospel becomes subversive. That’s the way it must be, it cannot be otherwise! We are chained by disorder, not order! What happens is that a priest or a simple Christian who practices his faith according to the basic and simple guidelines of Jesus’ message, must live faithfully between two demanding pillars: the revealed Word of God and the People. The same people, the great majority, the marginalized, the sick who cry out, those who are enslaved, those on the margins of culture – 60 percent illiterate- those who are alienated in a thousand ways, those who have been living in a feudal system for centuries.” That sermon given more than forty years ago is still very valid today.

In his powerful biography, ‘The Life, Passion and Death of Jesuit Rutilio Grande’, Fr Rodolfo Cardenal SJ says that “Rutilio Grande was arguably the first Jesuit to be martyred after the Society of Jesus had proclaimed its commitment to the service of faith and the promotion of justice as two inseparable elements of the Jesuit mission. He preached and embraced the struggle for faith and for justice not in an academic, theoretical context but among and alongside the poor parishioners of Aguilares, with all the difficult issues and contradictions that such a ministry involved. Like Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917–1980), he did

not quit; he accepted his probable fate knowingly, even though with fear and trepidation. His example provides for Christians today an extraordinary model of a parish priest who, without naivety and with Ignatian discernment, made an

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authentic option for the poor and oppressed."

Grande’s death was a terrible shock to Romero. In a powerful homily ‘the Motivation of Love’, at the funeral, Romero said, “We speak of the motivation of love, sisters and brothers. There should be no feeling of vengeance among us. As the bishops stated yesterday, we do not raise our voice for revenge. We are concerned about the things of God who commands us to love him above all things and to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:3031). Yes, it is true that we have asked the authorities to investigate this criminal act, for they have in their hands the instruments of this nation’s justice, and they must clarify this situation. We are not accusing anyone, nor are we making judgments beforehand. We hope to hear the voice of an impartial justice because, even with the motivation of love, justice cannot be absent.

There can be no true peace and no true love that is based on injustice or violence or intrigue”.

For good measure Romero added, “The government should not

consider a priest who takes a stand for social justice as a politician or a subversive element when he is fulfilling his mission in the politics of the common good.” He also said openly and emphatically, “Anyone who attacks one of my priests, attacks me. If they killed Rutilio for doing what he did, then I too have to walk the same path”. The death of his friend was a turning point in the life of Romero. From that day onwards, he wholeheartedly worked for the rights of the exploited and the excluded. He was assassinated three years later, on 24 March 1980.

Today he rejoices with his dear friend in heaven!

In a letter (3 January 2022) addressed to the whole Society of Jesus, on the occasion of the Beatification, Jesuit Superior General writes, “The growing awareness of the need to promote a transformation of the inhuman circumstances of life of the peasant majority, a situation caused by the unjust structures of Salvadoran society, sparked the social and political struggles of this convulsive period in the history of this Central American country. Many members

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of the ecclesial communities participated actively in the social and political struggle. For Father Rutilio, his team, and his close collaborators, who were committed because of their faith to the struggle for the justice of the Gospel, there was a clear distinction between pastoral work and partisan political militancy.

However, for the minorities who felt their power to be under threat, Rutilio was seen as an obstacle to be removed. The Church, in recognizing the martyrdom of Rutilio, Manuel, and

which they gave witness shedding their blood.”

by

Rutilio is Salvadorean, a Catholic and a Jesuit! The likes of him however, cannot be contained by history, time and space. His life and his message serve as an inspiration to all and transcend narrow confines. Given our grim realities, the context and the cries of the people, the Church in India and in fact the entire country desperately need a Rutilio Grande today! Will there be one?

21 January 2022 *(Fr Cedric Prakash is a human rights, reconciliation, and peace activist/writer.

Contact: cedricprakash@gmail.com )

Nelson, judges that their lives were taken because of the faith that gave their lives meaning, the faith to -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Christian Conversions in Colonial Goa

The

topic of conversions to Christianity has gained ground following the Conversion Bill being considered by Indian state legislatures. Age-old accounts of “Forced Conversion” or “Rice Christians” are conducive to formulating interesting stories that are often handed down, even within educated circles.

However, an insightful analysis of the issue of conversion leads to an entirely

different conclusion.

The case is often made that conversion is a gift from God. That may well be true, but there are other factors at play, which must be examined. For example, a major reason why Jesus and his disciples had a large following is their power to perform miracles – often the curing of a convert or their sick relative.

This was the most persuasive tool Jesus and his apostles used in evangelizing. In

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other words, the converted received some tangible benefit prior to conversion.

In recent times, conversion to Christianity or any other religion is also likely linked to more pragmatic reasons.

Many attribute the conversions that occurred in colonial Goa to the colonial tyranny of the Portuguese and the Inquisition. In fact, in this land of contradictions, both those colonial patterns of behavior served as deterrents to conversion to Christianity. In our writings, we provided historical data which explains the political-social goals of the Inquisition, which refute the statement that tyranny and the Inquisition led to conversion. Indepth information is available in our book, Insights into Colonial Goa by Philomena Lawrence, and Gilbert Lawrence, published by Amazon/Kindle.

Individual Conversion According to our analysis, there were several pragmatic motivations for individuals to convert to Christianity during colonial period.

Christians were not divided along

caste lines; by converting to that faith, the person aimed to escape from the caste of the family in which he or she was born. Many Hindus and Muslims came to Goa from India in search of a new identity.

They came voluntarily to forget their past and get a fresh start complete with a new name, caste, religion, occupation, way-of-life, home, and friends. Some seek this change with marriage. In doing so, they left behind their former family and community curses, estranged relatives, and perhaps even their occupations and ways of life.

Many of these factors are at play even today when Christians become Hindus and vice-versa. For some, the change of religion (nutrition for the soul) is like a change in diet (nutrition for the body). In addition, conversion provided the opportunity for individuals to be welcomed into the “inner circle” of the governing society -- a common reason for conversion throughout history. Additionally, in colonial Goa, it may have been difficult even for a Hindu Brahmin to be part of the ruling social / village structure and therefore unable to participate

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in a “communidad” system of sharing commonly owned land.

Individual conversion may not be the full explanation of widespread Brahmin conversion to Christianity, called Cristao in the native language.

Village-wide Conversions

The reports that “entire villages” were converted to Christianity in colonial Goa have always intrigued us. Conversion to a different faith is a personal affair, and adult conversion generally requires the individual to make significant preparations prior to participating in the conversion/ baptism ritual.

Some cynics and historians attribute mass conversions to the efforts of the colonial government and the church. The Inquisition has always been a lazy historian's crutch on which to blame everything that went on in colonial Goa.

The late Teotonio DeSouza, a renowned Goan historian, reported that mass conversions occurred in his own village of Moira, located in Bardez. From his account, the mass conversion was a negotiated deal between the Hindu leaders of the village, who stipulated that it was incumbent on the Catholic priests based in Mapusa to build a church in their local, predominantly Brahmin village.

The unusual arrangement makes the situation even more intriguing. In the interest of full disclosure, the village of Moira is not far from our own village of Aldona, along the road connecting the village to the town of Mapusa.

It is important to consider whether the villagers themselves stood to benefit from "mass conversions."

Perhaps the most compelling advantages to mass conversion included: 1. The preservation of the nuclear and extended families' social ties.

2. When the entire village was converted, that event also resulted in a continuation and transfer of some village social practices, rituals and rights, including the caste strata of all the residents in the

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village -- no leapfrogging.

3. For Brahmins who place a high value on a good education, a church-run school was an essential institution for the success of the next generation.

In colonial Goa, every parish church sponsored an elementary school, which was dedicated to teaching the 3Rs. From the Church's perspective, maintaining a village church and school (building and staff) needed maximum community support. This meant that both sides were acutely aware of the need for greater participation by both the church and the villagers.

The village of Moira is strategically located close to Mapusa, the center of the Bardez taluka (county).

Therefore, if Moira was without its own local school, it would lose its human resources and younger generation to its neighboring town.

Moira is also credited with having some of the smartest thinkers in the entire taluka. Clearly, these village elders saw the value and advantage of having their own school as a benefit of mass conversion, which occurred devoid of any colonial pressure. In this respect, the village elders in Goa during the 16th and 17th centuries may have been smarter than the cynics and historians of today.

In the 17th- 21st century, the Cristaos along the Konkan coast may also be descendants of Nestorians and other pre-Iberian converts - the work of Apostle St. Bartholomew and others.

The intermixing of the two major religious groups (Hindus and Cristaos) is very fluid with mutual respect for each other’s Gods and place of worship, and often sharing

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in each other’s religious practices and festivities. At the place of worship, the guests are usually given the pride of place with proximity to the deity/saint. Folks of both faiths make similar offerings of rice, coconut, sweets, and money in seeking the prasad from the priest and blessings / ashirwad both of which they are glad to share. Native piety is displayed in the common thank-you of Deu borem corun – God Bless you. ‘Returnee’ especially sailors, demands an early visit to the traditional place of worship, pilgrimage, and family graves to pay homage to ancestors is a solemn ritual.

Often there is the neighborhood prayer service in the home thanking God for the safe return or the special event. In many neighborhoods, there is Devosponn where families / homes volunteer to perform religious duties by rotation or participate in hosting the statue of a travelling deity irrespective of faith. Blessing / Ashirwad from a deity or elder is vital for peace of mind and safety from harm. The identification of a family deity and place of worship, passed down generations who may be widely spread, is the glue that keeps history

alive and the sense of clanmembership strong. As the wise sage said, “Who are you if you have no sense of your heritage? And if you do not protect it!

Despite differing religious beliefs and practices, the social values, and customs (at the milestones of life) of Hindus and Cristaos mirror each other.

Families are close-knit, religious, and proud of their roots.

The place of worship is the focal point of their life, and music is a strong part of the heritage. The spirit of the family is strong, with an admiring respect for ancestors and their legacy. Coming to the

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ancestral home is not only vacationhoopla but is like ‘swallows coming back to Capistrano’. The old ways still live in the minds of the people.

For the new arrival, the joie-de-vivre dissipates into the warm air of their familiar village as the word gets

around of the returning son or daughter. Soon there is a lot of waving going on from the balcao (verandah) to all passers-by. In the evenings and weekends, the new arrivals are told of stories by relatives and neighbors, and kept abreast of events in the family, community, and village, where agriculture is usually the backbone of the region. Stories are retold with bonds and hierarchy established.

Native singing is part of the Konkan-Canara inner being, where the language is yours to know, and the land is home. One native way of bringing people together is by singing; even if you cannot

understand Konkani, you understand the feelings.

can

In summary: The same human factors that were at play in the first century were also present in colonial Goa during the 16th /17th century and today. Despite what is written by historians on the topic of “Forced Conversion,” an in-depth analysis suggests that the converted often did so willingly and invariable had some material benefit to gain. We hope you enjoyed reading this aspect of history, which includes a lot of “food for thought.” Please forward these articles to your relatives, friends, peers, as well as Indian and Iberian chat sites.

Sharing history is sharing our cultural heritage. Thank you for allowing us to share this with you.

Philomena and Gilbert Lawrence Authors: Insights into Colonial Goa Published in paperback and e-book

by Amazon/ Kindle For information about the authors and the book click: → Insights into Colonial Goa. The 435-page book provides details

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about the “story behind the story” of certain major events relating to colonial Goa. The bibliography comprises the titles of 74 books examined, studied, and referenced, Philomena and which makes the book a useful tool Gilbert Lawrence for those interested in Goa's Authors: Insights into Colonial colonial history.

Goa -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Kodialgar Archbishop a shining star....

VEEZ Illustrated Weekly has launched wide efforts to bring news and features with distinct culture and historic connections and flavor of all that is 'KODIAL'..... gaining a very special place as a dedicated unique English magazine of the region, with Dr.Austin Prabhu of Chicago USA, contributing generously to voice the proud ethos of our admirations. Just as jet setting around the world was resuming after months of the 'Corona Pandemic' and its backlash, the latest mutation "OMICRON" seems within reason to control and treat, but with the current experience in this field it will be adequately handled with needed restrictions, even if inconvenient will be implemented and followed with supporting infrastructure better developed at this point in time. So, the future indicates, "Inconvenience is our Convenience" and humanity

Family at Lahore will get ahead as it has for millions of years. So, bask in the positive mindset and be blessed in the NEW YEAR 2022 with more confidence that 'We will Overcome'.

Overview : Here now, look at a unique and senior global personality to inspire,

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Wedding of Lawrence Saldanha and Lilian Vas, Mangalore, 1928 with roots in Mangalore and later most of the family settled in Canada.

Emeritus Archbishop of Lahore , Pakistan Most Rev Lawrence Saldanha, now retired in Canada.

His Lordship headed the Archdiocese of Lahore throughout the first decade of the new millennium. He has the distinction of being the only churchman of 'Mangalorean origin' to have headed an archdiocese in an alien country.

His experiences and exposure to global ethos and the Catholic Church for a long-time

Lawrence & Lilian, 1930

Lawrence, Lilian, Shirley, Audrey,

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Karachi, 1961

London, 1962

Beryl & Lancelot

Desmond Angela Wedding

Fr. Larry at his ordination, 1960 outside India is a contribution unparalleled, perhaps best known to folks from this amazing region.

His family story is a tale of migrations in line with the historic Konkani community. The family is generally projected as from "Omzoor Saldanha Clan" originally from Goa. His paternal grandfather Sebastian Saldanha left Mangalore 31 Veez Illustrated Weekly

government service; the archbishop’s father, Lawrence Saldanha Sr, joined the Department of Post and Telegraph, working in Bombay, Karachi, Quetta and eventually Lahore (in 1938), where he attained the position of Family at Karachi, 1968

Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha and Pope John Paul II, 2001

Diamond Jubilee Mass, 1988 to work in Karwar where he permanently settled. Sebastian Saldanha's many sons all were in relatively high positions in

Godlen Jubiliee of his Ordination, 2010 Superintendent, North-Western Railway Telegraphs.

Archbishop Lawrence's mother Lilian was the daughter of Piedade Francis Vaz, one of the first engineers of the

32 Veez Illustrated Weekly

Family at Montreal, 1966

Centenarian William Andrade and Lawrence Saldanha, Canada, 2016 Mangalorean Catholic community.

Lawrence Sr and Lilian had 7 children – Beryl, Mavis, Desmond, Lawrence, Eric, Charlotte (Shirley) and Audrey.

Lawrence (future archbishop) was known to his family as Fr.Larry.

Born in 1936, when just 2 years old, parents settled in Lahore – and young Lawrence was educated in

Desmond Angela Golden Wedding, 2012 Lahore and Karachi.

Following ordination in 1960, obtained a doctorate in theology from the Urbanium University, Rome, in 1963.

In 1967, was appointed the first executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan. Was Rector of the major seminary of Christ the King, Karachi (1974-83), continuing as Professor of Theology till 1986 when appointed Executive Director of Wave Studios by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Pakistan. In the late 1990s, moved to Canada (where family had settled), but returned to Lahore on his

33 Veez Illustrated Weekly

Audrey Fernand and Children-IndoFrench-Canadian-Union

Beryl on her 90th Birthday, 2019 the infamous attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, New York, in USA. Let us zoom in on Archbishop Lawrence’s memories conveyed on September 22, 2021, by the archbishop: Family Story :

Mavis, Jose and children. IndoSpanish Union appointment as Archbishop in April 2001 and was consecrated on 11 September 2001 - the precise day of

L.A.J (Lawrence Anthony Julian) Saldanha left home in Karwar in 1912 and qualified as a telegraph operator in Bombay. He accepted to work during the last years of the First World War in the Persian Gulf

34 Veez Illustrated Weekly

in a lonely,but vital post in Dahrain, near Basra.

He won a commendation for his faithful services. He was posted to Poona and Sukkur, rising in the ranks. He then decided to marry and raise a family. So, he made a trip to Mangalore in 1928 and chose young Lilian Vas as his bride. They were married in Milagres Church on 28 April 1928 and moved to Sukkur, Sindh, where two daughters, Beryl and Mavis, were born. Two sons were added to the family : Desmond, born in Bombay in 1933, and Lawrence (Larry), born in Mangalore in 1936.

In 1936 the young couple were posted to Ajmer in the state of Rajputana (Rajasthan). Later they moved to upper Punjab, to a city called Jhelum. Finally, they settled down in Lahore the capital of the Punjab in 1939 where Lawrence was promoted to the Telegraph section of Northwestern Railways, as a First Class Gazetted Officer, the first Indian to achieve this responsible rank. He took his official duties very seriously, leaving all the domestic affairs to my mother. The last three

children Eric, Charlotte (Shirley) and Audrey were born in Lahore. The family made 3 trips to Mangalore during the summer vacations and came to know, love, and appreciate their family ties and cultural traditions.

The seven children got their education at two prestigious schools in Lahore: Jesus and Mary Convent School and St Anthony’s High School. The older ones pursued graduate studies at Sacred Heart Convent and Forman Christian College, a prominent Protestant college. The 1940’s was a turbulent era, when the violent struggle for independence from the British Raj was at its peak. There were demonstrations and riots in the old city of Lahore. Fortunately, the family lived in a quiet residential area that was mainly Muslim. The house was owned by a Muslim, so we were spared the horrors of killing, looting, and burning. The news media were controlled and censored by the ruling British. So, we were not aware of the harsh realities but lived life quite blissfully and contentedly.

35 Veez Illustrated Weekly

The local parish church of St Anthony played an important role in life and formation. Attended Sunday Mass and May devotions. An altar server and it was through contact with the parish priest, Rev Fr Ludolf, that the vocation gew and joined the Seminary in 1952. Ordained a priest by Bishop Marcel Roger in 1960. Close friends were a few Goan and Mangalorean families, who were mostly working in the Railway workshops, British firms, and Banks.

But before Partition in 1947 most of them opted to return to India.

Father made the key decision to take Pakistani citizenship and stay on in Lahore until his retirement in 1950. The family moved to Karachi in 1953 where father constructed a large bungalow called “Lilian House”.

Highlights of life : Desmond, the eldest son, was the first to migrate from Karachi in 1956.

To improve his prospects, he travelled to London, England, to study accountancy, and obtain his degree as a Chartered Accountant.

He made a trip to Bangalore in 1961 and there he met and proposed to

Angela Fernandes, who was on leave while doing her nurse’s training in England. The wedding took place on 1st Sept 1962. Was in Rome for doctoral studies, so was able to officiate at the nuptial ceremonies. Sister Mavis moved to London in 1960. She met her future Spanish husband, who was studying law, at a Catholic Centre for foreign students. They were married in Madrid, Spain, in 1964 and worked in the diplomatic service of Spain in Iraq, Ireland, Austria and Russia.

Eldest sister, Beryl, migrated to Canada in 1963 with her husband Lance Mendonca and four children.

They were the trail blazers to the new world ... The rest followed.

After taking his degree in electrical engineering in Lahore, younger brother Eric moved to England in 1964 and joined AEI Ltd. He then migrated to Canada and met Norine Pinto in Toronto who had moved from Bahrain, they married in 1978 in Toronto. Sister Shirley graduated from St Joseph’s college, Karachi.

She married Frederick Zuzarte in 1965 and they migrated to Canada in 1971. Audrey, the youngest sister, moved to Montreal in 1965

36 Veez Illustrated Weekly

and did her Master’s in Social Work at McGill University. She met her future husband, Fernand Gauthier, while engaged in intercultural work at Monchanin Centre. They were married in 1975. Finally, Archbishop Lawrence's parents Lawrence and Lilian sold their large property in Karachi in 1971 and joined their children in Canada. They celebrated their Diamond Wedding Jubilee with the whole clan in 1988.

retirement is spent in a sacred manner, constructive and positive in the calm secure Canadian ethos. He puts in tremendous efforts to support causes morally and practically. His concern for the persecuted and marginalized is of prime concern and his efforts go a long way even from his armchair in the spirit of a Living GOD who he serves constantly, in the evening of life.

At present 85-year-old Emeritus - Compiled : Ivan Saldanha-Shet.

Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha, is looking and hoping for Goodwill of -Inputs : Community Genealogist men all over the world. His Dr.Michael Lobo of Mangalore.

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37 Veez Illustrated Weekly

The atmosphere of hatred in India Last week, Congress leader Rahul

Gandhi posed this question on his twitter handle. "What has been the biggest shortcoming of the BJP government?" and listed below it four options to vote for.

The four options were ’unemployment’, ’tax extortion’, ’inflation’, and ’atmosphere of hatred’. The voting was open for 24 hours. 3, 47, 396 people voted. Of them, 35% felt “atmosphere of hatred” is the government’s foremost shortcoming, followed by 28% saying “unemployment”, 19.8% saying “inflation” and 17.2% “tax extortion”.

Amnesty International Submissions: Abroad, in Washington D.C., experts from Amnesty International USA and Global Genocide Watch, leading global human rights watchdogs, submitted a damning report at a Congressional Briefing on Wednesday, January 12. They said the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Islamophobic

policies and tolerance of open incitement by Hindu extremists for a

38 Veez Illustrated Weekly

genocide of Muslims are pushing India towards mass violence against and massacres of Muslims. Because of Modi’s failure to condemn and act against anti-Muslim bigotry, hate speeches by leading religious and political figures had proliferated in recent weeks specifically aimed at inciting mass violence against Muslims.

Govind Acharya, India Specialist with Amnesty International USA has opined that anti-Muslim hate and bigotry is at peak in India. Indian authorities must ensure that there is no impunity for those responsible for public lynching and other hate crimes against Muslims in several

states.

“The pattern of hate crimes committed against Muslims with seeming impunity in states where the BJP is in power is deeply worrying. Unfortunately, both the Prime Minister and various Chief Ministers have done little to show that they disapprove of this violence,” said Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India.

Amnesty International further said: “The BJP’s campaign for cow protection has emboldened vigilante groups, who seem to be operating with the tacit approval of state authorities. BJP leaders have ignored, or worse, even justified the attacks at times.

“This growing trend of Islamophobia needs to be stopped in its tracks. The Indian Prime Minister, senior BJP leaders and Chief Ministers must break their silence and unequivocally condemn the attacks.

State police

39 Veez Illustrated Weekly

departments must ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“Mob violence has occurred in other cases too, including attacks on Dalits suspected of illegally transporting cows, the killing of alleged child traffickers in Jharkhand, and the lynching of a police officer at a mosque in Kashmir. All these attacks are deplorable and seem to indicate a weakening of the rule of law.”

Global Genocide Watch:

Global Genocide Watch placed India at position 2 behind Pakistan as “likeliest country where mass killings could happen.

Dr. Gregory Stanton, Founder &

President of Genocide Watch stated

that “genocide is not an event, but a process. The ten processes of genocide begin with classification by trying to exclude people from citizenship.

De-humanization involves calling people terrorist, separatist, and criminals. This language is used by the Indian Government against the Muslims.

Polarization leads to hatred for all Muslims, and preparation for genocide.

The first process is happening now.

As the leader of India, PM Modi has an obligation to denounce the hate speeches, but he has not spoken against it”.

Dr. Gregory Stanton, a genocide studies scholar, had predicted the Rwandan genocide of Tutsi tribals in 1994. He is now warning of the possible repetition of a similar conflict in India, wherein Muslims could become the target.

"Under his party's policies, PM Modi has used anti-Muslim, Islamophobic rhetoric to build his political base.

40 Veez Illustrated Weekly

One of those ways has been the revocation of the autonomous status of Kashmir, which is the one state in India which is majority Muslim. The revocation was aimed at restoring Hinduism and Hindu domination in Kashmir."

and we will have to conduct this cleanliness drive. There is no solution apart from this.” This call for ethnic cleansing of Muslims was

The hate speeches at Haridwar:

Between December 17 and 19, a socalled Dharam Sansad was organized at Haridwar. It was addressed by many Hindus religious leaders and hardliners. Several inflammatory hate speeches were made. The theme of the event was “The Future of the Dharma in Islamic India: Problem and Solutions”. It was a strange topic because who says that we are living in an ‘Islamic India’.

“This is our state now. There is no more time, the case now is that either you prepare to die now, or get ready to kill, there’s no other way. Therefore, like in Myanmar, the police, the politicians, the army, and every Hindu must pick up weapons

given by Swami Prabodhanand, who has close links with mainstream BJP politicians.

“The decision of this Dharma Sansad would be a word of God and the government will have to listen to it,” said Swami Anandswaroop, another

hardliner cleric in saffron robes. “If it won’t, then we would wage a war that would be more gruesome than the revolt of 1857.” This no doubt is

41 Veez Illustrated Weekly

a seditious speech for which he should have been arrested and charged. No police action has been taken as of date.

Dr. Gregory Stanton alluded to the Haridwar 'Dharam Sansad' and said: "We believe that (genocide) is (what) the Haridwar meeting was especially aimed at inciting.

Incitement of genocide is a crime under the Genocide Convention, and it is law in India that incitement of genocide is illegal. That law must be enforced."

An Extremist Has Taken Over the Govt: Human Rights Activists hold that the Hindutva movement is contrary to the history of India and the Indian Constitution. The spirit of secularism espoused by the Constitution had been defended by the Congress-led governments. This idea of India is sought to be discredited by the current dispensation under PM Modi.

Dr. Stanton opined: "What we have now though Modi who is a member of the RSS, - the extremist, Hindutva-oriented group, - as prime minister of India. So, what we have here is an extremist who has taken over the government."

The submissions of both Amnesty International and Global Genocide Watch were widely reported in international media. Al-Jazeera, the Qatari news channel widely watched globally, televised live interviews with the members of Amnesty International India.

“Under BJP’s leadership, India became one of the most dangerous countries for Muslims and Christians in the world. They are being persecuted physically, psychologically and economically,” activist and academic Apoorvanand wrote in an OpEd for Al Jazeera.

Videos of Hindu religious leaders calling for mass killings and for the use of weapons against Muslims that went viral on social media last

42 Veez Illustrated Weekly

month prompted the Supreme Court to order an investigation into hate speeches in Uttarakhand state.

Modi’s BJP and its ideological parent, the far-right RSS, have warned Hindus about religious conversions to Islam and Christianity, and called for action to prevent a “demographic imbalance” in the world’s second most populous nation.

The “Assamese Problem”:

Based on Citizen Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), a process is underway to verify the citizenship of 32 million residents of Assam state.

The process requires each person to affirmatively prove that they are Indian and not “illegal migrant”.

Ethnic Bengali Muslims migrated and settled in Assam over a century ago. The 2011 census puts their number at 10.6 million. Egged on by PM Modi, the BJP-led state government is updating its master list of citizens. Those classified as Indian citizens will receive new Indian identity cards. Anyone not in the final list will be declared a “foreigner”, a stateless person subject to detention and likely deportation.

Assam’s Muslims fear that they will be excluded from the citizen list. The word “foreigner” is commonly used to dehumanize and prevent them from exercising their civil and human rights, especially voting rights. Amit Shah, the union home

minister, has repeatedly referred to Bengali Muslims in Assam as “termites”. The Chief Minister of

43 Veez Illustrated Weekly

Assam has declared that “the people who are declared foreigners will be barred from all constitutional rights, including fundamental and electoral.”

He has requested additional Indian government troops and police to arrest “foreigners.” The Assam state is constructing ten new “foreigner” detention centers to add to the six prisons already in existence.

These are the classification, symbolization, discrimination, dehumanization, organization, and polarization stages of the genocidal process. Assam has a history of genocide.

Assamese ethnonationalist independence movements culminated in the Nellie massacre of between 1,800 and 3,000 ethnically Bengali Muslims in 1983.

This is a classic case of denial of citizenship to deprive a minority ethnic and religious group of its rights. It could become a prelude to another genocide like Myanmar’s genocide against its Rohingya

Muslims.

Genocide Watch’s Ten Stages of Genocide: The situation of Bengali Muslims in India’s Assam State is now at Stage Seven: Preparation. When Bengali Muslims in Assam are imprisoned in “foreigner” detention centers, the situation will move to Stage Eight: Persecution, the stage immediately preceding full genocide.

If India imprisons the “foreigner” Bengali Muslims, it will be against the UN Convention on Refugees. If it expels them (to Bangladesh?), it will also be against UN conventions.

As a key member state of UN with aspirations to be included in the Security Council, India can ill-afford the bad publicity if it pursues the policies of discrimination against Bengali Muslims who have lived in Assam for generations.

(Compiled by Philip Mudartha from information from the websites of Amnesty International and Global Genocide Watch)

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Socio Story invites Activist Harold D’Souza

on ‘IMPACT Conversations’ Show

January

is

National

Human

survivor-advocate Harold D’Souza

Trafficking Prevention Month. The

on their ‘Impact Conversations’

United States President since 2010

show to be hosted on January 21,

has dedicated this month to raise

2022, in a live session at 4 pm IST

awareness about human trafficking and educate the public about how

Every day, vulnerable people are

to identify and prevent this crime.

trafficked into modern-day slavery and exploited for profit.

Socio Story an impact advocacy platform has invited international

Harold D’Souza President of Eyes

45 Veez Illustrated Weekly

be interviewing incredible crusader Harold D’Souza on his life changing journey from rags to riches.

Indian American Harold D’Souza said, “A short term pain is a long-

term gain, but a short-term gain is a long-term pain. It took me 133 months to smell the fragrance of

Open International and former US

freedom. I will fight till my last

Advisory

on

breath for innocent victims to live

Human Trafficking appointed by

their life with freedom. Teamwork

President

makes the dream work”.

Council Barack

Member Obama

and

President Donald Trump will share his

journey

from

‘Survivor’

to

‘Thriver’ on ‘Impact Conversations’

Manoj Pachauri is the founder of Socio Story.

organized by Socio Story.

Truly said no one can stop running water from flowing. This nonstoppable Harold D’Souza during Reshma Jain Editor, Socio Story will

his recent visit to India travelled 17 cities and did 53 presentations to

46 Veez Illustrated Weekly

create awareness and prevention on

human trafficking.

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M JESSY DSOUZA

powder 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp Fennel powder 2 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp garam masala Thick or hung curd (optional) Lime juice Little salt

TOMATO CHICKEN CURRY {NO ONION}

METHOD:

INGREDIENTS: 12 - 15 cleaned & cut medium Chicken pieces.

MARINATION: 2 tsp Ginger garlic paste 2 tbsp Coriander Powder 2 - 3 tbsp Red chilli powder or Bafat

▪︎Marinate chicken with all above and keep aside to 15 - 30 mins.

47 Veez Illustrated Weekly

▪︎Take 3 big red ripe tomato and chop very fine small pcs. Keep aside.

▪︎Take 1 more big tomato cut into pcs, take 4 - 5 cashew nuts, add 1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder and make fine paste.

well. Cook until gravey becomes thick and oil seperates give a stir in between intervals. Taste and adjust salt.

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Done.

NOTE: ▪︎Serve this with nice hot roti, dosa, idli, dhokla or boiled rice👍 and few curry leaves. Its Optional ▪︎Adjust all ingredients as per your taste. Me & my family like spicy food and I prepare Red Hot Spicy Curries most of the times, depends which dish I prepare and go well with🌶

▪︎Take kadai with little oil, heat and add 3 chopped tomato and fry well until very mushy and oil seperates.

Now add marinated chicken pcs and stir on high flame for few seconds.

Close the lid, reduce flame to low and cook, do not add water.

Chicken will release its water on slow flame. Once half cooked, open and add the ground paste and very little water, 1 chicken cube and mix

---------------------------------------

48 Veez Illustrated Weekly

Dal Palak (Spinach Dal) Recipe

Ingredients: 1) One bunch Spinach (Palak) 2) 1 cup Chana dal 3) 3 green chillies finely chopped 4) 1 inch ginger finely chopped 5) 6 cloves garlic finely chopped

6) 1 medium size tomato finely chopped 7) 1 medium size onion finely chopped lengthwise 8) 1 tbsp cumin seeds 9) 1 tsp chilli powder

49 Veez Illustrated Weekly

10) 1 tsp coriander powder 11) 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 12) 1/2 tsp garam masala powder 13) Salt to taste 14) Lemon juice (optional)

- Add garam masala powder and mix well.

- Add more hot water depending on how thick you prefer (recommended medium thickness.

- Stir well and let it cook for 5 mins to a complete boil to give a nice aroma.

15) 1 tbsp oil Recipe: - Wash Spinach (palak) nicely, drain the water and cut finely. Keep aside - Wash dal nicely and soak for 3-4 hours - In a pressure cooker, add soaked dal, palak, ginger, garlic, turmeric powder, tomatoes, salt and 2 cups of water. Cook for 4-5 whistles and switch off the flame to cool

- Add garam masala powder and stir well. Cook on low flame for 2 mins and switch off the flame.

- Once dal palak is served in a dish, you can add 1 small piece of hard butter (optional) Dal Palak is ready to serve with steamed rice or chapatis

- Take a deep kadai and add oil.

- Once oil is hot, add cumin and fry for a while - Add onions and fry till light golden brown - Add chili powder, coriander powder and fry for a while on low flame.

- Add cooked dal palak and mix well.

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50 Veez Illustrated Weekly

Mangaluru: Renovated Don Bosco Hall to be inaugurated on Jan 27 Wed, Jan 19 2022 06:04:57 PM

Daijiworld Media Mangaluru (ANK)

Network

–

Mangaluru Jan 19: The renovated Don Bosco Hall will be inaugurated on January 27 by police commissioner N Shashikumar, disclosed Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza, president, Konkani Natak Sabha .

Addressing the media here on Tuesday, January 19, Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza said, "The renovated hall

will be blessed by the Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.

Provincial minister, Holy Trinity province, Karnataka, Dr Alwyn Dias will be the chief guest, while managing director, Al-Mazroui and Clevy Automobiles, Abu Dhabi, Leo Rodrigues, rector, St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Melwyn Pinto, Santhosh Sequeira from Santhosh

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Arrangers, will be present. The formal program will be followed with a cultural program by Konkani Nataka Sabha members.

The Don Bosco Hall took birth in 1948 through the Konkani Nataka Sabha. The theatre was backed by the concept of religious achievement, moral values, and lifestyle through plays. The hall has provided opportunities to stage plays, musical programmes, Yakshagana and different performing art forms. It also has the credit of being the first ever theatre in coastal Karnataka.

Konkani Natak Sabha was the brainchild of the Jesuit priest Rev Fr George Albuquerque Pai. On September 19, 1943, he had successfully staged a Konkani drama 'Vignant Jeeth' at the Academy Hall of St. Aloysius College by mobilizing a few enthusiastic, budding youth of the then Mangalore. This occasion proved to be the initiation for establishing the Konkani Natak Sabha. Hence it is

the Foundation Day of Konkani Natak Sabha. 'Natak Dwarim Dharmic Saadhan' is the motto of Konkani Natak Sabha. Conservation of Konkani culture through Konkani songs, music, dance, drama, and other language-based media, and through this, propagation of humanistic values is the sole objective of Konkani Natak Sabha.

The Konkani Natak Sabha , founded

by Rev George Albuquerque Pai, was continued, nurtured, and groomed by a Capuchin priest Philip Neri. In its initial years, the Milagres School premises served as the venue for the meetings, dramas, and other activities of Konkani Natak Sabha. At the same time, the search had begun for having its own premises for Konkani Natak Sabha.

As a result, a roadside property at Balmatta Road near Hampankatta was purchased and registered in 1946. Rev. Fr. Richard, the Capuchin provincial head laid the foundation stone on September 19, 1948.

Though raising funds for the

52 Veez Illustrated Weekly

construction of the building proved to be a difficult task, Jesuit priest George A. Pai and Capuchin friar Philip Neri took it up as a challenge and completed the building construction project with the help of various generous donors. St. Don Bosco was chosen as the patron and guardian of Konkani Natak Sabha.

Hence the building came to be known as Don Bosco Hall. The new auditorium was blessed by Rev Fr. Julian D'Souza; Vicar Jeral (Shresta Guru) of Mangalore Diocese on August 19, 1951, and the then collector Sri Rajaratnam inaugurated it. On this occasion, a play 'Sapan Va Nij Gazal', written by M P D'Sa was performed on the new stage.

Over the last 70 years of its existence, Don Bosco Hall has provided a platform for thousands of artists, dramatists, singers, and music composers to introduce and showcase their talents. This hall, which has a history of seven decades, is now renovated into a stunning modern theatre. It is all set

to host artistic performances by the exponents of theatre, music, and dance. There are also facilities for conducting various training programmes in art. In all, 272 drama and performance artistes of 14 different units are the members of Konkani Natak Sabha. There is also a women's unit.

Vice president Liston Derric D Souza, general secretary Floyd D' Mello, treasurer Gerald Concessao, executive member Cletus Lobo, assistant secretary Praveen

53 Veez Illustrated Weekly

groups from all over Mangalore.

KNS is a cultural organization founded primarily for the Apostolate of the Stage and has for its object, the promotion of the mother tongue-Konkani, and the advancement of cultural, social, and moral uplift of the society in general. “ Natak Dwarin Dharmik Sadhan” meaning ‘ service through stage’ is the cherished motto of the Sabha.

Rodrigues, public relations officer Raymond D' Cunha were present.

HISTORY of the Konkani Natak Sabha:

(KNS) is a Konkani Dramatic Society formed on September 19, 1943, by Rev. Fr. George Albuquerque Pai S. J.(of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore), by bringing together active youngsters of local dramatic

The KNS is a statutory body having its own Memorandum of Association, Rules and Rules and Regulations, and is duly Registered under Karnataka Societies Registration Act. At present it has 13 local units with about 268 members on the rolls, form the General Body of the Sabha. Its administration looked after by a Managing Committee, and the day-to-day affairs are conducted by an Executive Committee consisting of the President (a Capuchin Priest), the Vice-President, the General Secretary, the Asst. Secretary, the Treasurer. As the constitution of

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KNS is framed on the principle of selflessness and brotherhood, neither a member nor the President can draw any emoluments from the Sabha, as their services are purely honorary.

The KNS has a well-equipped drama hall of its own use known as the Don Bosco Hall, accommodating nearly seven hundred people, and situated on Balmatta Road in the heart of the city. This hall and the adjoining commercial building, built in the early 1950s with a view to augmenting our resources, are the immovable assets of the Sabha.

Since its inception, the KNS has staged several social and historic plays (both comedies and tragedies) besides religious plays in Konkani (all in 178 numbers). Since 1965 and thereafter, the Sabha has been conducting Konkani annual competitions for youth and adults, in singing, fancy dress, elocution, poetry writing, dance, dramas and awarding prizes and trophies.

Owing to the presence and

assistance of the Sabha, hundreds of youngsters, namely, drama writers, actors, composers, singers, dancers, and public speakers have benefited in diverse ways. At the same time, members of the public have been able to witness valuebased plays and enjoy healthy entertainment.

Among the famous personalities who have given performances at our Don Bosco Hall are Sri M. J. Samuel, the whistling wizard of India (October 1956), Shi Sachin Shanker, the famous dancer (March 1957), Sri Prithviraj Kapoor, the theatre maestro (October 1958). Mr. Geoffrey Kendall of Shakespearean International Theatre Co. London (November 1960) and Sri Shivaji Ganeshan, the veteran Actor (November 1966). Our Hall is also well patronized by all communities for dramas, musical concerts, dance recitals and competitions apart from wedding parties, social gatherings, etc.

The Mysore Sangeeth Natak Academy has recognized the KNS by a certificate dated 30.8.1966. The

55 Veez Illustrated Weekly

K.N.Sabha’s Silver Jubilee in 1968, Golden Jubilee in 1993 and Diamond Jubilee in 2003, were celebrated in a befitting manner, with appropriate functions at the Don Bosco Hall, well attended by its benefactors, well-wishers, and lovers of Konkani stage.

A repository of drama scripts of various writers was started in the year 2014 to enable the drama lovers to stage them in various places by payment of royalty to the writers.

In the year 2018 the Sabha celebrated Platinum Jubilee by several worthy activities. Various competitions were held in this connection. A drama festival was held from in the month of October.

12 troupes from and outside Mangalore participated in this festival. Many dramatists were felicitated during these programmes for serving Konkani theatre and Konkani Natak Sabha.

Celebration was concluded by staging of social and religious Konkani dramas.

SPONSORSHIP REQUEST Stage Sponsor 25 Lakhs Seating Full 650 seats 30 Lakhs Front Elevation 25 Lakhs Generator 10 Lakhs Parking Re-organizing 10 Lakhs Roof Repair Sponsor 25 Lakhs New Toilet Block Sponsor 10 Lakhs Green Room Sponsor 10 Lakhs Well and Water Repair 5 Lakhs

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