Veez Global Illustrated Konkani & English Weekly e-Magazine. Published from Chicago, USA.

AuthorGiselle'sNovel'VectorsintheVoid'

Bangalore Highlights.

The Catholic Club Bangalore radiated the warm and vibrant despite the rainy weather and traffic woes outside. Members of the 'I Browse Book Club' had gathered for a ‘Meet The Author’ program with top Mangalore Novelist Giselle Mehta, to know more about her recently released second novel ‘Vectors in the Void’.

The program commenced with a welcome address from Ms Shanti Peres. This was followed by an introduction of theauthorfrom Ms Marie Padival. The author gave a brieftalktofurnishabackgroundof how the book came into being, and to highlight someofitsaspectsand elements. She was confident that readers would relate to a page-

turning plot powered by strong characters, which was also

intricately crafted and rich with research.Sheproceededtodoafew representative readings from different parts of the novel to give anideaofits moodsandinnovation in technique.

member of St Agnes College's department of English. The audience was thereby afforded a glimpse into the journey of an author, as also the evolution of this current novel. The discussion touched on important themes like cross cultural interface. The author wasalsoaskedabouttheinspiration she might have received with her mother the late Louella Lobo Prabhu being a likely role model as a prominent litterateur in her lifetime. Finally, the author was asked as to whether it is difficult to write a novel. Her response that ‘where passion meets proficiency, you have a novel product, namely a book’ drew cheers. A lively interaction with the audience followed.

An animated conversation followed with the event’s moderator, Ms Tina Andrade Joseph, a former faculty

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms Caroline Lobo, who was also the coordinator for the program. Mementoswerehandedovertothe author and moderator by Mr Melville D'Souza, treasurer of Catholic Club Bangalore. The program concludedwith the author signing the books on sale, the proceeds of which she dedicated to animal welfare

charities. Conversations and camaraderie continued over light refreshments served to the event’s

attendees. -

ThroughVEEZ NewsNetwork.

Religion VS Spirituality...

Spirituality and religion are often used interchangeably, but the two concepts are different. Some contend that spirituality involves a personal quest for meaning in life, whilereligioninvolvesanorganized entity with rituals and practices focusing on God. Spirituality/religion serves important roles in coping, survival and maintaining overall wellbeing within. However, spirituality/religion can be problematic to some and cause caregiving difficulties. The role of spirituality/religion as a source of strength, resilience and wellbeing is an in depth study.

Spirituality and religion can influencethewayhumansperceive health and disease and their interaction with other people. Many arespiritual,andreligious;failureto meettheseneedsmayimpacttheir qualityoflife.Itisarguedthatitmay beconfusingtodistinguishbetween spirituality and religion because of the ambiguous and personal meanings accorded to these concepts . Spirituality is a broad

concept with many perspectives and there is no consensus on a definition of this concept, only ambiguity as tohow this conceptis defined . Spirituality is an inherent componentofbeinghumananditis subjective, intangible, and multifaceted. Spirituality and religion are often used interchangeably, but the two concepts are different.

It is commonly claimed that spirituality refers to the “nearly universal human search for meaning, often involving some sense of transcendence” . On the other hand, religion is “a set of beliefs,practicesandlanguagethat characterises a community that is searchingfortranscendentmeaning inaparticularway,generallybased upon belief in a deity”. Spirituality/religion can take individual as well as collective forms. The concepts of spirituality and religiosity are not mutually exclusive and can overlap or exist separately. However, prayer and meditation are often performed in solitude. Regular community

(church)attendance,religiousbelief or the influence of religious institutions are dwindling fast in recent years and there is also a tendency for people to believe without belonging to any religious affiliation in the developed world. There is a generational declineinbeliefaswellasreligious belonging and attendance in Western Europe and much of the developed world.

Studies have examined the complexity and interdisciplinary connection between spirituality/religiosity, health and quality of life. Spirituality/religion maydifferforeachpersonandmay have a double-edged capacity that canenhanceordamagehealthand wellbeing. Religion and spirituality are related but distinct, spirituality relatestointerconnectednesswitha transcendent being (spiritual perceptions) and religiosity is the interpersonal and institutional engagement with a formal religious group, doctrines and traditions (frequencyofreligiousparticipation)

A few profound ideas on Religion & Spirituality :

Religion is not just one, there are many. ..... Spirituality is one.

Religion is for those who sleep...... Spirituality is for those who are awake.

Religion is for those who need someonetotellthemwhattodoand want to be guided.... Spirituality is for those who pay attention to their inner voice.

Religion has a set of dogmatic rules...... Spirituality invites us to reason about everything, to question everything.

Religion threatens and frightens..... Spirituality gives inner peace.

Religionspeaksofsinandguilt....... Spirituality says, "learn from an error".

Religion represses everything

which is false...... Spirituality transcendseverything,itbringsyou closer to your truth!

Religion speaks of a God; It is not God....... Spirituality is everything and therefore, it is in God.

Religion invents......Spirituality finds.

Religion does not tolerate any question.....Spirituality questions everything.

Religion is human. It is an organization with rules made by men...... Spirituality is Divine, without human rules.

Religion is the cause of divisions. .........Spirituality unites.

Religion is looking for you to believe.......... Spirituality you have to look for it to believe.

Religion follows the concepts of a sacredbook.........Spiritualityseeks the sacred in all books.

Religion deals with performing rituals.......... Spirituality has to do with the Inner Self.

Religion feeds the ego......... Spirituality drives to transcend beyond. Religion makes us renounce the world to follow a God....... Spirituality makes us live in God, without renouncing our existing lives.

Religion is a cult........... Spirituality is inner meditation.

Religionfillsuswithdreamsofglory in paradise............... Spirituality makes us live the glory and paradise on earth.

Religionlivesinthepastandinthe future......... Spirituality lives in the present.

Religion creates cloisters in our memory........ Spirituality liberates our Consciousness.

Religion feeds on fear......... Spirituality feeds on trust and faith.

Religion lives in thought...... Spirituality lives in Inner Consciousness.

Religionmakesusbelieveineternal life........... Spirituality makes us aware of Eternal Life.

Religion promises life after death............ Spirituality is to find Godinourinteriorduringthecurrent life before death.

We are not human beings, who go through a spiritual experience. We arespiritualbeings,whogothrough a human experience. In the current universal environmentof faith, beliefs and action.......there is adeepermeaningfulunderstanding andspiritualworshipasopposedto mechanical religion of rituals and habits. A deeper study and reflection is definitely a need and

more of a necessity. There should NOT be any fear or obligationto adapt and experienceall spiritual shades and worship your GOD through your real personal methodologyand absolute belief rather than led by the nose and followwithclosedeyes. Be honest andtruthfulandGODiswithYOU.

- Compiled from sources . By : IvanSaldanha-Shet

CRIMES and COMPLICITY!

with a focus on the four labour codes which are patently against the rights of workers; the U S Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its Annual Report on 1 May stating that conditions for religious freedom in India

-

*Fr.CedricPrakashSJ

The first eleven days of May 2023 have, in many ways, been a defining period of Indian history! Plentyhashappenedina rapid-fire stream of events. Ironically, each one of them are indicators of how crimes and the criminalisation of societyhasbecomethe‘newnorm’; these include, the May Day rallies

“continued to worsen in 2022”; the continued protest by the Indian women wrestlers at Jantar Mantar for the expulsion of the chief of the IndianWrestlersFederationonvery seriousallegations;theElectionsin Karnataka on 10 May (with communalismandcorruptionasthe mainstay); the release of the fake, derogative and insensitive film ‘The Kerala Story’; the release of World Free Press Index on 3 May which

placesIndiaatapathetic161outof 180countriesinaglobalsurvey;the release of the official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)on8May,whichstatesthat justfromGujarat therewere 7,105 womenwentmissingin2016,7,712 in2017,9,246in2018,and9,268in

andcowslaughter,whichnegatively impact Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Adivasis (indigenous peoples and scheduled tribes).” These past eleven days have also witnessed large-scale violence on Christian tribals in Manipur state and continued attacks on Church personnel and institutions in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and elsewhere. The USCIRF report, though focussing on2022,isspot-ontherealitywhich Christians in India have to face todaywithfrighteningregularity!

2019, and 8,290 women went missing in 2020. A total of 41,621 women who went missing from Gujarat,inaspanoffiveyears;two Supreme Court orders on 11 May which directly hit out at the Governors of Maharashtra and Delhi for usurping the authority of the democratically elected Chief Ministers of their states. And much more!

Interestingly the recently released USCIRF Report stated, “Throughout the year, the Indian government at the national, state, and local levels promoted and enforced religiously discriminatory policies, including laws targeting religious conversion, interfaith relationships,thewearingofhijabs,

The violence which erupted in Manipur on 3 May has been simmering since years now. It is basically an issue between the Meiteis who are largely

concentrated in the Imphal valley and the tribals who live in the surroundinghills.Mostofthetribals are Christian; whereas most of the Meiteis are Hindus, though there aresomeChristianMeiteistoo,The Meiteis comprise about 60% of the populationandtheycontrolpolitical power (40 of the 60 lawmakers in thestateassemblybelongingtothe Meitei community), have plenty of economic resources and are generally more educated than the tribalsfromthehills.

states.Theyalsoclaimthattheyare notallowedtoliveinthehillyareas of the state due to the laws protectingtheScheduledTribes.On the other hand, the tribal communities, predominantly the Kukis(thelargesttribe inManipur), are opposed tooth and nail to the grantingofSTstatustotheMeiteis. The Meiteis they say are not indigenous people and they fear that granting them ST status would mean that they would lose land resources and other privileges currently protected and guaranteed under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution.

The Meiteis have been demanding Schedule Tribe (ST) status for themselves since a long time now. Thereasontheygiveisthattheytoo faceeconomicandsocialdifficulties duetoillegalimmigrationfromother

The recent tragedy seems to have had its inception in the 27 March order of a single judge of the Manipur High Court; the order directedtheManipurgovernmentto consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes and to send a recommendation to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs expeditiously, preferably within a period of four

weeks. The high court was hearing petitions that prayed for the inclusionoftheMeiteicommunityas a Scheduled Tribe in Manipur “to preserve the said community and save the ancestral land, tradition, culture and language”.MLAs from tribal areas have been petitioning the state government for an appropriate negotiation on the issues. However, the negotiations never took place, causing BJP MLAs belonging to the Kuki communitytowithdrawtheirsupport fromthestategovernment.

his political bosses and the Hindutvadis!

In a hearing in the Supreme Court on the Manipur violence on 8 May, the Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud strongly told senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, who represented the original petitioners in the case which led to the March 27orderintheManipurHighCourt, “You should have told the High Court about Constitution Bench judgments which had held that the High Court does not have the power. It is a Presidential power to designate a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe” It was so obvious thattheManipurjudgehadnoright topassanorderwhichwaspatently anti- Constitutional; he was apparently bowing to the diktats of

On expected lines, the tribals, whose lives and livelihood are at stake,werenotgoingtokeepquiet. On 3 May, the All Tribals Students Union of Manipur organised a protestmarchinwhichover60,000 tribalsparticipated.Theprotestwas tovoicetheiroppositiontotheorder oftheManipurHighaskingthestate government to send a recommendation to the central government to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. This had certainly hurttheirsentiments;forthemitwas a non-negotiable. The protest followed large-scale violence. Who threw the first stone, is anyone’s guess!Whatisclearhoweveristhat the Hindu Meiteis went on a rampage: burning and killing, destroying houses and Churches mainly of the Christian Kukis but alsoofChristianMeiteis.

The violence which went on for somedayshaskilledatleast62

people and displaced more than 35,000; about 300 people have been injured and more than 1,700 houseswereburned.Inareporton the Manipur violence, the wellknowninternationaladvocacygroup ‘Open Doors’ states, “It is the Christian community who was basicallytargeted.Reportssuggest that more than 100 churches have been burned down. . . Many casualties have happened, but we arenotabletoestablishhowmany. But 80 per cent of the people who have been killed are Christians. Everything which had a Christian identity or Christian mark was attackedbythemajoritycommunity

in Manipur.” The reality apparently isfarmoreserious!

There is an eerie silence, and a tense calm prevails at the moment inManipur;butnooneissurewhat the future holds. Thousands of Christian Kukis and other tribals have taken refuge in the neighbouring states and in makeshift relief camps. Expressing his anguish on the crisis CJI Chandrachud, in his comments in theSupremeCourthearing,toldthe Centre and the Manipur Government, “We have made our concern explicit about the need for protection of people and property and the need for restitution and stabilisation.Thisisahumanitarian problem.Weare concerneddeeply about the loss of life and property” The petition filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum states that “the attacks had the full support of the party in power in the State as well as the Centre which supports the dominant group and has planned the attacks on account of a nonsecular agenda.”. The divisive game-plan of the ruling regime is there for all to see! It will be a long time before peace (leave alone a sustainable one) is restored in Manipur!

In keeping with the ‘Hindutva’ agendaoftherulingregime,attacks continue on the Christian minority. The National Commission for ProtectionofChildRights(NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo continued to be at his vicious best attacking Christian institutions and ranting and raving that children in these institutions were being ‘forcibly’ converted. On 8 May, without prior intimation Kanoongo wentunannouncedalongwithCWC State and District teams and a police force to the St Francis

Orphanage, in Sagar in Madhya Pradesh.Therenownedorphanage isdoinghumanitarianserviceforthe orphans and differently abled children at Shampura for the past 150years.Theselflessworkofthis institute in the caring of children in greatneed,hasbeenrecognisedby allsectionsofsociety!

Astatementon the raid said, “They didnotgiveanypriorinformationfor

theirvisit,ortheyhavenotgivenany intimation for any kind of search warrants or orders. Irrespective of producing the status quo order by the Honourable High Court of Jabalpur, the NCPCR and CWC authorities have ransacked the entire premises. The office computers and files were destroyed. The rooms of sisters in the convent in the Orphanage was raided unlawfully. They desecrated thealtarofcentury-oldchurchinthe campus. When the priests of the place objected to any kind of search,theywerebeatenupbythe police and took two of the priests into custody. Now they under bail. The NCPCR and CWC forcefully took away CCTV DVR, Office computers, mobile phones of priests, documents of inmates etc. They shifted an inmate citing they found his parents without any proper documentation. The action ofNCPCRandCWConSt.Francis Orphanage is illegal in action and contemptofcourtprocedure.

Kanoongo’s track record against minorities would make an impartial citizen of India hang one’s head down in shame. On 13 December

2021,hedirectedtheGujaratPolice to register an FIR against the Missionaries of Charity (Mother

Teresa’s sisters) in Baroda for allegedly “luring young girls into Christianity and hurting Hindu religious sentiments.” An allegation which was false and fabricated. Early in March, he insisted that the principal of a Catholic School in Jabalpur be arrested for unsubstantiated charges and that the Catholic Bishop of Jabalpur be booked for fraud! His agenda is clearly to defame Catholic institutionsandthegoodworkdone bytheChristians!

On 7 May, more than one hundred Hindutva’ elements forcibly entered

All the above are not just aberrations but a meticulously planned effort to put Christians on the back-foot. There are any numberofdocumentedinstancesof attacks on Christians and Christian institutions since 2014 and particularly in the last five years! The agenda of the ruling regime is clear: they would like to raise the ‘bogey of conversion’ as much as possibleintheirdesiretobringina national ‘anti-conversion law’. By doing so, they ensure that the minorities(particularly Muslimsand Christians) toe their fascist line. It willmakeitmucheasierforthemto realise their ultimate goal of a nation-stateby2025!Theyhaveno qualmsofconscienceinstatingthis; time and again the likes of Anant Kumar Hegde, a BJP leader, has beensaying“weareheretochange theConstitution”. Heis certainly not lying!

the Catholic Vishwadeep School in Durg (40 kms from Raipur) Chhattisgarh, where a summer catechesiscampwasbeingheldfor almost 200 catholic children from StandardsVII-XII.Theyallegedthat the program was meant ‘to convert Hindu” children to Christianity’. They left only after the police and Government officials came to the schoolandintervened.

There are certainly several voices thatspeakoutagainsttheatrocities to which the Christians in many parts of the country are subjected to.Thereareoutstandingexamples like Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalorewhohavetakenavisible and vocal stand and at great risk! There are other individuals and groups: clerics, religious and laity

who run the race selflessly and even ready to lay down their lives like Jesuit Fr Stan Swamy for a greater cause. This is not enough! Much more needs to be done! Sadly, a large percentage of the

hierarchy, the clergy, religious and laity do not want to be a witness to thepersonandmessageofJesusin today’s India. Most prefer to remain ensconced in their comfort zones. Whilst there are certainly some

statements that have been issued bysomeBishopsonthekillingsand attacksoftheChristiansofManipur, most of these clearly lack the necessary condemnation and the transparent courage to hold the Government responsible. Several Bishopsareafraidthatiftheydonot toethelineoftheSanghParivarand their ilk, there will be plenty of skeletons tumbling out of their cupboards! Some of the hierarchy have the audacity and the dishonestytosaythattheso-called attacks on the Christians are just ‘a few and far apart’! That the Church in India today pathetically lacks servant-leadership wedded to the Gospel of Jesus and the Constitution of India is thereforallto see! Falling prey to a fascist agenda, like the Kerala Bishops Council regarding the fake and derogatory film ‘The Kerala Story’ as ‘a work of art’isasignof

how pathetic the situation has become! Crimes are committed by thoseinpowertoday;theseneedto

address!Complicityinthesecrimes is a betrayal of Jesus and his Gospel!

In2018theCBCIAssemblyhad

‘United in Diversity for a Mission of Mercy and Witness: ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age’ ” (Mt 28: 20) as their theme! Their statement said, “Any attempt to promote nationalism based on any oneparticularcultureorreligionisa dangerous position. It may lead to uniformity but never to genuine unity. Such misconceived efforts canonlyleadournationonthepath of self-annihilation. Monoculturalismhasneverbeenandcan never be the right answer to the quest for peace, progress, and development, especially in a country like ours that has a rich diversity of culture, language, region, race, and religion. Violence always recoils upon the violent soonerorlater,“Forallwhotakethe sword will perish by the sword” (Mt

26: 52). We deplore the rising incidence of atrocities against women, killings, caste rivalries and communal violence which includes attacksonChristianinstitutionsand communities. Therefore, let us follow the path of true nationalism thatcanleadourmotherlandtotrue peace, harmony, progress, and prosperity. Authentic nationalism respectsthehumandignityofevery citizen, regardless of one’s economic status, culture, religion, region, or language”. The tribals of Manipur, the Christians and other minorities who are under attack ,want the Church to use similar wordstoday!

12May2023

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

AstudentfromStAloysiusCollege

(Autonomous),MangaluruisanACCA AffiliatebeforecompletingBComdegree.

At Present residing at Ashoknagar, Mangaluru, Parish - St Dominic church.

Mishal Lenita Dsouza is the student at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) to become an ACCA Affiliate, passing all ACCA subjects in first attempt while she is still pursuingher B. Comdegree.

Name:Mishal Lenita Dsouza

Parents: Antony Melwyn and Usha

Dsouza

Siblings:AaronDsouza (younger)

Parish:StTheresaofKolkataChurch, Paldane Mangaluru

Ward:Nithyadharward(Jyothinagar

Kulshekar)

Mishal has expressed that the management and faculty of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) have been extremely accommodating throughout her journey in completing all seven papers of ACCA. She believes that her success was due to her positive mindset along with rigorous preparation. She says, “Solving previous years' question papers gives a clear idea about the exams”.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) institute is the global professional

accounting body offering the 'Chartered Certified Accountant' qualification which offers plenty of opportunities in many countries outside and within India. ACCA is a fast-growing international accountancy organisation with 240,952 members and 541,930

futuremembersworldwide.

ACCA being a globally recognized accounting qualification provides a strong foundation to students and professionals for careers in Accounting, Tax Consulting, Auditing, Business Valuation, Treasury Managementetc.

WhyisPMModinotstaying withhiswifeJashodaben?

Untill 2014, PM always announced him as single in all documents because he and his wife did not live together.

Nomination Form2014Election

In 2014, Modi contested the Vadodara seat.

Under the Representation of the people act, he was asked to declare any previous marriage. In his response, for the first time in public and media, Modi acknowledged that hehada wife. PreviouslyModihadnot responded toofficialdocumentsaskingabouta spouse.

Somabhai Modi, Modi's brother, issued a statement saying that the arranged child marriage had been forced on Modi byhisfamily. Hesaidthatthemarriagewasnever consummated, and that Modi left it soonafter itwas solemnized. About Jashodaben Ji and Modi Ji beingtogether

Jashodabenwasbornin1952. Her Mother died when she wastwo years old.

Narendra Modi and Jashodaben had an arranged marriage in the custom of the Ghanchi caste of Vadnagar.When Modiwasthirteen, the couple underwent the religious

ceremony of marriage. Per their family custom, they began living together when Modi was 18 (jasodaben was16) in1968 but that periodwasbrief.

After Modi left, she continued with herprofessionallife.

Jashodaben studied further to becomeateacheratprimaryschool, and from 1978–1990 taught in Banaskantha District.

In 1991 she moved to Rajosana villageandremainsthere.

Sheisretired andher pensionis

₹14,000 per month.

After three years of being out of contactwithallwhoknewhim,Modi returned home and contacted his family.

HemadeplanstogotoAhmedabad to work at his uncle's canteen without Jashodaben. When he reportedlysoldtea.

Before he left, his mother arranged for Jashodaben's parents to send her to meet Modi to sustain the marriage.

After Jashodaben arrived at the houseofModi'sfamily,Modihadan argument with his parents and left their home to meet his uncle as planned.

Over the three-year period around themarriage,Jashodabenestimates that she spent about three months with her husband.

In talking about her relationship with Modi, in one interview

Jashodaben said "We have never been in touch... There has been no communicationfrom his end to this day."

In a later interview Jashodaben said that until 1987 she and Modi spoke "normally".

Jashodaben lives with her brother Ashok andhiswife.

Inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Modi later worked for society.

That's

all we know about his wife. It will be inappropriate to discuss the reason for their separation becuase that will be an interfere in their perssonal life.

-RahulSharma (Quora)

Life - Sonal Lobo, Bengaluru

Sometimes life leaves you empty handed and sometimes it’s full

Sometimes it makes you cry and other times you are forced to smile

It takes you high and leaves you clinging

It makes you peep down and realize what life is

Sometimes life brings rain and other times the sun shines bright.

When you search for moon you will end up staring at sky

Sometimes it brings waves of hope

And other times you don’t know why it’s dry

Sometimes life is full of colours

Colours blue, pink and wine

Other times it is white and black for a while

Sometimes you drown in life

Other times life drowns you

Life is full of life

Smile, cry but live it for a little more while

Building around a 325-year-old tree, Turkey.

op Banks of coastal Karnataka was celebrated at the Administrative

Office Campus of the Bank on 7th May, 2023 to coincide with the completion of 111 years of its dedicatedservice to the society.

Rev. Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, celebrated the Holy Mass on this occasion. He explained the significance of the day, i.e., 111th FoundersDay.Herecalledthenoble workofstartingthegreatInstitution for the benefit of Society by the Visionary founderPFX Saldanha. He appreciatedthegoodworkdoneby the Bank to the Society for the last 111 years. He called upon the Managementandthestafftobethe visionaries and work with sincerity forthedevelopmentoftheBank.He thanked the Almighty God for His grace on the MCC Bank during the last111 years.

After the Mass, stage program was arranged. MrAnilLobo chairman of the Bank was presided over the program. Mr Vincent Cutinha, Managing Director of Provit Food Products, Mangalore, the General

Manager Sunil Menezes and the Directorswereonthedais.

Mr Anil Lobo, in his introductory address, welcomed the dignitaries, guests, invitees and the staff. He said that the present Board which took over the reins of the Bank in 2018 had plans of honouring PFX Saldanha, the visionary founder of this great institution and started celebrating the Founder’s Day since 2022,sothat the greatdeedsof the visionary founder should always remaininthemindsoftheDirectors, members and staff. The Bank has conducted several programs during the last year, namely, customer meet, women’s day, post centenary decennial celebration, NRI meet, etc., which has helped in creating a goodwill among the customers and shareholders of the bank. He said that the Bank has remained as a strong Financial Institution responsive to the needs of the Society and earning the trust of the customers,shareholdersoftheBank which is evident in its performance forthe last5 years.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Vincent Cutinha remembered the Visionary leader PFX Saldanha who

startedtheinstitutionforthebenefit of the community. He appreciated theprogressmadebytheBankover the yearsandexpressed his joythat the Bank is extending its area of operation from two districts to 7 districts. He has shared his experience with the audience. He asked the Management and staff members to work together for the development of the Bank and wished good luck in its future endeavours.

Program was inaugurated by cutting the Founders cake by the guestsonthedais.Floraltributewas paidtothefounder’sportrait.Those who are celebrating their birthdays in May were felicitated by cutting theBirthdaycake.

Directors, Mr David Dsouza. Mr Herold Monteiro, Mr Roshan

Dsouza, Mr Elroy Crasto, Dr Freeda

Dsouza, Mr Sushanth Saldanha, Mr Alwyn P. Montiero, Mrs Sharmila

Menezes, Mr Felix DCruz, Dr Gerald Pinto, were present during the occasion.

GeneralManager,MrSunilMenezes proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs Shainy D’Souza, Junior Assistant of

UllalBranchcomperedtheprogram. Theprogramme endedwithdinner.

Fr Naveen Pinto takes charge as New Judicial Vicar for Diocese of Mangalore

MANGALURU, MAY 11: Very Rev.

Fr Naveen Pinto, the new Judicial

Vicar for the Diocese of Mangalore took charge before the diocesan authority, here in Kodialbail, Bishop’s House Chapel today.

Bishop Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul

Saldanha appointed Rev. Fr

Naveen Pinto as the new Judicial

Vicarforthe Dioceseof Mangalore effectivefrom theMay 11,2023. Fr Naveen Pinto served in the EcclesiasticalTribunalofthediocese as Defender of the Bond for seven yearsandasAssociateJudicialVicar for one year. He will be continuing as the Professor and Administrator ofStJosephInterdiocesan

Pics byStanleyBantwal.

Seminary,Jeppu, Mangalore.

The outgoing judicial vicar V. Rev. Walter Oswald D'Mello will be transferred to Holy Redeemer Church,BelthangadyasParishPriest

and Vicar Forane for St JamesMangalore East Vicariate, Belthangady on Monday, May 15, 2023.

Diocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal:

Atribunalistheofficialecclesiastical court of the Catholic Church. It is established in each diocese by the bishop to assist him in carrying out hisresponsibilityasshepherdofthe

localChristiancommunitywhichhas been entrusted to him (1983 Code ofCanonLawcanons369,1419).As the judicial arm of the bishop, a diocesan tribunal cooperates in his ministry, namely, "the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law of the Church" (canon 1752).

The Diocesan Office of the Tribunal servestheBishopandthepeopleof the Diocese of Mangalore through the ministry of justice and truth. Staffed by Judges, Defenders of the Bond and Ecclesiastical Notaries, the Ecclesiastical Tribunal strives to uphold the obligations and rights of the Christian Faithful as outlined in the Code of Canon Law. In all its work, the Tribunal endeavours to be helpful yet just, kindly yet truthful, and always conscious that the supreme law of the Church is the salvation of souls (Canon1752).

KARNATAKACALLS FORCHANGE!

Karnataka has gone silent today after a high velocity and vicious election campaign reaching deafening crescendos till yesterday. With Assembly Elections 2023 just a couple of days away on 10 May, there is much at stake!! Many refer to it as the ‘mother -of -allelections’! In could well be the defining moment of India’s political history! Serious students of political sciences and of politics in general, do not hesitate in asserting that a

defeat for the BJP in the Karnataka elections would mean that the doors of democracy are still wide openfortheoverthrowofthefascist regime in the 2024 General Elections. On the other hand, a win for the BJP in the Karnataka elections, could be a roller-coast ride for them towards winning the stakes at the 2024 hustings and would in all probability, hasten the realisationoftheirultimategoal:the establishment of a nation-state based on the ‘Hindutva’ ideology. It would then be the ‘maha’

-*Fr.Cedric PrakashSJ

coronation of their parent body the RashtriyaSwayamsevakSangh(RSS) in their centenary year 2025, as the undisputed rulers of India. It is a dream which they have been hankering for, even during the days of the British Colonial rule! It is no state secret that the RSS had no qualms of conscience in supporting colonial rule; none of them participatedinthefreedomstruggle movement that gave India her independencein1947!

The Karnataka Elections is therefore a watershed! From the way they have been campaigning, the BJP is without doubt in despair- mode. Besidesanti-incumbencytherearea whole range of issues and factors ranged against them! Their starcampaigner, Prime Minister

Narendra Modi, visited Karnataka several before the elections were announced, engaging in a slew of inaugurations(ofroads,bridgesand what-not) and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. During the campaign, he has gone full throttle with rallies and road-shows which continued right till yesterday! Many poll surveys and forecasts predict a victory for the Congress. These surveys however, are sometimes wrong;thereismanyaslipbetween the cup and the lip! For the BJP, the last few days before elections are normally very important: they have mastered the art of galvanising crowds (at the cost of the State exchequer!) and even in door-todoor contact! They have with them money, muscle, media and manipulations. They buy up people, they take their EPICs and vote for them, they even manipulate select EVMs! They stop at nothing! Till the last vote is counted and the final results are declared, on 13 May, the people will have to keep their fingerscrossed!

Thereare several critical issues

which are bound to influence the voter’s decision in the elections!

Many of these issues are interrelated but no one can deny that fundamental to all of them are the issuesofsurvival:theroti,kapdaaur makaan of the ordinary people; of theirlivesandlivelihood.Thecostof livinghasspiralledupwardsasnever before! Pathetic governance by the ruling party has made it impossible, if not extremely difficult, for the poortomakebothendsmeet.They have particularly no purchasing power: they eke out a hand-tomouth survival! Unemployment is at an all time high! It is also a fact thatattheverylastmomenttheBJP has the money poor to buy up the poor – as they have done in several elections across the country in the recentyears!Nooneissurethough, if that money power will translate into votes atthe end,thistime too!

Yogendra Yadav is one of the country’s best known political scientists, psephologist, activist and much more! He has his ears to the ground! For the last weeks he has been in Karnataka with grassroots

individuals/groups monitoring the run-up to the elections. He has also been providing insightful analysis on the ground reality. In a recent article in ‘The Print’ (4 May) entitled “Congress ‘hawa’ to class divide — four observations in the run-up to Karnataka election’, Yadav is clear about which party will be given the peoples mandate. Saying, “The lower you go down, the stronger is thehawa.Nopoorvoterhadagood word for the BJP. As I mentioned in my article last week, there is a clear rich-poor divide among the voters of Karnataka. The richer the voter, thelowertheleadfor the Congress, and vice versa for the BJP. This was starkly evident on the ground. As soonasyouspeaktoapoorperson, they begin to rattle off everyday consumption items that are unaffordable now. Gas cylinder prices top the chart. “Earlier, we weremakingdowithfirewood.They

gave us gas. Now we can’t go back to firewood. Nor can we afford the gas cylinder,” said one.” He goes on to add, “Almost everyone complained about the cut in free rice from 10 kg per person per month during the Congress’ time to 5 kg now. Petrol and diesel prices come next. Farmers complained about fertiliser prices. They mock theKisanSammanNidhi:“Theygive us 2,000 but take away more than that from our pocket.” More ordinary people know about GST and blamed it for the higher prices than you might imagine”.

Corruptionisanothersystemicissue which has plagued the people of Karnataka. Itiscommonknowledge that the BJP has been demanding a forty percent commission from contractors for Government projects. In fact, some time ago a contractor from Belgavi, Santosh Patil committed suicide. Before taking his own life, he had accused theBJPMinisterEshwarappaandhis associates of not releasing payments for road work worth Rs 4 crore that he had done at Hindalga

in Belagavi, and of demanding a commissionof40percent. Several religious seers have also accused the BJP of polluting religious sanctitybydemandinga30percent commission from mutts and 40 per centfromtemples.Severalministers have been accused of amassing mind-boggling amounts of wealth through corrupt practices. There is no doubt that corruption is mainstreamed in the country, and exists across the board in most political parties; but no one can compete with or reach the levels of corruption of the ruling regime. That the Prime Minister so visibly misuses his office to campaign for his political party, is a blatant case of corruption entailing huge expenditure to the Government coffers generated by tax-payers money. Hisroadshowshave put the ordinary citizen to great inconvenience and even denied the daily wagers of their day’s earnings!

Communalism is certainly high on the agenda of the BJP! Karnataka was once a haven of communal harmony, but over the years

through a meticulously divisive campaign, denigrating and demonizing minorities the BJP has succeeded in polarising communities on religious lines and have kept the communal cauldron boiling! In September 2008, they attacked the Christians and institutions in Mangalore. The perpetrators were never brought to book.Theycontinuedspewingtheir hate and slow-fire violence across theState.

Then on 24 January 2009 when a group of goons belonging to the extremist outfit the ‘Sri Ram Sene’ barged into a pub in Mangalore, beat up young women and men, screamingatthemforhaving“loose morals”. The group claimed that the women were violating traditional Indian values. Two women were hospitalized for the injuries they

sustained.However,aftermorethan nine years, a lower court in Karnataka on 13 March acquitted twenty- six of the attackers including the founder of the group, Pramod Muthalik for ‘want of evidence’. This was indeed a travesty of justice. There is ample amount of video evidence to show howblatantlythegoonshadcarried out the attack. Muthalik continues with hisviciousness;thisyear,on19 February he incited his audience saying “I am instructing our workforce,ifweloseoneHindugirl, we must trap 10 Muslim women ...adding “every Hindu must keep a weapon at home for the protection of cows, women and temples.” The police are afraid to file an FIR on him!

As part of their communalagenda theBJP has brought inthoughthe

back-door, a draconian anticonversion law; stoked emotive issueslikethatof‘lovejihad’,‘useof hijab’, ‘Tipu Sultan’; consistently attacked Christian and Muslim places of worship and their adherents.JustbeforetheAssembly elections the Karnataka governments decided to scrap the four per cent Muslim reservation quota ahead. The Supreme Court said that the decision was ‘flawed’ and currently the execution of that decision is on hold. The BJP manifesto says it will bring in a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a clear sign of what they intend doing should they regain power in the State! Incidentally thousands of names from the minority communities (especially Muslims and Christians) have disappeared fromtheelectoralrollsandtheywill beunabletoexercisetheirfranchise despite written protests to the ElectionCommission!

TheSanghParivar,with all its affiliates,isa fascist organization.

They are out to destroy the secular fabric of the country. Time and again the likes of Anant Kumar Hegde, a BJP leader, has been saying “we are here to change the Constitution”. A victory for the BJP in these elections would be a significant step closer towards the realizationofthisoneobjective.The Sangh Parivar, in no way represents the vast majority of the Hindus of the country. Sometime ago a BJP legislator from North Karnataka, amplified the agenda of his party when he vociferously proclaimed, “This election is very important. It is not about roads, drinking water or gutters. This election is about Hindus and Muslims. Those who want to build the Babri Masjid, those who want to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, let them vote for the Congress. Those among you who want Shivaji Maharaj, those who want Sambhaji Maharaj, those who want to pray at a Lakshmi temple, you must vote for the BJP.” Full page advertisements by the BJP in most Karnataka dailies today (8 May) unashamedly proclaim their communal agenda!The gloves are

off – the clawsarevisible!

Freedom of speech and expression, has taken a severe beating in Karnataka too. The fascist forces have left no stone unturned to throttle anybody who takes a stand for justice and truth or for that, matter thinks differently. On 30 August 2015, eminent intellectual

Lankesh were highly critical of the Sangh Parivar. On 21 March, this year,well-knownKannadaactorand activist Chetan Kumar, was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments with his tweet on Hindutva. Kumar was arrested by thepoliceafteraBajrangDalactivist filed a complaint stating that the actor has hurt the sentiments of ‘Hindus’. He was booked under 295 (a) and 505 (b) of the Indian Penal Code. In his tweet on March 20, the actor had allegedly said, “Hindutva is built on lies,” and listed out

Prof. M. M. Kalburgi was brutally murdered in Dharwad. On 5 September 2017, journalist-activist

“examples of lies” Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar’s statement on the Indian nation; Babri masjid site as the birthplace of Rama; Uri GowdaandNanjeGowdakilledTipu Sultan”. He further shared that

“Hindutva can be defeated by truth … truth is equality”. No one can

Gauri Lankesh was gunned down in Bangalore. Both Kalburgi and

debate these facts! Interestingly enough, when BJP leaders indulge in hate speech and incitement to violence like Amit Shah saying that

“if the Congress comes to power in Karnataka there will be communal riots.” nothing happens to them!

There are several other issues in Karnataka; these include rampant and wanton destruction of the environment; the divisions of societyonthelinesofcasteandthe criminalisation of politics. The campaignsofthemajorpartieshave not touched seriously and objectively most of the key critical issues. There has been on the other handslewofpromisesofallkindsof ‘freebies’ if elected to power. Above all, mud-slinging, hate speeches andnakedpopulismhavebeenhigh ontheanvil!

There is also the danger of

complacency, particularly on the part of some national political parties. For absolutely no reason, when the going is in their favour, some political parties have shot themselves in the foot, have scored self-goals by targeting individuals and using distasteful rhetoric and symbols. Hopefully, these will not have a decisive bearing in the final results. It is now imperative that all those who cherish democracy and the pluralistic fabric of the country, come out and vote decisively on Dday 10 May! Yes, there is hope!

Karnataka has an excellent and vibrant civil society of deeply concerned citizens and even some highly committed ex-civil servants who have been leaving no stone unturned to make this election a mandate of the people who matter. The ‘Bahutva Karnataka’ and ‘Wake up Karnataka’ are just two of civil society campaigns that have been doing laudable work and reaching out to thousands all over. Their painstaking efforts and those of others will hopefully help bring the changewhichKarnatakasourgently

needs – for the good and future of India!

running,ithasstopped ...itneedsto be dumped asap!”

Yogendra Yadav, concludes the article mentioned above with the words, “Yet, an invisible hand — or perhapsfourofthem—isfanninga hawathatfeelslikeBengaluru’scool evening breeze after a day of scorching sun. All signs point to an electoral mandate that can counter the hegemonic power. As they say, dissentislike water.Itfindsitsway”. The renowned Kannada writer and intellectual Devanur Mahadeva mincesnowordswhenhesays,“the double engine government is not

TheKarnatakaElectionsisaboutthe Constitutionof India…itisabout the soul of India… it is about the future of India! As one nears Election Day in a couple of days from now, the only narrative and slogan that must be uppermost in the hearts, minds and lips of every single concerned citizen of Karnataka and of the country is: “Karnataka calls for change and will do it!”

8May2023

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

Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Congregational levelinBethanyConvent,Bendur,Mangalore:

IwillgivethankstotheLordwithmy whole heart (Ps 111:1).

The hearts of our sixteen Silver Jubilarians from around the globe reverberate with gratitude on their Quadra-centennial journey of religious life for the unique call given to them to voyage through the consecrated life by the boat called "the Sisters of the Little Flower ofBethany".

The preparation for this great day began with a months’ renewal programme at Bethany Convent, Mangalore and Prabodhana, Mysore.

The Silver Jubilee celebration of Religious Profession was held on the8May2023atBethanyConvent, Bendur, Mangalore. The Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Most RevDrAloysiusPaulDSouzaBishop

Emeritus,DioceseofMangaloreand concelebratedbymanypriestsfrom thefamiliesof ourJubilarians.

Bishop Emeritus in his homily enumerated the fidelity of God towards the Jubilarians and their response through their selfless services and staunch commitment toGod.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was organised in honour of the Jubilarians. The entry of Jubilarians along with the dignitaries was solemnized with dance and seven

symbols of welcome. Sr Mariette, the General Councillor and the Coordinator for Silver Jubilee Programme accorded welcome to thegathering.

The Citation of each sister was read out which gave an overall details about the Jubilarians to the gathering. An enthralling greeting song was sung by the Sisters of the Bethany Mother House as the Jubilarians carvedthejubilee cake.

Rev Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General congratulated each Sister with much affection and appreciation.Shebroughthomethe message that our call to religious life is precious and therefore one needs to cling on to God who has called ustothiswayof life.

TheJubilariansproposedthevoteof thanks Sr Rose Celine, the Superior

General and all her team members for the opportunity provided to renew themselves to deepen their spiritual journey and for all the arrangement made to make their day a wonderful one. Special gratitude was expressed to Sr

Mariette, the programme coordinator for meticulously planning and executing the entire Silver jubilee renewal and felicitation programme. The programme was anchored by Sr EulaliaBS andSr SheetalBS.

of Honor’ at Saris to Suits Empowering

WomenatAlpharetta,Georgia

How a common man from Bajpe, Mangaluru, India is doing uncommon things in the United StatesofAmerica.

This ordinary man doing extraordinary work is Harold Henry D’Souza. Today he is beacon of hope. Harold is an international

inspirational role model of resilience, courage,andkindness.

Patti Tripathi founder of Saris to Suits, invited survivor advocate Harold D’Souza as ‘Guest of Honour’ to the S2S Sari 5K Run/Walk For MA! on May 7, 2023 Sunday at Webb Bridge Park, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA.

Indian American Crusader invited as ‘Guest

Harold D’Souza said, “It’s a moment of great pleasure, pride, and privilege to respect our ladies for their unconditional love for our family, friends, children and community. Behind every cheerful man isa caring, understanding, and

loving lady. We all men have to respect girls, ladies, and women by heart, mind, and soul. Women are our foundation, future, faith, and freedom forever. I respect, learn, andcareformywifeDancyD’Souza. WIFE: means Wonderful Inspiration For Ever”.

Thisauspiciouseventwasgracedby

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, Harold D’Souza Co-Founder of Eyes Open

International, Dr. Hetal Patel

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health, Veena Rao Editor of NRI

Pulse Newspaper and numerous dignitaries.

Patti Tripathi said, “So grateful to Harold and Dancy D’Souza for traveling from Ohio to take part in the first annual Sari to Suits Walk. Harold D’Souza sends a message of hope to people facing challenging times!”.

Founded in 2012 by Patti Tripathi –one of the first national news anchors of Indian origin and a global media professional, Saris to Suits aims to advance women’s empowerment, inspire, educate, serve, gender equality and social justice.

Collaborative to End Human Trafficking has appointed Harold D’Souza on the ‘Survivor Advisory Council’. D’Souza serves as the ‘Ambassador Advisory Council’ on Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Human TraffickingCommission.

Lifehas comeafull circlefor Harold D’Souza. From being a near slave in Lady Liberty’s land, he wasa former member appointed by President Barack Obama and President Donald J. Trump to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking atThe White House.