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

(Uzvaad–DaijiLiteraryCompetition

Multi Talented Osmitay Hero: Ashwin D Costa

MultiTalentedOsmitayHero: AshwinDCosta

Apartfromhissoftwarefield,healso holds interest in dancing, acting,

Education:

- BCA –Bachelors in Computer Application

- MSc in Software Technology at St Aloysius College, Mangalore.

Occupation:

Presently working as an Assistant Manager at KPMG India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.

playing guitar, ukulele, composing songs, swimming ,travelling, loves cooking, baking, gardening, photography, etc

Overall Achievements:

❖ Is known for his unique way of performing and attracting the crowd.

❖ His melodious voice and Soulful rendition directly connects to people’s hearts,this unique quality ofhismakeshimstandoutfromthe otherartists.

❖ Served as a professional Dancer at “Naach Sobhan”for 6+ Years.

❖ Performed with Bollywood fames like Usha Utthup, Anurada Podwal, Remo Fernandes and sandalwood fameslike Guru Kiran.

❖ Worked as a background dancer in a Kannada movie named “Yellelo Neene Nannalu Neene”.

❖ Won Mr photogenic title 2011 at culturalworldconventionwhichwas held at Kalangan, Shakthinagar and was crowned by ex-chief minister Mr H D Kumaraswamy.

❖ Sung for over 80+ albums in

various languages including Pop and Devotional albums and more than 500 songs including Short films,Radioand TV Jingles.

❖ Did playback for 2 Konkani Movies named “Ek Aslyar Ek Nam” and "Nirmillem Nirmonem"

❖ Well versed with performing Bollywood, Hindi, Pop, Kannada, English ,Tulu and other tracks with variousgenresrangingfrom Ballads to Rock, Reggae to Disco, Baila and so on.

❖ Won the first Runners up in Konkani singing TV reality show organised by Maand Sobhaan, Mangalore namedSOAD season 4.

❖ Performed for Musical Nites of Konkani Music Fames like Wilfy Rebimbus, Claud Dsouza, Maxim Pereira, Melwyn Peris, Lancy Henry Moras, Stany Mendonca, Eric Ozario, Anil Pais, Lawrence Dsouza, Llyod Rego, Roshan Angelore, Lawrence Baptist andothers.

❖ Performed in other Indian states like Maharashtra, Goa and Kerala and in and around Mangalore.

❖ Performed in front of the former President of India, Srimathi

Prathibha Devi Singh Patel and former Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Digambar Kamath.

❖ So far has been a part of more than400 stage shows.

❖Served as a judge in one of the konkani's prestigious singing TV reality shows namedSOAD season 5.

❖Holds an intermediate level certification in carnatic music from Kelvin Jayakanth studios, Malaysia

❖ActedinauniqueKonkaniMusical Movie named “Mog Mulyar” comprising of 16 songs interlinked with dialogues,which was produced by Wilfy Rebimbus Creations

❖Appeared in a multilingual short movie in a supporting role, directed by Sundeep Malani, produced by Rajesh Chaudary, this movie is currently under post production.I have also sung 2 songs inthe film.

❖Acted in a Konkani Feature Film project as a Main Lead which was releasedon15thofSeptember2023 globally.

International Shows:

❖ Performed on an International platform which was held at Tel-Aviv, Israel in October 2015.

❖ Performed on an International platformforTuluKootaKuwait(TKK) Rasamanjari at Kuwait in April 2016

❖Performed for Wilson Oliver MusicalnitewhichwasheldinQatar inJanuary2020

❖Performedfor Wilfy Nite which was heldat Tel-Aviv, Israel inAug

2023.

Below are the links of a few of my Musical Works and Performances:

https://youtu.be/rE9L62B1lqk

https://youtu.be/YH20UnIWcYo

https://youtu.be/xBK4cUlpljI

https://youtu.be/xm856tpzSqY

https://youtu.be/BQkgzT4_Vsc

https://youtu.be/ubNaEV0zMAQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

=b8I0j8Si0mY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

=4pPkX3MBHCI

https://www.facebook.com/ashwin. dcosta.35/videos/17656891301484

77/

https://youtu.be/c8FfKvlOYnk

https://youtu.be/lyFGQjyVFhA

https://youtu.be/XnhwnFcSfHk

https://youtu.be/xbBoZCkJkQs

Contact Details:

Email:Ashwindcosta77@gmail.com

Instagram Handle: Ashwin_decosta

Familybackground:

Dad : Antony Peter Dcosta (Retired ACtechnician)

Mum: Precilla Dcosta (House wife)

Sister: Ashvitha Dcosta (Working as anaccount in Dubai)

Residing at Kulshekar

Parish: Holy Cross Church,Cordel

Here what Ashwinsays:

“

Ialwayshadadreamofappearing on silver screen as a lead actor but given i was working in Bangalore as a software engineer, my schedule dint permit me to audition for any such roles , though i had a few

opportunities in the past to act in konkani movies i had to say no to themwithaheavyheartasicouldn't commit my time out of my busy

work schedule... Covid happened

and I got an opportunity to work from my hometown... That's when I could try my hands a lot of things includingcomposingKonkanisongs and discovering other hobbies like

gardening, baking etc.. Couple of compositions named Eklench Tum andJeevaMhojahavereceivedalot of appreciation.. These video songs have lakhsof viewsonYouTube and they have becomes people's

favourits as well. But i think i was manifestingitrealbadatthebackof my mind that I wanted to act as a leadsomedayandseemyselfonthe

silver screen...To add on to all this

got a opportunity to audition for Osmitay as well,which initially I was

skepticalasIknewitwoulddemand a lot of my time off work.. But I thought ill give it a shot... fortunately I got through the auditions and that's when the real tension came in, I spoke to my family and couple of my frnds to discuss abt the same and they helped me decide to go ahead, as

this was one of the biggest opportunities which had come to me and i dint want to let it go so easily and regret later... But i think i made the right decision by accepting this offer, it definitely has been a roller coaster journey since then but i think it all fell in place for me which I'm still not able to

digest..I could manage my work schedulewithminalleavestakenoff work, I remember working round the clock during the shooting days, I was with my laptop on working sittinginmycarandinalmostallthe sets of the movie.. The team was very much supportive in terms of guiding and moulding me from a non actor to an actor..i was given 15+ days of workshop which i used to attend post my office hrs till late in the night... Initial days of the shoots were a lil difficult for me since I took my some to get accustomed to the new environment that was in , but later on i got used to it and I thoroughly enjoyed the process of shooting, thisnewexperiencegavemealotof learningsfrom acting toknowmore about what happens in post production step by step. I have given my 100percent in this movie and I'm glad that the audiance as accepted me as an actor as well. As Ihadafearinmymindsincepeople have seenme dance andsing inthe

past but acting is something they had not, The movie has hit the theatres in Mangalore and nearby cities on 15th September and people have whole heartedly accepted this and we are getting wonderful responses from the audience already...It feels really good to wake up to beautiful complementscomingfromsomany known and unknown people through WhatsApp and social mediahandles..Thishasbeenanew experience to me as I have become the household name post the release of the movie and people recognise me in the public as the hero of Osmitay.

Iwouldalsotakethisopportunityto thank mand sobhan for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime and making my long term dream a reality. Wishing the entire team a huge success.

*Veez wishes Ashwin all the best in hisfutureendeavors!

The Urgency and Imperative of Christ’s Missionary Mandate

Missio with these words: “The Mission of Christ the Redeemer, which is entrusted to the Church, is still very far from completion……….this mission is still only beginning” (Redemptoris

On22nd ofOctoberwewillcelebrate World Mission Sunday. Let me reflect with you briefly the urgency and imperative of Christ’s missionary mandate to his disciples. The missionary mandate received from Christ, especially his Great Commission before his Ascension into heaven (cf. Mk. 16:15-18; Mt.28:19-20) is still valid and the imperative is more urgent today thanevenbefore.PopeSt.JohnPaul II begins his Encyclical,Redemptoris

MissioNo.1) The sheer fact that out of the 8 billion world population onlyabouttwobillionare Christians who believe in Jesus Christ, while the vast majority of over 6 billion either do not know him or do not accept and believe in him, makes the task of evangelization, telling the story of Jesus more urgent than ever before.

The Church is missionary by nature. It exists in order to evangelize. Evangelization is the grace and vocation of the Church, it’s deepest identity (cf. Paul VI, Evangelii

NuntiandiNo.14; AdGentesNo. 2; JohnPaul II,RedemptorisMissioNo 5). Pope Francis says: “In virtue of the baptism, all members of the

people of God have become missionary disciples” (Evangelii GaudiumNo. 120)

The world needs to listen to the story of Jesus and people have a right to hear the Word of God. That means that we his followers have a duty to proclaim the Gospel. That is the missionary mandate the Church has received and must faithfully fulfil.

MissionAdGentesisstillthepriority in accordance with the Great Commission. But then as per Jesus’ advice to his disciples to go first to thelostsheepof Israelourfirstduty istokeeptheexistingflocktogether and then bring back the lost sheep, the lapsed Catholics, not practising theirfaithortheso-calledChristmas and Easter Catholics who come to Church only on special occasions.

Thus, what is required is not just evangelization but reevangelization of those already evangelized. In a sense all of us need to be re-evangelized because mostofusdoforgettheGoodNews andoftendonotliveaccordingtoit.

For his Mission Sunday Message for 2023 Pope Francis uses as theme “Heartsonfire,feetonthemove” (cf. Lk. 24:13-35) inspired by the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus and exhorts all of us to be missionarydisciplesproclaimingthe Good News of the Risen Lord. He goes on to say, “Today more than ever, our human family, wounded bysomanysituationsofinjustice,so many divisions and wars, is in need of the Good News of peace and salvation in Christ.” He also expresses his closeness in Christ to all men and women missionaries, especially to those enduring any kind of hardship.

Pope John Paul II spoke of new Evangelization, which is, “new in its ardour new in the methods and expressions”. Direct evangelization in the street corners or open

grounds may not be possible in the present circumstances, especially in the Indian context. We need to use new methods and new expressions available today. Use of digital and socialmediaforproclamationofthe Gospel and to tell the story of Jesus is a very effective method to reach thousands or even millions of people. During and after the pandemic many of us are using this method most profitably. We should explore the possibilities for evangelizationinthisfieldmoreand more. The traditional print media willcontinuetobegoodmeans,but the present young generation does not read books and periodicals, or seldom do. We need to use the Internet and social media for evangelization.

However, as Pope St. PaulVI said so beautifully, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses, than to teachers. If he listens to teachers, it

is because they are also witnesses” (E.N. No.41). Hence witness of life, good and exemplary life is the most effective means of evangelization. As per the good Pope St. Paul VI witness of life is the first and foremost means of evangelization. The great missionary Dr. Albert Schweitzer said something very similar: “In inspiring or influencing others, example is not the main thing. It is the only thing.”

Using the words of Pope Benedict

XVIPopeFrancisaffirmsthatChurch grows not by proselytization but by attraction (cf. E.G. No.15)

Let us make use of this “first and foremost” and “only” effective method of evangelization, namely witness of life or good example, to attract people to Christ. There are enough obstacles and hindrances from without, we need to reduce

scandals and counter-witnesses from within so that our work of evangelization will be more effective.

Above all we need to have a new ardour, renewed missionary zeal. If there is ardour, the missionary will

automatically find new methods and expressions to preach the Gospel.

+GeraldJohn Mathias Bishop ofLucknow

Speak Truth to Power andPaythePrice!

These are critical times in India’s history: in fact, whether we would like to accept it or not, it is a break or make moment! At stake is the future of Indian democracy based on the visionary Constitution of India, rooted in the four non-

negotiables of justice, liberty equality and fraternity; at the stake isthesanctityofthepluralisticfabric of a nation ensconced in the inviolable dignity of every Indian: child, woman and man; at stake are the fundamental rights protected

-*Fr.CedricPrakashSJ

and guaranteed to every single citizen of India; at stake is the very idea, wealth and beauty of India!

Fascists are known for their highly manipulative strategies which are meticulously planned. Top on their priority list is to throttle freedom of speech and expression, to curb every form of dissent and to do all they can to hide the plain truth and grim reality. They leave no stone unturned in order to attain their insidious ends: they threaten, they coopt, they compromise, they foist false cases, they intimidate and harass, use draconian laws like the UAPA to curb dissent; they misuse officialagenciesliketheED,theNIA, the CBI and even the police, to hound those who take visible and vocal stands; they incarcerate and evenkill.Itisnoteasyforjournalists in India today to speak truth to power: journalism is under great duress!

rank of 161 out of 180 countries; slipping eleven notches from its previous ranking; freedom of the press in India is much worse than even its neighbours like Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This does not augur well for the future of democracy!

Once the fourth pillar of democracy isthrottled,madesubservienttothe whims and facies of the political masters, it does not leave much of an imagination to realise, that more than half the battle is lost.

It did not come as a great surprise that in the World Press Freedom Index, 2023, released last May, that India had reached an abysmal low

The World Press Index 2023, says it all, as it minces no words commenting on the pathetic state of the press in India stating, “the violence against journalists, the politically partisan media and the concentration of media ownership all demonstrate that press freedom is in crisis in “the world’s largest democracy”, ruled since 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the embodiment of the Hindu nationalist right.”

The highly professional and authentically objective report

continuestosay,“withanaverageof three or four journalists killed in connection with their work every year,Indiaisoneoftheworld’smost dangerous countries for the media. Journalists are exposed to all kinds ofphysicalviolenceincludingpolice violence, ambushes by political activists, and deadly reprisals by criminal groups or corrupt local officials.SupportersofHindutva,the ideology that spawned the Hindu farright,wageall-outonlineattacks on any views that conflict with their thinking. Terrifying coordinated campaigns of hatred and calls for murder are conducted on social media, campaigns that are often even more violent when they target women journalists, whose personal data may be posted online as an additional incitement to violence.

The situation is also still very worrisome in Kashmir, where reporters are often harassed by policeandparamilitaries,withsome being subjected to so-called “provisional” detention for several years.”

Where then, does Catholic journalism stand, in the wake of the

onslaught that media in India in general, is subject to? Do they have the courage to exercise the prophetic mission to speak truth to power? Or have they also succumbed to the fears and duress towhichmediaingeneralhasfallen to? Questions which are rhetoric in nature, because the answers are obvious!Byandlarge(barringafew notable exceptions) Catholic journalists and Catholic media in general, have abdicated their prime responsibility of speaking truth to power!

In January 2004, the General Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) held in Thrissur, Kerala, produced a pathbreaking statement, ‘Called to be a Communicating Church’ in which they highlighted “thatmedia have a propheticrole,indeedavocation:to speakoutagainstthefalsegodsand ideals of the day materialism, hedonism, consumerism and narrow nationalism”. The statement called for a Pastoral Plan for Communications which was meant tobeimplementedineveryDiocese

in India. How many of our Dioceses are today actually implementing this plan with empowered CommunicationsCommissions(and withlaymembers)tomonitorthem? How many have spokespersons, particularlyin the vernacular?

It is true that journalism today, is under duress! But should Catholic journalists also enter this comfort zone and continue with its projects, productionsand‘feel-good’‘sittingon-the-fence’ communications?

Don’ttheyhavethemoralandnonnegotiable responsibility of responding to the cries of the poor and the vulnerable, the excluded andexploited,themarginalisedand the minorities of the country? How many have written incisive articles on the reality which is destroying Manipurandthevictimisationofthe Muslims of Haryana? How many have written/done productions against the sedition, the UAPA and other draconian laws? the illegal incarceration of human rights defenders? the unconstitutional abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A regarding Kashmir? Has there been anyconcertedefforttorubbishfalse

propaganda movies like the ‘Kashmir Files’ or the ‘Kerala Story’? the anti-conversion laws? the three farmbillsandthelabourcodes?the monstrous and extravagant Central Vista project? The mining mafia which is looting the country of its natural resources and denying the Adivasis of their jal, jungle aur jameen? what about the legitimate rights of the Dalits, LGBTQI and other vulnerable communities? the growing unemployment and spiralling prices? and much more? Catholic journalists must have the prophetic courage to take on the fascist and fundamentalist forces which are working overtime, to destroy the sanctity of the Constitution and the secular, pluralistic fabric of our beloved nation.

IndianCatholicjournalistsmusttake

a cue from and be inspired by St Titus Brandsma. St. Titus, a Dutch Carmelite priest was a fearless, propheticjournalist.Hewasspiritual adviser to the Dutch Association of Catholic Journalists in 1935 and became its president after the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands. He worked with the Dutch bishops’ in crafting their message opposing Nazi ideology and the forced publication of propaganda in Catholic newspapers. Following Germany’s invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, Brandsma defended the freedom of Catholic education and the Catholic press against Nazi pressure. In the face of great risk, he visited the offices of Catholic media outlets around the countryoverthecourseoftendays, encouraging editors to resist

Freedomfromfearisthefreedom

Iclaimforyou,mymotherland!

pressure to publish Nazi propaganda. His actions drew the ire of the Nazi regime who arrested him in 1942. Several months later, he was transported to the Dachau concentration camp where he was killedbyalethalinjectionofcarbolic acid. He had to pay the ultimate price for his visible and vocal stand against Nazim. St. John Paul II, who beatified him on 3 November 1985, defined Brandsma as a “valiant journalist”anda“martyroffreedom of expression against the tyranny of thedictatorship.”

The poem ‘Freedom’ of our Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, shouldinspireCatholicjournaliststo move into a more meaningful and fearless realm:

Freedomfromtheburdenoftheages,bendingyourhead, breakingyourback,blindingyoureyestothebeckoning callofthefuture;

Freedomfromtheshacklesofslumberwherewith youfastenyourselfinnight'sstillness,

mistrustingthestarthatspeaksoftruth'sadventurouspaths;

freedomfromtheanarchyofdestiny

wholesailsareweaklyyieldedtotheblinduncertainwinds, andthehelmtoahandeverrigidandcoldasdeath. Freedomfromtheinsultofdwellinginapuppet'sworld, wheremovementsarestartedthroughbrainlesswires, repeatedthroughmindlesshabits, wherefigureswaitwithpatienceandobedienceforthe masterofshow,tobestirredintoamimicryoflife.

It is certainly not easy to be a journalistinIndiatoday:onethingis clear, thatifyoustickyour neckout, if you are visible and vocal, if you stand up for truth and justice; you will have to pay the price: and that price is heavy indeed! It is however worth it, for the future of our country! Brandsma and Tagore

showthe way!

26 September2023

*(Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer. He is the recipient of several international and national awards including ICPA’s ‘Louis Careno Award’ in 2021. Contact: cedricprakash@gmail.com)

Bicentennial Birth Anniversary Celebration of Venerable Mother Veronica, the Founder of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation.

The Bicentennial Birth Anniversary of Venerable Mother Veronica, the revered Founder of The Apostolic Carmel Congregation was celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence on the St Agnes

campus in the PU College auditorium on 26th Sept 2023. The occasion brought together the dedicated staff members from various institutions within the campusfor a memorable get –

together.

Theeventcommencedwithaprayer songbyMrsDaphneandteamfrom StAgnes CBSE School.

Dr Sr Julie Ann, the Provincial Secretary, conducted an

enlightening and inspiring input session. Sr Julie Ann artfully wove a meaningfulconnectionbetweenthe symbolic baton of the Commonwealth Games and the enduring legacy of Mother

Veronica. Through her words, she imparted invaluable insights, emphasizing three pivotal qualities: Choice, Commitment and Faithfulness. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the values and principles that the founder stood for. By quoting Mother Veronica's belief that "God alone suffices," SisterJulieilluminatedtheprofound trust and fidelity that guided the founder's actions.

Dr Sr Maria Roopa, Joint Secretary of StAgnes Groupof Institutions, Sr CarmelRita,Administrator,StAgnes Degree College, Sr Edna Furtado, Co-ordinator, St Agnes CBSE SchoolandtheHeadsofthevarious institutions in the campus were

among the other dignitaries present.

A deeply symbolic moment of the celebration occurred as all the dignitaries, accompanied by select staff representatives came forward topayhomagetoVenerableMother Veronicabyshoweringpetalsonthe portraitof the reveredfounder.

As a tangible memento of this auspicious occasion, each staff memberwaspresentedwithatoken symbolizingthe day.

The seamless flow of the programme was expertly facilitated by Mrs Pramila Dsouza. Mrs Helen Serrao, graciously welcomed the gathering and introduced the distinguishedresourcepersonwhile Mrs Dimple Quadres delivered the voteofthanks.

RightsofOlderPersons mustbefulfilled!

-

*Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ

On 1 October, the world will once againobservethe‘InternationalDay of Older Persons’. It is the 33rd commemoration of this United Nations Day. Such days are often relegated to tokenism and cosmetic exercises filled with a plethora of speeches and feel- good activities. Thetheme‘FulfillingthePromisesof the Universal Declaration of Human RightsforOlderPersons:Across

Generations,’ however, is a challenging one- which gives little room for the normal complacency or for a mere celebration of ‘yet another UN Day!’

For this particular day the UN website states, “Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal

Declaration on Human Rights, a monumental document in the history of human rights. Written by representatives from around the world with different legal, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, it is the first document articulating the fundamental human rights that are meant to be universally protected. Inrecognitionofthismilestone,and looking to a future that delivers on the promise to ensure that all persons,includingallolderpersons, fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms, the 33rd commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will focus on the theme of ‘Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations.’. The event will put a spotlight on the specificity of older persons around the world, for the enjoyment of their rights and in addressing violations, and how the strengthening of solidarity through equity and reciprocity between

generations offers sustainable solutions to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

“The work of the International Community around intergenerational solidarity has demonstrated, time and again, through various fora that intergenerational solutions, which are guided by the human rights principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination and equality, empowerment and legality, can contribute to rekindle thelegacy,relevanceandactivismof the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by empowering both youth and older persons to shift the needle of political will towards fulfilling the promises of the Declaration for all people across generations.

InordertorealisetheUNIDOP2023 mission and mandate, there are clearobjectives:

• to increase globalknowledge

and awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and generate commitments among all stakeholders to strengthen the protection of the human rights of current and future generations of older personsaroundthe world;

• to share and learn from intergenerational models for the protection of human rights around the world; and

• to call on Governments and UN entities to review their current practices with a view to better integrate a life course approach to human rights in their work, and to ensure the active and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including civil society, national human rights institutions and older persons themselves, in the work on strengthening solidarity among generations and intergenerational partnerships.

Whether the above will be actualisedinthenearordistant future is anyone’s guess? Senior Citizens in India are certainly at

receiving end of a society, which is becoming more and more insensitive! One looks back at the times when older persons were respected and even venerated, accepted and wanted. The typical family, in the rural and urban areas, was a place where everyone from the youngest to the oldest belonged.

‘Times have changed!’ is a cliché one hears ad nauseam. One however, will not be able to dispute it where the status of older persons is concerned today. There are several indicators to highlight the fact, that in many families today, older persons are considered more of a burden than a blessing. The familyasthebasiccellofsocietyhas undergone a dramatic change; married couples decide not have a child, or just one child or at most two –children. In many cases, both husband and wife pursue careers, which came them out of the home for long hours. Then with the rapid strides in technology – the gizmos

take centre-stageeither for work or pleasureorjustas‘timepass’!There is a tremendous decline in interactions within the family! For manyolderpersons,itisoftensheer loneliness, being at home for long hours without having anyone to relate to. Society overall is not very older persons- friendly! There is a lack of facilities and infrastructure thatarenecessaryforseniorcitizens beitparksorlibrariesandevensafe spots to cross to the other side of the road.

In a society, which is characterised by its ‘throw-away culture’, older persons are conveniently discarded. There are several instances when even their own children throw the elderly out of the house. Others prefer to ‘dump’ the elderly in homesfortheaged/seniorcitizens because they now live abroad. They do pay for their upkeep and make that weekly call; but that is certainly not the same as having one’s parentslivewithyou!Inhismessage for the ‘Day of the Elderly’ (22 July)

oftheCatholicChurch,PopeFrancis makes a heartfelt appeal to the young,saying,“Iwouldinviteyouto makeaconcrete gesturethatwould include grandparents and the elderly. Let us not abandon them. Their presence in families and communitiesisapreciousone,forit reminds us that we share the same heritage and are part of a people committed to preserving its roots. Fromtheelderlywereceivedthegift of belonging to God’s holy people.

TheChurch,aswellassociety,needs them,fortheyentrusttothepresent the past that is needed to build the future. Let us honour them, neither depriving ourselves of their company nor depriving them of ours.Mayweneverallowtheelderly to be castaside!”

The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the globalshareoftheolderpopulation is projected to increase from less

than 10% to around 17%.. Rapid growth in the number of people reaching older ages, particularly in India, underscores the significance of promoting health, preventing, and treating illnesses throughout the entire course of life.

reside. Supportive environments play a pivotal role in assisting older individuals to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age.

In societies with aging populations, like India, it becomes imperative to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities. The capability to carry out essential functions and partake in everyday activities is influenced notsolelybyanindividual'sinherent capacity but also by the social and physicalenvironmentsinwhichthey

The question one needs to ask oneself is whether individually and collectively, we are willing to act nowandensurethehumanrightsof older persons everywhere –particularlythosewhobelongtothe poorer and more vulnerable sections of society. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres puts it poignantly “Older persons are invaluable sources of knowledge and experience and have much to contribute towards peace, sustainable development, andprotectingourplanet.”

Thepointis,arewelistening?Dowe care?

1 October 2023

*(Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer. Contact:

cedricprakash@gmail.com )

invited to address U.N.

InternationalDayof Peace

as a ray of hope for the dreams and aspirationsof victims globally.

Historywasscriptedintheheartsof millions when former President Barack Obama appointed Honorable Harold D’Souza to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking at The White House in 2015. In crusader Harold D’Souza community members world-wide see a dynamic, decisive, and development-oriented ‘Survivor Activist’ who has emerged

Internationally proclaimed inspirational speaker Harold

D’Souza was invited to address the United for Human Rights Open House on September 23, 2023 at Columbus on the auspicious United

Nations International Day of Peace, a day dedicated toworldpeace and celebrated since 1981.

TheInternationalDayofPeace(IDP) was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a

period of non-violence and ceasefire.

‘The Right to Your Own Things’ and Article 26 states; ‘The Right to Education’. Every child born on this Universe should be taught the 30 articles of U.N. Human Rights like weteachourkidsa,b,c,d,or1,2,3, 4.”. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said; “Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization.”

Harold D’Souza spoke, ‘The United Nations 30 articles should be practiced, preached and publicly distributed to all delegates born on this ‘Planet’. International Day of Peace should be celebrated every second,everyminute,andeveryday of our life. Article 1 states; ‘We are all Born Free and Equal’. Article 4 states;‘NoSlavery’.Article17states;

His focus on education, development, eye for detail and efforts to bring a qualitative differenceinthelivesofthepoorest ofthepoorvictimshasmadeHarold D’Souza a popular and respected survivor ambassador across the lengthand breadthof the World.

2023 is also the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. IDP 2023 encourages all youth to be ambitious in their engagement as positive and constructive social agents, to join the movement to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to building sustainable peace. Together we can help to lead our world towards a greener, more equitable, just, and secure future to all.

Harold D’Souza’s life has been a journeyofcourage,compassionand constant hard work. Today, Harold D’Souza is a Co-Founder of Eyes Open International a non-profit focused to combat human trafficking andempower survivors.

Recently Harold D’Souza was honored with the Human Rights HeroAward2023atUnitedNations’ Head Quarters in New York.

Is There Anyone

At the street corner lies a little man

Waiting for someone to look by

He is tired and sick. Unable to walk because of age

He has toiled hard all through his life

Giving the best at times

Now he lies with no strength left

People around have abandoned him. He looks around with tears in eyes and a faint smile

He wishes for eyes that look at him

He wishes for a heart to love him

By the street he watches the people making merry and all in joy

He cries out but the noise around kills his voice

His throat feels dry

He looks around and for a while tries

Finally looks up and realizes there is no one except the one above and waits patiently for the time to fly.

-Sonal Lobo, Bengaluru

*Near Begur handpost*

Episode 3

_A death mystery_

Satya Prakash been reclining on his station chair started to think about deciphering the case, ASI Mohan inquisitive to share his Heard about stories of the region, There was a time some slumlords Ill treat the poor workmen and provide the money advances, to put them into the habit of

-Steevan.M

drunkenness and spendthrift. Then make them Work yearlong on a deducted pay, keeping Eagle view on Their young girls, giving them menial tasks, and hunting them at theirdesolationlikeahawkcatching its prey.

There are anecdotes that the slumlords had dried up wells in their

possessionandpushtodeaththose rebelled workforces, And it was much worse during Patla system (village head rule), poverty was a curse and hex, servitude practice, untouchability system child labor at its pinnacle, those nasty system came to an end in modern time with the efforts of selfless notable leaders, stress on education and knowledge over family planning. Those harsh practices were excluded in Rainbow estate, The estate has a good reputation for fair treatment to their workers, Frequently audited by the National labor welfare department, Estate compelled to provide basic facilities to the workers. Mr. Toras is known for philanthropy and generosity, his well-mannered approach and humbleness towards workers make him larger than a life personality.

Satya Prakash peruse the case in the aspect of personal gain, possibility of Manager Serao’s involvement can’t ignore, did he hatch the plan to make use of his non presence in the scene, Is there the Driver Chandar’s hand in eliminating Butler to accomplish his recent grudge, why Dhanpal is Overly apprehensive, or someone else??, Is there evil angel?, the superstition is not rare in that region,Bloodsacrifice,blackmagic.

It was 5.30 pm in the evening, Satya Prakash instructs ASI Mohan to go home as he had to stay for some further investigation, once ASI Mohan left, Satya Prakash calls at his house phone. Honey, what are you doing, I called to inform you that I’ll be cominglate.Hiswife showedanger over this. Saying that, I am married to an animal because of that I had brought to this jungle, no shopping malls, no entertainment around, Honey! Satya Prakash cuts her word and reminds her that he is puttingextraefforttosolvethiscase to get better placement, only then the pacified Wife showed some concern and sympathy over him, Satya Prakash decides to movetowardRainbow estate atthat night, byridingstation’s2wheeler, after crossing Begur handpost, he hidhisbikebehindthickbushesand jumped the fence of Rainbow estate, been unrecognized in the dark he stepped towards the estate, during the day time enquiry he has notedtheplacewherethekeyofthe office room has kept, he silently enters the room, the caged dogs alert the arrival of a stranger but no response from any could seen, Satya Prakash wasn’t able to see much in that darkness rather than insectsbuzz,frogsyelp,birdsshriek

and bats click. And the drip drops of light drizzle.

It is past midnight Satya Prakash who was tired from day long work, closed his eyes and fell asleep, he suddenly woken up by a loud and lasting scream from a women, Satya Prakash got up from his chair and tried to trace the scream by peeping through the window, the scream changed to a humming voice, then after a women’s anklet noise, it became closerandclosertohisroom, Satya Prakash got cold creeps though heldhisbreath,hecannotseemuch outside, except black clouds and dancing tree branches, a quiet breeze has turned in to a storm. After a brief pause, he is dumbstruck to view the humming women walking out of the gate, her flying loose end of the white saree would shiver down the spine, no fidgetiness in her walk, her stroll was casual, she disappeared in the darkness.

Before Satya Prakash suppress his horrifying thought of the scene, he bewildered by the thud thud door knock, it is near to the bunglow on the shallow land on one of the quarters door, same spot where charlie butler seen dead, Satya Prakash wasted no time to open the door and moved out in haste, that time the knock subsided, Satya Prakash ran towards left end of bunglow, bent till extreme corner of the slope to get the clear view of the quarters, imprecisely landed foot on a pitfall, lost balance and fell on the floor belowjustInfrontofthequarters,by this noise one of the quarters door openedanda personseenrunning, To get hold of that person Satya Prakash ran after him, though the person moved quickly, Satya Prakash chased and tried to grab his muffler but in vain, he escaped in that darkness..

To be continued