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Veteran journalistAlfred D’Souza,affectionately known as Alfie, passed awayon Saturday,June 29,2024,attheageof64.Hewas thesonofthelateGeorgeand MagdalineD’SouzaandthebrotherofJosephandRudyD’Souza.
Alfie D’Souzaworked inthe USAfor over30years and settled in Mangaluru. In 2012,hejoined mangalorean.com as afreelancer. He has writtenseveral articles oncivicissueswithapositiveimpact.
Our heartfelt condolences tohis near &dear ones and especially MadamViolet andthestaffofMangalorean.com
PrayingAlmightytogranthissouleternalpeace.
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Veez extends its condolences to the families of his brothers Joe & Rudy.
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The Hug of a Humbug!
-*Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ
Few will not remember JudasIscariotandtheroleheplayed inthebetrayal ofJesus!
For those who don’t know or don’t remember, these passages from SacredScripture willhelpputthings inperspective: Andwhiletheywereeating,hesaid, “Truly Itellyou, oneof youwill betrayme.”Theywereverysadand begantosaytohimoneafterthe other,“Surelyyoudon’tmeanme, Lord?”Jesusreplied,“Theonewho hasdippedhishandintothebowl withmewillbetrayfromSacredSon ofManwillgojustasitiswritten abouthim.Butwoetothatmanwho betraystheSonofMan!Itwouldbe better for him if he had not
beenborn. “ThenJudas, the one whowouldbetrayhim,said,“Surely youdon’tmeanme,Rabbi?”Jesus answered,“Youhavesaidso.”(Mt. 26: 21-25) …. Whilehe was still speaking,Judas,oneoftheTwelve, arrived.Withhimwasalargecrowd armedwithswordsandclubs,sent fromthechiefpriestsandtheelders of thepeople. Nowthe betrayer hadarrangedasignalwiththem: “The one I kiss is the man; arresthim.“GoingatoncetoJesus, Judassaid,“Greetings,Rabbi!”and kissedhim.Jesusreplied,“Dowhat youcamefor,friend.“Thenthemen steppedforward,seizedJesusand arrestedhim.(Mt.26: 47-50)
Powerful and real passages from Sacred Scripture of how the ‘kiss of Judas’ was the very opposite, of what a ‘kiss’ is actually meant to symbolise. Jesus, who believed and lived ‘thetruth’neverminced words whenhetookonthepowerful ofhis times: the Pharisees and theSadducees, the Pilates and the Herods andallthosewholaidheavy burdens on the poor and
marginalised. He referred to them as ‘a brood of vipers’, and ‘whitened sepulchres. Inthe Gospel of St Mathew (23:1-12) we read, “ThenJesussaidtothecrowds andtohisdisciples,“Thescribesand the Pharisees sit on Moses’s seat;therefore, do whatever they teachyouandfollowit,butdonot do as they do, forthey donot practicewhattheyteach.Theytie upheavyburdens,hardtobear,and laythemontheshouldersofothers, buttheythemselvesareunwillingto liftafingertomovethem.Theydo alltheirdeedstobeseenbyothers, for they make their phylacteries broadandtheirfringeslong.They lovetohavetheplaceofhonourat banquetsandthebestseatsinthe synagoguesandtobegreetedwith respectinthemarketplacesandto have people call them rabbi.But youarenottobecalledrabbi,for youhaveoneteacher,andyouare allbrothersandsisters.Andcallno oneyourfatheronearth,foryou have one Father, the one in heaven.Norareyoutobecalled instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.The greatest amongyouwillbeyour servant.All who exalt themselves
will be humbled, and all who humblethemselveswillbeexalted”.
Everyyear,theleadersoftheworld's seven largest economies: Canada, France,Germany, Italy,Japan.Unite d Kingdom and theUnited States (the European Union is also part of thisgroup) meet to discuss economic andpolitical issues at the Group of Seven, or G7, Summit. These annualevents are organised and hosted by a different member each time. They met in Apulia Italy from 13-15Junethisyear.Thehost also invites some other countries asguests to this summit. This year, Italy invited Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine and the Vatican City to the summit. South Africa was also invited but declined because of the change in government there. So,twelve other countries were also present including the heads of the UN and major international financial institutions.
The highlight of this G-7 Summit was the presence of Pope Francis, who addressed them on ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and its effects on
humanity. It was historic, that a Pope would participate in such a summit and in fact give a pathbreaking speech whichfoundprime place in the final communique of theSummit!
Asthe Pope was wheeled into the hall of the Summit on 14 June, he was given a rousing ovation by the World leaders and others gathered there. Some of them personally greeted him with the civility and decorum, which is befitting when one head of State greets the other! Towards the end of the line was Narendra Modi, the Prime
Minister of India. Taking the Holy Father off-guard, Modi bent down andgave the Pope what resembled a bear-hug! Such acts are just not done! Even though he was on a wheelchair,thePope literallyhadno choice,but remained courteous enough to accept thehug!
Fortunately, most of the world media, did not highlight that hug-though sections of the Indian ‘godified’ and ‘modified’ me diadid so!
Those who know Modi and hisdramatics, will easily agree, thathis hugging the Pope has nothing to do with Pope Francis! Modi is fundamentally ashowman, an opportunist, who loves photo-ops, glaring atcameras and at times even insisting that the cameras focus only on him!There are many examples to authenticate this! Forexample,some time ago when he had to meet his ailing mother inGandhinagar, he did not step out of his car, till the cameramen (whowere late) had arrived and taken their positions inside the house!Unfortunately, for him,thistime,hewasunabletolook intothecameras,whilsthuggingthe Pope! Modi has gone on record saying that he has invited Pope Francis to India!Healsosaidthis,afterhemet Pope Francis in the Vatican late October 2021. Since then,the
Government of India has not extendedanofficialinvitation tothe Pope to come to India! Modi could haveeasilyensured thatbut didnot do so! Modi is a master in making promises, in bluffing and manipulating things to his advantage. Unfortunately, in the pasttenyearsand more,manyhave fallen prey to his falsepromises, mastery of words and in his unparalleled skill in deflecting from real issues that plague the country!
Millions ofIndians (Christians and non-Christians) would be delighted ifPopeFranciscomestoIndia.There is no doubt of that! Besides Pope Francis, given his penchant for the poor and the marginalised, the excludedand the exploited, will needtohavehisvisitsplanned;both the hosts and the organisers would do well to include the following visits inthePapalitinerary:
• to Manipur: to bring solace to the Kukis and other victims there, whostill are at the receiving endof a brutal, violent, insensitive regime. Most of the victims are Christians and/or tribals
• toJharkhand: theAdivasi heartland
ofIndia-tosee howthe indigenous peoples of Indiaare beingdeprived oftheirlegitimatejal-jungle-jameen
• to West Bengal: to meet with those Bengalis who came into India more than fifty years ago during the Bangladesh war of Independence and are now being treatedasillegal migrants.
• to Talojajail,where there are still some incarcerated in the BhimaKoregaon conspiracy case; his own Jesuit brother Fr Stan Swamy was the victim of an institutional murder on5July2021
• to the coastal region of Trivandrum where thousands of indigenous coastal people have lost their livelihood becauseoftheAdaniport
Besides, Pope Francis will have many other concerns which he would like express,including: ➢ OntheFreedom ofSpeechand Expression: of how writers, intellectuals, human rights defenders are being subjugated inthe country
➢ OntheFreedom ofReligion: of the draconian anti-conversion laws being brought in by this Government particularly in the States they govern (Rajasthanplanning one now)
➢ On the way this Government treats refugees and migrants particularly the Rohingyas –whom Pope Francis addressed ashisbrothers andsisters
➢ On the Government’s Environment record which is one oftheworst in theworld
➢ On the growing unemployment inthecountry
➢ On the factthat a fewrich are becoming richer at the expense ofthepoor
➢ Onthequalityofpoliticallifein India and the fact that democracy is meticulously beingdismantled
Pope Francis will havehisplate very fullifheisinvitedtoIndia-andifhe comes!
Modi would not haveunderstood
the significance and importance of the four gifts which Pope Francis presented himwithintheVaticanin October2021. Theywerealsoabout ‘good governance’ andwhatagood ruler should be doing today! When Pope Francis addressed the G-7 Summit on 14 June on ‘Artificial Intelligence’ he spoke rather stronglysaying amongotherthings,
“This is precisely where political action is urgently needed. The EncyclicalFratelli Tuttireminds us that“formanypeopletoday,politics isadistastefulword,oftendueto the mistakes, corruption and inefficiency of some politicians. Therearealsoattemptstodiscredit politics,toreplaceitwitheconomics ortotwistittooneideology or another.Yetcanourworldfunction withoutpolitics?Cantherebean effectiveprocessofgrowthtowards universalfraternityandsocialpeace without a sound political life?”…. Ouranswer to these questions is: No! Politics is necessary!Iwanttoreiterateinthis momentthat“inthefaceofmany pettyformsofpoliticsfocusedon immediate interests [...] ‘true statecraft is manifest when, in difficult times, we uphold high
principles andthinkofthelongterm common good. Political powers do not find it easy to assumethis duty inthework of nation-building’ much less in forgingacommonprojectforthe human family, now and in the future”.Myreflectionontheeffects ofartificialintelligenceonhumanity leadsustoconsidertheimportance of“healthypolitics”sothatwecan looktoourfuturewithhopeand confidence. I have written previously that “global society is suffering from grave structural deficienciesthatcannotberesolved by piecemeal solutions or quick fixes. Much needs to change, through fundamental reform and major renewal. Only a healthy politics,involvingthemostdiverse sectorsandskills,canoversee this process. An economy that is an integral partofapolitical, social, cultural and popular programme directedtothecommongoodcould pave the way for ‘different possibilities whichdo notinvolve stifling human creativity and its ideals of progress, but rather
directing that energy along new channels”
Not sureifModi waslistening to Pope Francis or if he didlisten,whether heunderstood the significance of what was said particularly inthe context ofpresent India! Interestingly, the final communique ofthe G-7 speak of many things besides Artificial Intelligence, they include Ukraine, Gaza, Africa, Climate change, migration – but there is practically noreference toIndiaorthe role the country could be playing on the world stage today!
‘Humbug’ isbest described as ‘false talk and behaviour’ , ‘deception’! The hug from a humbug saysitall!
24June2024
*(Fr. CedricPrakashSJ isa humanrights, reconciliation and peace activist/ writer. Contact: cedricprakash@gm ail.com)
ADDRESSOFHISHOLINESS POPEFRANCIS
Borgo Egnazia (Puglia)
Friday,14June2024
Esteemedladiesandgentlemen,
I address you today, the leaders of theIntergovernmental Forum ofthe G7, concerning the effects of artificialintelligence onthefutureof humanity.
“Sacred Scripture attests that God bestowed his Spirit upon human beings sothat theymight have‘skill and understanding and knowledge
in every craft’ (Ex 35:31)”. [1] Science and technology are therefore brilliant products ofthecreative potential of humanbeings. [2]
Indeed, artificial intelligence arises precisely from the use of this Godgiven creative potential.
As we know, artificial intelligence is an extremely powerful tool, employed in many kinds of human activity: from medicine tothe world of work; from culture to the fieldof
communications; from education to politics.Itisnowsafetoassumethat itsusewillincreasinglyinfluencethe waywe live, our social relationships and even the way we conceive of ouridentity ashumanbeings. [3]
The question of artificial intelligence, however, is often perceivedasambiguous: ontheone hand, it generates excitement for the possibilities it offers, while on the otherit gives rise tofearforthe consequences it foreshadows. In this regard, we could saythat all of us, albeit to varying degrees, experience two emotions: we are enthusiastic when we imagine the advances that can result from artificial intelligence but, at the same time, we are fearful when we acknowledge the dangers inherent initsuse.[4]
After all, we cannot doubt that the advent of artificial intelligence represents a true cognitiveindustrial revolution, which will contribute to the creation of a new social system characterised by complex epochal transformations. For example, artificial intelligence could enable a democratization of access to knowledge, the exponential advancement of
scientific research and the possibility ofgiving demanding and arduous work to machines. Yet at the sametime, itcould bring with it a greater injustice between advanced and developing nations or between dominant and oppressed social classes,raising the dangerous possibility that a “throwaway culture”bepreferred to a“culture ofencounter”.
The significance of these complex transformations is clearly linked to the rapid technological development of artificial intelligence itself.
It is precisely this powerful technological progress that makes artificial intelligence at the same timeanexcitingandfearsometool anddemands areflection that is up tothechallenge itpresents.
In this regard, perhaps we could start from the observation that artificial intelligence is above all elsea tool . And it goes without saying that the benefits or harm it will bringwill depend on itsuse. Thisissurelythecase,forithasbeen this way with every tool fashioned byhuman beings sincethe dawn of time.
Ourability to fashion tools, in a
quantity and complexity that is unparalleled among living things, speaks of atechno-human condition : human beings have always maintained a relationship with the environment mediated by thetoolstheygraduallyproduced. It is not possible to separate the history of men and women and of civilization from thehistory ofthese tools. Some have wanted to read into this a kind of shortcoming, a deficit, within human beings, as if, becauseofthisdeficiency,theywere forced to create technology. [5]A carefulandobjective view shows us theopposite. Weexperience astate of “outwardness” with respect to our biological being: we are beings inclined toward what lies outsideof-us, indeed we are radically open to the beyond. Our openness to others and to God originates from this reality, as does the creative potential of our intelligence about culture and beauty. Ultimately, our technical capacity also stems from this fact.Technology, then,is a sign of our orientation towards the future. Theuseofourtools,however, isnot always directed solely to the good. Even if human beings feel within themselvesacalltothebeyond, and to knowledge as an instrument of good fortheservice ofourbrothers and sisters and ourcommon home(cf.GaudiumetSpes,16), this does not always happen. Due to its radical freedom, humanity has not infrequentlycorruptedthepurposes of its being, turning into an enemy of itself and of the planet. [6]The same fate may befall technological tools. Only if their true purpose of serving humanity is ensured, will such tools reveal not only the uniquegrandeuranddignityofmen andwomen, but alsothe command theyhavereceived to“till andkeep” (cf.Gen2:15) the planet and all its inhabitants. Tospeakof technology is to speak of what it means to be human and thus of our singular status as beings who possess both freedom and responsibility. This meansspeaking about ethics. In fact, when our ancestors sharpened flint stones to make knives, they used them both to cut hides for clothing and to kill each other. The same could be said of other more advanced technologies, suchastheenergy produced bythe fusionofatoms,asoccurswithinthe Sun, which could be used to
produce clean,renewable energyor to reduce our planet to a pile of ashes.
Artificial intelligence, however, is a still more complex tool. I would almost saythat we are dealing with atoolsuigeneris.Whiletheuseofa simple tool(like aknife)isunderthe control of the person who uses it and its use for the good depends only on that person, artificial intelligence, on the other hand,can autonomously adapt to the task assigned to it and, if designed this way,canmakechoicesindependent ofthepersoninordertoachievethe intended goal.[7] It should always be remembered that a machine can, in some ways andbythesenewmethods,produce algorithmic choices. The machine makes a technical choice among several possibilities based either on well-defined criteria oronstatistical inferences.Humanbeings, however, not only choose, but in their hearts can decide. A decision is what we might calla more strategic element ofachoiceanddemands apractical evaluation. At times, frequently amidthe difficult taskof governing, we are called upon to make decisions that have consequences
for many people. In this regard, humanreflectionhasalwaysspoken of wisdom, thephronesisof Greek philosophy and,at least in part, the wisdom of Sacred Scripture. Faced withthemarvels ofmachines,which seem to know how to choose independently, we should be very clear that decision-making, even when we are confronted with its sometimes dramatic and urgent aspects, must always be left to the humanperson. Wewould condemn humanitytoafuturewithouthopeif we took away people’s ability to make decisions about themselves andtheirlives,bydooming themto dependonthechoicesofmachines.
Weneedtoensure andsafeguarda space for proper human control over the choices made by artificial intelligence programs: human dignity itselfdepends on it. Precisely in this regard, allowme to insistconsideringthetragedythatis armed conflict, it is urgent to reconsider the development and use of devices like the so-called “lethal autonomous weapons” and ultimately ban their use. This starts from an effective and concrete commitment to introduce ever greater and proper human control.
No machine should ever choose to take thelifeofahumanbeing. It must be added, moreover, that the good use, at least of advanced forms of artificial intelligence, will not be fully under the control of eithertheusersortheprogrammers whodefined theiroriginal purposes atthetimetheywere designed. This is all the truer because it is highly likely that, in the not-too-distant future, artificial intelligence programs will be able to communicate directly with each othertoimprove theirperformance. Andif,inthe past,men andwomen who fashioned simple tools saw their lives shaped by them – the knife enabled them to survive the cold but also to develop the art of warfare – now that human beings have fashioned complex tools, they will see their lives shaped by them more. [8]
The basic mechanism of artificial intelligence I would like now briefly to address the complexity of artificial intelligence. Essentially, artificial intelligence is a tool designed for problem solving. It works by means of a logical chaining of algebraic operations, carried out on
categories of data. These are then compared to discover correlations, thereby improving their statistical value. This takes place thanks to a process of self-learning, based on the search for further data and the self-modification of its calculation processes.
Artificial intelligence is designed in this way to solve specific problems. Yet, for those who use it, there is often an irresistible temptation to draw general, or even anthropological, deductions from thespecific solutions it offers. An important example ofthis is the use of programs designed to help judges indeciding whether togrant home-confinement to inmates serving a prison sentence. In this case, artificial intelligence is asked to predict the likelihood of a prisoner committing the same crime(s) again. It does so based on predetermined categories (type of offence, behaviour in prison, psychological assessment, and others), thus allowing artificial intelligence to have access to categories of data relating to the prisoner’s private life (ethnic origin, educational attainment, credit rating, andothers). The use of such
a methodology – which sometimes risks de factodelegating to a machine thelast wordconcerning a person’s future – may implicitly incorporate prejudices inherent in the categories of data used by artificialintelligence. Being classified as part of a certain ethnic group, or simply having committed a minor offence years earlier(forexample,nothavingpaid a parking fine) will influence the decision as to whether to grant home-confinement. However, human beings are always developing, and are capable of surprising usbytheiractions.Thisis something that a machine cannot consider.
Itshould alsobe noted thatthe use of applications like the one I have just mentioned will be used ever more frequently because artificial intelligence programs will be increasingly equipped with the capacity to interact directly (chatbots) with human beings, holding conversations and establishing closerelationships with them. These interactions may end up being, often, pleasant and reassuring, since these artificial intelligence programs will be
designed to learn to respond, in a personalised way, to the physical and psychological needs of human beings.
It is a frequent and serious mistake toforget thatartificialintelligence is not another human being, and that it cannot propose general principles. This error stems either from the profound need of human beings to find a stable form of companionship, or from a subconscious assumption, namely the assumption that observations obtained by means of a calculating mechanism are endowed with the qualities of unquestionable certainty and unquestionable universality.
This assumption, however, is farfetched, as can be seen by an examination of the inherent limitations of computation itself. Artificial intelligence uses algebraic operations that are carried out in a logical sequence(forexample, ifthe value of X is greater than that of Y, multiply X by Y; otherwise divide X by Y). This method of calculation –theso-called“algorithm” –isneither objective nor neutral. [9]Moreover, since it is based on algebra, it can onlyexaminerealities formalisedin
numerical terms. [10]
Nor should it be forgotten that algorithms designed tosolve highly complex problems are so sophisticated that it is difficult for programmers themselves to understand exactly how they arrive at their results. This tendency towards sophistication is likely to accelerate considerably with the introduction ofquantum computers that will operate not with binary circuits (semiconductors or microchips) but according to the highly complex laws of quantum physics. Indeed, the continuous introduction of increasingly highperformance microchipshasalready become one of the reasons for the dominant use of artificial intelligence by those few nations equipped inthisregard. Whether sophisticated or not, the quality of the answers that artificial intelligence programs provide ultimatelydepends onthedatathey useandhowtheyarestructured. Finally, I would like to indicate one last area in which the complexity of the mechanism of so-called Generative Artificial Intelligence clearly emerges. Today, no one doubts that there are magnificent
tools available for accessing knowledge, which even allow for self-learning and self-tutoring in a myriad of fields. Many of us have been impressed by the easily available online applications for composing a text or producing an image on any theme or subject. Students are especially attracted to this but make disproportionate use of it when they have to prepare papers.
Students are often much better prepared for, and more familiar with, using artificial intelligence than their teachers. Yet they forget that, strictly speaking, so-called generative artificial intelligence is not“generative”. Instead,itsearches big data forinformation andputs it togetherinthestylerequired ofit.It does not develop new analyses or concepts, but repeats those that it finds, giving them an appealing form. Then, the more it finds a repeated notion or hypothesis, the more it considers it legitimate and valid. Rather than being “generative”, then, it is instead “reinforcing” in the sense that it rearranges existingcontent,helping to consolidate it, often without checkingwhether itcontains errors
orpreconceptions.
In this way, it not only runs the risk of legitimising fake news and strengthening a dominant culture’s advantage, but, in short, it also undermines theeducationalprocess itself. Education should provide students with the possibility of authentic reflection, yet it runs the riskofbeingreducedtoarepetition of notions, which will increasingly be evaluated as unobjectionable, simply because of their constant repetition. [11]
Puttingthedignityofthehuman person back at the centre, considering a shared ethical proposal
A more general observation should now be added to what we have already said. The season of technological innovation in which we are currently living is accompanied by a particular and unprecedented social situation in which it is increasingly difficult to findagreement on the major issues concerning social life. Even in communities characterised by a certain cultural continuity, heated debates and arguments often arise, makingitdifficulttoproduce shared reflections and political solutions
aimed at seeking what is good and just.Thus,asidefromthecomplexity of legitimate points of view found within the human family, there is alsoafactoremergingthatseemsto characterise the above-mentioned social situation, namely,aloss,orat leastaneclipse,ofthesenseofwhat ishumanandanapparentreduction inthesignificance oftheconcept of human dignity. [12]Indeed, we seem to be losing the value and profound meaning of one of the fundamental concepts of the West: thatofthehumanperson. Thus,ata time when artificial intelligence programs are examining human beings and their actions, it is precisely the ethosconcerning the understanding of the value and dignity ofthe human person that is most at risk in the implementation anddevelopment of these systems. Indeed, we must remember that no innovation is neutral. Technology is bornforapurpose and,initsimpact on human society, always represents a form of order in social relations and an arrangement of power, thusenablingcertainpeople to perform specific actions while preventing others from performing different ones. Inaexplicit way, this
constitutive power dimension of technology always includes the worldview of those who invented anddeveloped it. This likewise applies to artificial intelligence programs. For them to be instruments for building up the good and a better tomorrow, they must always be aimed at the good of every human being. They must haveanethical“inspiration”. Moreover, anethicaldecision isone that considers not only an action’s outcomes but also the values at stake and the duties that derive from those values. That is why I welcomed both the 2020 signing in Rome of the Rome Call for AI Ethics,[13] and its support for that type of ethical moderation of algorithms andartificial intelligence programs that I call “algorethics”. [14] In a pluralistic and global context, where we see different sensitivities and multiple hierarchies inthe scalesofvalues, it might seem difficult tofindasingle hierarchy of values. Yet, in ethical analysis, we can also make use of other types of tools: if we struggle to define a single set of global values,wecan,however, findshared principles withwhichtoaddress and
resolve dilemmas or conflicts regarding howtolive.
This iswhytheRomeCallwasborn: withtheterm“algor-ethics”, aseries of principles are condensed into a global and pluralistic platform that can find support from cultures, religions, international organizations and major corporations, which are key players inthisdevelopment.
Thepoliticsthatisneeded We cannot, therefore, conceal the concrete risk, inherent in its fundamental design, that artificial intelligence might limit our worldview to realities expressible in numbers and enclosed in predetermined categories, thereby excluding the contribution of other forms of truth and imposing uniform anthropological, socioeconomic and cultural models. The technological paradigm embodied inartificial intelligence runs therisk, then, of becoming a far more dangerous paradigm, which I have already identified as the “technocratic paradigm”. [15] We cannot allowatool aspowerful and indispensable as artificial intelligence to reinforce such a paradigm, butrather,wemustmake
artificial intelligence a bulwark against itsexpansion. This is precisely where political action is urgently needed. The EncyclicalFratelli Tuttireminds us that“formanypeople today,politics is a distasteful word, often due to the mistakes, corruption and inefficiency of some politicians. There are also attempts todiscredit politics,toreplaceitwitheconomics or to twist it to one ideology or another. Yet canour world function without politics? Can there be an effectiveprocess ofgrowth towards universal fraternity andsocial peace without asoundpolitical life?”. [16]
Our answer to these questions is:
No! Politics is necessary! I want to reiterate inthismoment that“inthe faceof manypettyforms ofpolitics focused on immediate interests [...] ‘true statecraft is manifest when, in difficult times, we uphold high principles and think of the longterm common good. Political powers do not find it easy to assume this duty in the work of nation-building’ (Laudato Si’ , 178), much less in forging a common project for the human family, now andinthe future”. [17]
Esteemedladies andgentlemen!
My reflection on the effects of artificial intelligence on humanity leads ustoconsider theimportance of “healthy politics” so that we can look to our future with hope and confidence. I have written previously that “global society is suffering from grave structural deficiencies thatcannotberesolved by piecemeal solutions or quick fixes. Much needs to change, through fundamental reform and major renewal. Only a healthy politics, involving the most diverse sectors and skills, can oversee this process. An economy that is an integral part of a political, social, cultural and popular programme directedtothecommongoodcould pave the way for ‘different possibilities which do not involve stifling human creativity and its ideals of progress, but rather directing that energy along new channels’ (Laudato Si’,191)”. [18] This is precisely the situation with artificial intelligence. It is up to everyone tomakegooduseofitbut the onus is on politics tocreate the conditions for such good use tobe possible andfruitful.
[4]This ambivalence was already noted by Pope Saint Paul VI in hisAddresstothePersonnelofthe “Centro Automazione Analisi Linguistica”oftheAloysianum , 19 June1964.
[5]Cf. A. GEHLEN, L’uomo. La sua naturaeilsuopostonelmondo, Milan1983, 43.
[6]Cf. Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’(24 May2015), 102-114.
[12] Cf.DicasteryfortheDoctrine of the Faith, DeclarationDignitas Infinitaon Human Dignity (2 April 2024).
[13] Cf.Address to Participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life , 28 February 2020.
[14] Cf.Address to Participants in theCongressonChildDignityinthe Digital World,14 November 2019;AddresstoParticipantsinthe PlenaryAssemblyofthePontifical AcademyforLife,28February 2020.
[15] For a more extensive explanation, see the Encyclical Letter LaudatoSi’on Care for Our Common Home (24May2015).
[16] Encyclical Letter, Fratelli Tuttion Fraternity and Social Friendship (3October 2020), 176.
[17] Ibid,178.
[18] Ibid,179.
IN THEIR SHADOW
#chhotebhai
Hasthe dust begun to settle, orthe temperature begun to rise, despite the advancing monsoon? This weather barometer is political not climatic.
With the elections over, the Union Cabinet in place, the Speaker also elected and proceedings in the Lok Sabha having begun, what’s left to write home about? The allegations of arrogance and obduracy shown by Sri Om Birla, the re-elected Speaker,areaharbingerofthingsto come.
Havingbeen severelybruised atthe hustings Prime MinisterModi islike a wounded tiger that is far more
dangerous thanahealthyoneinthe wild. Wounded tigers turn to soft targets that they can easily hunt down or could even become man eaters. So, danger lurks around the corner.
Havingretainedhiscoreteaminthe CouncilofMinisters,andre-electing the Speaker, the message is clear. Don’t show any signs of weakness. Tothecontrary, harden yourfaceto disguise thefear.
Rahul Gandhi, the Pappu of yore and lore, has finally assumed responsibility byacceptingtobethe Leader of the Opposition (LOP). Howhelivesuptothatrole, orlives up to expectations, only time will tell.
InBritain, considered the mother of parliamentary democracy, the Opposition formsaShadowCabinet to keep tabs on the government. The LOP is referred to as the Shadow Prime Minister. I am now taking the liberty to propose a shadow cabinet for the Opposition,
comprising of MPs from the constituents oftheI.N.D.I.A.bloc.
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi / Rahul Gandhi (Congress) the LOP
2. Home Minister Amit Shah / Mallikarjun Kharge (Cong) president ofthe party
3. Defence Minister Rajnath Sing / Akhilesh Yadav (SP); his father held this post, he himself studied in a Sainik School, and his wife Dimple comes from an army background
4. Foreign MinisterS.Jaishankar/ Who better than Shashi Tharoor (Cong) with his experience inthe UN?
5. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman / P Chidambaram (Cong)formerFinanceMinister
6. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan / Avdhesh Prasad (SP) the giant killer from Faizabad(Ayodhya)
7. Roadways, Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari/ John Brittas (CPIM) Rajya Sabha member, erudite speaker andactivist
8. Health & Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda / Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK)
9. Law & Justice Minister Arjun RamMeghwal/KapilSibal(SP) President of the Supreme Court BarAssociation
10. Railways Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav / K.C. Venugopal (Cong)
11. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan / Km Shelja (Cong)
12. Commerce & Industry MinisterPiyush Goyal /Mahua Moitra (TMC) with her background as a former banker
13. Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav / Jairam Ramesh (Cong) has held this post inthe past
14. Women & Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi /Supriya Sule (NCP)
Of the above 10 are from the Congress, 3from theSP and1each fromtheCPIM,DMK,TMC,NCPand SS, which is largely reflective of the Opposition coalition. This list of course is neither exhaustive nor exclusive. I intend sending it to the
heads ofthevarious constituents of the I.N.D.I.A.bloc, in the hope that they will indeed form a Shadow Cabinet.
For a healthy democracy a strong government and a vibrant opposition are equally important. It is in this spirit of democracy that I have penned these thoughts. Jai Hind.
• ThewriteristheConvenorofthe IndianCatholicForum
JUNE2024
Revisiting Mangalorean Evergreen Novels
-By:IvanSaldanha-Shet
Modern must read book lists indicate twogreat evergreen novels that folks the world over are enjoying, though reading hard books isnottoopopularwithsome, there are many who enjoy this ancient and wholesome form of learning and entertainment. There are sure signs that more are understanding and converting (even if laws are banning conversion) to prolific reading everywhere. These two novels are in great demand on Amazonandstocks arefastrunning out. Their content is premium Mangalore lore and Englishlanguageiscaptivating. The two novels are 1.BLOSSOMSHOWERS, 2."VECTORS in the VOID"premium publications by the now
legendary Mangalore Born and bred Ms. Gisselle Mehta (nee' Lobo Prabhu). You may not have known about these two celebrated novels, well don't wait, getthemnowandreadthembefore they are out of stock. You will be thrilled by your gains whether you're aMangalorean ornot.
For the exclusive intelligent book lovers and compulsive readers Kanara,anewexperience, acultural enlightening novel with a rare distinct local flavour is BLOSSOM SHOWERS- the debut novel of a well-known product of indigenous
tradition, from the clan of famed ‘Lobo-Prabhu’ a talented writer is making waves. She captures the crystal-like wonder of the history of Mangalore Catholics in South Kanara with all the tradition and nostalgia of true life embellished. The Coffee planter and estate culture, the ups and the downs, through generations and over a century……. GISELLE MEHTA captures the hearts and minds; her fansaredeclaringthathere isabest seller debut novel.
Alan Nazareth, Author and Former Diplomat along with H C Parikh, President of The International Book Readers Association India Chapter, launched the book. Both distinguished Chief Guests spoke highly of the author and book. The poetry-like prose used consistently is a tribute to English writers of reputation and fame. It is synonymous with the Empire striking back at the English who never would have guessed that our many famed prize-winning authors would turn the tables on them and beat them at their own game. ‘Wonder struck’ was the word for this latest debut novel of Author
Giselle Mehta.
The author said, it was the near culmination of the dream of a schoolgirl, whose senses were fired even before her high school days gave her the vision. “In ‘Blossom Showers’, I have tried to imprint a truly compelling saga of three generations of the‘Cordelio family’. It is propelled by eventful pace and robust characterization. I hope to reach out to my readers with my debut novel”. The power and sanctity bring out human selfexploration. The ‘Inner conflicts of the psyche’ of the chief characters provide essential ingredients for excitement and imagination. The songs and the food woven into the story brings individual identity alive tosoothing tohearandpungent to smell.The441-page bookPublished by ‘Lead Start Publishing’ empowering throughout, is better suited for those above age 18 at leastastheauthorstated.Thecover is a piece of attractive art done locally.
About the Author: Giselle Mehta has master’s degrees in international relations and English
Literature. She is an Associate of Trinity College, London, in speech andDrama.Shecameoutsuccessful tobeselectedasabureaucratinthe Indian revenue Service, where she found her future husband. Both later left the service to embrace enterprise and self-exploration. Giselle is a master exponent in the communicative process –writing, theatre and speaking. Reserving a special space inherlifeforaltruistic concerns and humane initiatives. She is the author of 'Aerial Roots' –apublishedcollectionofherpoems. Now ‘Blossom showers’ is her first novel – heading to be a hit!
Author Giselle particularly enjoys the family trait of her parents; Mother Mme. Loulla Lobo Prabhu (1942-2005) (who among many writings and verse has to her credit abook ‘TheQuest’); Sheisa verydecoratedperson inthefieldof publishing and radio in her times; Lifetime journalism award 1994, featured in Cambridge compilation of'Theworld Who'swhoofwomen' 1986, DrLouella has written for the community for 40 years, Editor/Publisher/Columnist for 30 years andhasnumerous writings to
her credit. Ms Mehta's father, the illustrious Mangalorean who qualifiedfortheICSattheageof21 in 1927, J M Lobo Prabhu (19061999) an ICS and an MP - his contribution to the written word is significant. At the launching of this bookbyMs.Mehtadedicatedtoher husband Dharmendra Mehta, whosesubtlebutattentive presence gave depth. The show was conducted by her son Nawal and daughter Tamara both in their late teens, creating an ambiance and family spirit in keeping with the theme of the book.
About the Novel ‘Blossom Showers’: Itiswithout doubt afastpacedgripping fiction/novel; set in atowncalled‘Manjooran’thatbears semblance to Mangalore. The story covers 3 generations of the ‘Cordelio family’overacenturywellresearched storyline in depth with personal observation dovetailed. Alternating between the Western Ghats and West Coast and Arabian Sea. RexCordelio, the dispossessed heir of a noble family, makes his fortuneandfoundedhisownCoffee planting dynasty. He commences a tale of triumph andturbulence that
will carry into lives of his descendants, as they each seek identity and emotional wholeness. Propelled by an eventful pace and memorable characters, Blossom Showers resonates with social history and psychological insight to imprint itself as a durably true compelling sagatocaptureanyreader. Itissure tofindfascination amongst readers
far and wide perpetuating for posterity, the disappearing lifestyle of Mangaloreans. Already there are folks who are speaking of a sequel to the story andcharacters. Those present witness to a clear closer visionthatGiselleMehtawouldbea celebrated award-winning author before long, around the globe.
2."VECTORSintheVOID”:
A captivating fresh novel, with gripping humanlifeepisodes and characters that will capture your mind for long. Our own Author
Giselle Mehta once again is subtly connecting Mangalore and iitsethos, with a seriously vectored creation amazinglyentertaining, for readers who are aware or even ignorant of'Kanara'. Itis a sensitive humanstorybyanystandardandof high literary caliber, enjoyable at many levels of perception. The author with serious entertainment in each page, epitomises in a large measure, “Vasudeva Kutumbakam" in its true spirit from preindependent BritishIndiatomodern secular world vectors and voids. The turns and twists and each bend on the thrilling journey like true life are intertwined from one para to the next. Happy Reading!
This beautiful Novel, (launched October 5, 2022) and on Feb 3, 2023, was formally launched in Mangalore. Writers, scholars and dedicated readers of the region were present. Following the author’s inputs, three renowned hands-on literary personalitiesMaria D'Costa, Matilda Pinto and Ganesh Pai enthralled with serious insights; followed bya livelytete-atetewiththeauthor,guided byProf.
Urmilla Shetty(formerlyofSt.Agnes College, alma mater of the Author) an early mentor of the author was amusing and enlightening. Prof Shettymentioned thatasastudent, Giselle wasanever-say-die catalyst, she was readily aware of the subjects, aheadof theteachers. She read up all that was possible and was knowledgeable toanadvanced degree. Her actingandquestioning abilitywasextraordinary andisseen in the characters portrayed in her works. Admiring readers present got an opportunity to voice their views. Delectable refreshments asa part of the Book Party were something afresh - rare vegan delicacies - in line with the atmosphere of the Book and the author’s favourite. It made many eyes open wide and know vegan goodness. Reading this book to sustain interest, enjoy and admire its contents calls for serious attention with concentration. One deeply thoughtful line from the Novel, “Life seems precious when youcometoEarth'sexitgates.Right to the peephole of life beyond". TheCatholicfuneraltrend is very realistically portrayed with the religious vultures ever ready to
swoopinonthedead,glimpsingthe tip of the proverbial iceberg. Perhaps thisnovel will soon beahit film.
TheNovel anoverview: "Vectors in the Void" the second novel by author Giselle Mehta, is of a high caliberandpotential intheworld of Books. Predictions are that it will take many readers of diverse views worldwide bysurprise tobe amuch read 'Best Seller'. "Vectors in the Void", published by 'Leadstart Inkstate' recentlywith ISBN978-9356109-39-1 is set to bring laurels and fame. With 300 pages, 50 chapters, it is seen as a runaway success, say the publishing, Gurus. The widely acknowledged talentedseasonedwriterMs.Giselle Mehta (nee' Lobo-Prabhu) is from the historically renowned litterateur 'Lobo-Prabhu' clan of Mangalore. Her debut novel ‘Blossom Showers’ was on the bestseller list in 2011. Now, ‘Vectors in the Void’ will gladden Mangaloreans everywhere to know that this amazing work has a sophisticatedglobalsettingwiththe epicenter in 'Kanara'; it connects with strong but subtle Mangalore
origins with the pseudo name ‘Manjooran’. Identity is a paramount need in human life, everyone at every age andstage of life seeks and shapes it as best as possible. Vectors and voids are powered by identity and its mechanics of momentum and acceleration that a human constantly faces head-on.
To recap about this unique author GiselleMehta,sheisthedaughterof the eminent late Ma'amme Louella Lobo Prabhu a leader of the community and JM Lobo Prabhu Esq, first local ICS officer and MP. Ms.GiselleMehtaisfilledwithmany accomplishments - with a master’s in international relations and English Literature, is an associate of Trinity College, London in speech and drama and doesn't miss the influence it has in her writings and expressions. She went through the UPSC grind and for a decade, she was a successful bureaucrat in the Indian Revenue Service -IRS. She fittingly found her future husband and later both moved on to embrace more satisfyingenterprise. Their lofty instincts and goals facilitated personal freedom and
independence and roots for a creative life; evolving passionately dedicated topersonal development to grow in society and life.
A captivating Novel that minutely connects old British India, pre- and post-Independence India and the modern world on various levels to capture practically every discerning mindset with a story that can be related to in various facets real and imaginary, not wholly fictitious. 'Manjooran' a coined name from "Blossom Showers" and very closely resembling a bouquet of towns in Kanara, around Mangalore, and positively resembles well known places, people and locales familiarly identified with giving the reader a terrificglobal withlocalthrill.Evenif readers are strangers of the ethnic historicity, culture and fabric of the places and people pictured it is an education and entertainment pure. The artistic cover of "Vectors intheVoid"isspecialisedart,giving a modernistic panoramic view of this land called Kanara. Manjooran isanancient landwith a multiplicity of cultures, really seen
around Mangalore through the ages in one potent capsule in this book through voids and vectors. ThecoastalfamilyethosandSemitic undercurrents arebrought palpably tothefore.Trajectoryandtiesbring direction and depth with no vacuums. The rare Mangalore customs, people, food, community links, religions, beliefs and everything are touched upon in a subtle and suitable manner to enhance the effect of the story line and the whole atmosphere/environment with superb blending. With mansions named Jasmine Mansion, Sterling Garden....andmuchmoreaddingto the readers deep Kanara nostalgia. This author's first Novel in 2011, the ever popular "Blossom Showers" a treat too, as you will know if you have read it.
Protagonist, Zara and her family radiate impulses of capital feelings and resultant actions, ego ridden naive expectations and manipulations pave their paths to intrigue and mystery. All engineered intoquality fictionofan amazing reality of multiple scenarios, in masterly calculations
perfecting story-telling art. A rare novel methodology usedbyAuthor Gisselle here in the chapters is narration followed by a view of the protagonist Zara -the effect on the readerisunbelievable, justreaditto experience the uniqueness and clarity. Everyactorisagenuine star creation of the masterful author. thoroughly projected and unbelievably real. Zara's character is more than palpable that all aspects of her are an essential part and parcel of the story, deep, true and personified.
The India and global scenario 'before and after 1947 independence of India', over
shadows Zara growing up from a normal playful girl toamature lady witnessing historical events of the era - the Indian Freedom Struggle, theHolocaust,andWorldWarII,the partition of India and Pakistan, the Sino-Indian conflict,thedevastation of war, and the terror of the declaration of emergency. Despite Zara's world of her childhood havingcrashedoutandlost forever, she is brave, powerful, and circumspect. Zara is fierce and ready to risk anything for her family’s progress and good in the worst ofcircumstances. The wayin which the author portrays conflicts between the characters is gripping. Really incredible is how Ms. Giselle blends all of it while making the story grasp so smooth and clear through all the book in a classic manner flawlessly following every literary norm and expertise.
The story of Zara’s life, born during a crucial time in the history of the sub-continent and Indian Freedom Struggle, is synonymous to India’s story before and after independence. The interwoven emotions of the protagonist with those of the country is basic. Its
backdrop of India’s independence struggle, the Partition of India and Pakistan after the disastrous and cowardly retreat of the British occupiers, and the ensuing Emergency under Indira Gandhi provide a breathtaking narrative. Realities of exciting lives arenomatchhowthecharactersare interwoven, communicatingwithout void with one another with a super vibrant glow and radiation.
The laterholocaust andWorld War falloutshadowsherknowledge asa schoolgirl in Murree, pre-partition united India’s picturesque hill station, turning a teenager into a mature woman. The fleshing of three nations-India,Pakistan,touch her every nerve and deep into her blood and psyche. Zara navigates through torrential family dramatics. Her twin daughters and theirneeds,polesapart,whileoneis beautifulandbrilliant, theothersick and artistic. Just as life is set to be resolved towards balance and betterment, a startling communication andresulting shock brings intheshockoftruth.Canthe London celebrity bring about closure and resolution in the
crumbling imbalances of family stature - or does it create a whole new suspense story?
The Author's Rare style: Author Giselle Mehta's expertise in presenting relationships in characterinteraction isherexclusive gift toreaders. She vividly recreates historic scenes packed with high suspenseandexcitement,memories full of grandeur. The pulsating alive characters are true tolife filledwith surrounding societal hues and complex conflicts. The experience spanning nearly a century of life becomes real. As the author is renowned for the musical, lyrical and dramatic, it jells together so fittingly that the reader will enjoy and remember with a lingering feeling of being present there!
The Author's aim is consistently seen as a unique literary work that contributes toanddevelops therare human characters to influence minds and touch hearts. Her writings are different in approach, “Blossom Showers” had three protagonists overdifferentpointsof time who each told their stories in the first person. “Vectors in the
Void” has a single protagonist, and a device of internally splitting a chapter, it balances and explores other characters’ scenarios and views. This mirrors life and the external world, which runs parallel with a particular individual’s deeply personal identity. Amazing creations of a rare author, are the flashes of historicity and culture of Konkani people anywhere and everywhere crystallizingabondwith readers of multiple exposures and persona; that make the book extraordinary and makes one to read and re-read.
Rarely, the same individual is impacted both by the Holocaust in Europe, the Partition of India, the Sino-Indian War and the Emergency, but that is exactly soin this novel, with protagonist Zara’s one in a million tempestuous tale, and much more. The story is narrated at two levels: the effect of happenings in the world outside andequallythedramasofindividual family lives within different minds. A literary feat uncommon,
shining the spotlight on lesserknown factsofhistory. Portraying a woman with a strong, sensuous heroic profile -adventurous inspirit and leading life on her own terms. There are no real-life prototypes for the lead character Zara and her extended family who are a standout in their fictional terrain,trailblazers oftheirtime-an individual reader is free to enjoy prospects of the upbeat and pleasant in the story line. The last pages/chapters of the book rationally sustain all the episodes with current trends, tying up loose ends neatly and understandably analysing the characters and prime personalities, their life and manner of living for a convincing finale .... Yes,the casting ofa vast net overa very intricate and captivating lively story, psychologically engrossing, is endearing with the author's unique watermark. Expressions of enlightenment extending to satisfying readership is set to go a long way to promote reading of printed andelectronic mode novels in2024 andbeyond.
Nada Prabhu Kempe Gowda Jayanthi
There wasa news in the newspaper dated 26 June 2024 about the celebration of Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda Jayanthi in the Tulu Bhavan at Urva Store, Mangaluru on 27 June. The celebration is jointly organized by Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat and the Kannada and Culture Department of Government ofKarnataka. The firstquestion thatcomes tomy mind is which Nadu and which Prabhu? People of Dakshina Kannadawhorefertothemselves as TuluvertalkaboutTulunadu.Forthe people of this area, we belong to Tulunadu. Although the tuluver includes primarily Billavas and Bunts, and other secondary communities like Christians, Muslims, Jains and other Hindus who speak Tulu as a common
Dr. Charles Lobo
language. Therefore, when the people of this area are asked to celebrate the Jayanthi of Kempe Gowda Nadaprabhu it looks a little unrealistic.
TulunaduwasneverruledbyKempe Gowda. Therefore, hecannotbe the Nadaprabhu of Tulunadu. Kempe Gowda was born on 27 June 1510, five months before Afonso de Albuquerque attacked Goa for the second time and captured it. That was 25 November 1510, the feast day of Saint Catherine. In her honour he built a chapel which exists even to this day in the premises of the Se Cathedral, Old Goa.
Kempe Gowda I (1510-1569) was a governor under the Vijayanagar Kingdom. Hediedin1569attheage of 59 years. He assumed the
chieftaincy of Yelahanka from his fatheratthe ageof13. Heisknown as the founder of Bengaluru (Bendakaloor or village of boiled rice). His capital was at Yelahanka. He captured Sivaganga (48 Kms. from Bengaluru on Bengaluru Pune Highway) and Domlur (near Indiranagara in Bengaluru City). He builttheBengalurufortandwiththe permission of Achyutaraya, King of Vijayanagarashiftedhiscapitalfrom Yelahanka to Bengaluru in 1537. There are four towers of Kempe Gowda in Bengaluru City which are said to be the boundary stones of his Kingdom. One of them is in the RamanaMaharshi Park nearMekhri Circle underpass while the other is inside Lal Bagh. It was a small kingdom of the type existing in those days. There were so many governors undereachemperor, and he was one of them. Jagadevaraya, governor (paleyagar) of Chennapatna (on BengaluruMysore Highway) complained against him to Sadashivaraya of Vijayanagar. Kempe Gowda was arrestedandimprisoned for5years. After his release his territory was restored to him and additionally Ulsoor, Begur, Varthur,
Thalagattapura, Kumbalagodu, Kengeri and Banavara villages were given tohim.All thesevillages have become a part of Bengaluru MahanagaraPalike (BBMP).
Kempe Gowda, founder of Bengaluru Town andFort Inside the fort, there were markets for different products. These markets can be seen even today around majestic theatre (or KSRTC Main Bus Stand) under the same name as Chikkapete, Balepete, Nagarathapete, Akkipete, Ragipete, Tharagupete, Kumbarapete, Ganigarapete, Upparapete etc. There were eight gates to the city andoneofthemknown asNorthern Yelahanka gate is near the State Bank of Mysore (now SBI) Circle nearavenueRaod.Oneofthesocial reforms introduced by him is the banning of the custom of amputating the last two fingers of
the left hand of unmarried women of Morasu Vokkaliga community during “bandi devaru” festival. He was a polyglot and wrote GangagaurivilasainTelugu. Some say Kempe Gowda was a Kannadiga. Others say he was a Telugu. Yetsome others saythathe was from Tamil Nadu. However, Karnataka has recognized him as Nadaprabhu. But he was prabhu of Bengaluru only. The Kingdom of Vijayanagara and Hoysala Kingdom which had their capital at Hampi and Dwarasamudra (Halebidu) (Hassan) were much bigger, and both these Kingdoms were controlling Dakshina Kannada. There is a place known as Bukka Patna near Boloor (Urva) in Mangaluru City named after Bukkaraya of Vijayanagara. The Hoysala rulers like Veera Ballala were controlling Dakshina Kannada. They may be called the Nadaprabhus ofDakshina Kannada. The local chieftains like Bangas, Alupas,Ikkeri Nayakas etc.were our Tulu-nadaprabhus. KempeGowda is the founder of Bengaluru, andhe is Nadaprabhu of Bengaluru. However,aswehavenoobjection in honouring Mahatma Gandhi, a
Gujarati,astheFatheroftheNation, thereisnothingwronginhonouring otherleaders alsoasouricons. The political power in the State of Karnataka is controlled by two communities- the Vokkaligas and the Lingayats. Majority of the legislators and members of the Parliament are elected from these two groups. Therefore, they decide who should be the Nadaprabhu. The Vokkaligas fight for Kempe Gowda ashebelongstotheirgroup. The Lingayats fight for Basaveshwara, thefounderofVeera Shaiva faith. Like the Vokkaligas, they compete in installation of tallest statues of Basaveshwara at prominent places and name Circles and prominent places in Karnataka afterBasaveshwara.Allotherpeople of North and South Kanara (Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada) are a minority. They do not understand it and fall prey to the game by naming the places after Veer Savarkar and others. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Jagjivan Ram, Kanakadasa and Valmiki also are celebrated to satisfy certain communities.
Some time ago, some politicians installed statue of Shivaji in the
border area of Belgaum as a vote gaining strategy. Jayanthi of Shivaji is also celebrated to woo the Maratha vote bank. This was opposed by the Kannada organizations, and they started celebrating the Pulikeshi festival. Emperor Pulikeshi wastheChalukya ruler of Badami who defeated King Harsha of North India. Ultimately, the festivals of different Kings and Prabhus are celebrated as a vote gaining strategy. The principles preached by Basavanna are forgotten. I am not against celebrating the Jayanthi of Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru.
But I question its relevance to Dakshina Kannada.
Should we not celebrate the Jayanthi of our local heroes (Nadaprabhus) like George Fernandes, Kudmul Ranga Rao and Karnad Sadashiva Rao who did not wear any crown or hold any sword but worked hard for the welfare of the downtrodden masses and for the development of this region?
Koti Chennaya and Siri of Siri Paddana aregreat heroes andheroines inthehistory ofTulunadu.
In a democracy celebrating them is more meaningful than celebrating Kings and feudal lords. We must ponder overit.
Prajna Counselling Center hosts awareness programme on International Day
against Drug Abuse
Mangaluru, Jun 26: On the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, an awareness program was organized byPrajnaCounsellingCenter(ICRA), Mangaluru on Wednesday, June 26 at Prajna Counselling Center, Mangaluru.
Hemacharya, Managing Trustee at IanCaresFoundation,SarvaDharma Sangama Rehab Center, spoke at the event, sharing his personal journey: "Mywife always wanted us
toown an oldage home. Later, she was diagnosed with cancer. During that time, my son was staying abroad andwanted to meet us,but my wife insisted he come during Christmas.Unfortunately, helosthis lifeinaroadaccident.Mywifeasked mewhyweshouldcrynowbecause everyone must go one day. After that, I started a foundation in my son's name. Later, during COVID, my wife also lost her life, and we started 'Sarva Dharma Sangama
Rehab Center'. I lived luxuriously before, but the kind of happiness I get now is incomparable. Seeing young people come out of their addiction trulymakes mehappy."
Prof. Hilda Rayappan, Founder of Prajna Counselling Center, also
spoke: "The story of Hemacharya is heart-touching. We started our journey around 30 years ago, and practical knowledge is more important in social service; people should connect with each other. I extendmygratitudetotheAlmighty
forallowingustostartthisinitiative. I worked as a professor at Roshni Nilaya, and theywould respect and help me in any way. I won hearts onlythrough mywork. Government grants always get delayed, yet I'm happytosayweare sustaining."
She further added, "Whenever I go to anyvillage or anyplace, Ialways meet people who have been to Prajna Counselling Center. When they reach out to us, it makes us happy. Sofar,we havefacilitated45 marriages of children who had no parents. I want everyone to understand that if you become proper, the whole family grows. Surrender yourself to God, and you'll get immense power and strength to handle all negative things inthefuture."
Vinod was honored and felicitated for quitting alcohol for 12 years. Awards were given to patients for participating in drawing, singing, slogan making, andotheractivities.
Anand Kundar, chief counsellor at Prajna de-addiction centre, organised the programme.
AnandAttavar,co-founder ofPrajna Counselling Center, HarryD'Souza, andothers were present.
Points to Ponder, July 2024
Cryptos – The Future of Money?
Some governments banned them while others sought to stifle them with allmannerofrestrictions anda crippling taxregime. Manyacentral bank fiercely opposed them, and experts (Warren Buffet included) likenedthemtotheshort-lived 17th century Tulip Mania and predicted their demise sooner than later. But
the best known, most successful crypto,namelytheBitcoin,launched by a mysterious coder, Satoshi Nakamotoin2009hassurvived, nay thrived, asan open-source financial network, a decentralized peer-topeersystem, with norulers. Strange though it may seem, in democratic regimes, the courts are increasingly
intervening on behalf of crypto currencies whenever regulators seek to impose unwarranted restrictions on their use. It appears that courts appreciate the future of money better than the control freaks inthebureaucracy.
InMay2020, theSupreme Court set aside a circular by RBI on virtual currencies. In August 2023 an American court ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission, America’s main markets regulator, had been “arbitrary and capricious” when rejecting an effort by Grayscale, an investment firm,toconvert a$17bn TrustinvestedentirelyinBitcoininto an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). Doing so would make investing in Bitcoin easier for the average person. InOctoberthecourt upheld its ruling in effect ordering theSEC to give way. The biggest fundmanagers,includingBlackRock and Fidelity, have also applied to launchBitcoin ETFs. Given the returns Bitcoin has offered in the past, and its correlations with otherassets, the result could be a rush of cash into Bitcoin, as even conservative investors consider putting small slices of their pension
pools or portfolios into cryptos for diversification. But this is not the only reason for the longevity and ascentofthecrypto assets.
The“crypto nation” whichalready is over 200 million strong and growing, is now straddling the globe. The value stored in this open-source software has grown fromzerotooveracouple oftrillion dollars in little more than adecade. This is more valuable than all but a handfulcompanies intheworld and largerthan most economies. Such an impressive growth of what initially was regarded asdubious assetclass,hascomeaboutbecause the technology underpinning cryptos has proved to be resilient and indestructible. Bitcoin, for instance, is uniquely global. Thousandsofnodesfromacrossthe globe run the Bitcoin software and help validate new transactions in realtime.Theresilience comesfrom the fact that nodes can join and leave as they please with no interruptions or impact on performance. Itisanti-fragile inthat it gains from shock. Bitcoin has survived multiple attacks by hackers, corporations, governments
andrumour mongers. Truly, Bitcoin seems tohave imbibed the wisdom of German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche who famously claimed that “anything that doesn’t kill me, strengthens me”. Thecosttoattack Bitcoin rises every day. The hash power dedicated to Bitcoin mining is already enormous. It would require many billions of dollars to launch an attack and even if that were to happen, it is likely that Bitcoin users would find ways to keep transacting. Moreover, Bitcoin is constantly evolving. The code base itself is constantly being improved by some of the best programmers in the world. Miners today flock tolocations where they can tap into cheap renewable energy that cannot be sold or transmitted efficiently. Bitcoin thereby is helping to convert strandedenergyintovalue.Withthe exponential growth of solar power which the London Economist estimates will provide the world 6% ofits electricity this year will further strengthen the energy hungry Bitcoin economy. The copious sunshine in the global south, including Africa, where 600m people still cannot light their
homes,will makeitfeelenergy-rich. That feeling according to the Economist, will be a new and transformational one for humankind.Itmaysoundfarfetched right now. But who knows, the future of money, may well be shapedinthedeserts anddegraded lands of the relatively backward global south!
Cryptos are a volatile group of virtual currencies, and this is what attracts speculators by the hordes to them. When Iran attacked Israel with more than 300 drones, Bitcoin price slid from 70000 to 60000 dollars. A slew of other cryptos, ranging from Solana to Ethereum fell as well. It is estimated that in one fell swoop, over 500 billion dollars were wiped off the combined crypto market in just about two days. But this is not very different from what happens in the stock and currency markets. Volatility iswhatdrives themarkets.
Cocooned bureaucrats and some financial advisers may decry speculation; but economists concede the necessity of speculators toprovide liquidity and facilitate “price discovery” in the markets, whichinfact,istheirraison
d’etre.
Holding cryptos, right now, may appear like a bet on a future in which use of the technology is widespread. But slowly but surely, Bitcoin is evolving into a store of value and medium of exchange. People indespotic countries and/or in those afflicted by hyperinflation, already use Bitcoin and Stablecoins (tokens pegged to a hard currency, like the dollar) tostore savings and sometimes to make payments. These could be used more widely. Artists of allhues (including Donald Trump) and museums are still creating or collecting non-fungible tokens (NFTs). That Bitcoin has established itself as a serious asset seems tobe thesource ofthelatest surge.
One wonders if some of the critics of the crypto phenomena, who having missed the crypto bus are now driven by a sense of “grapes being sour”. Purists might say that Bitcoin is nothing but so much hot air as there nothing backing it except mass mania. The fact is, it is backed by human effort to convert time into tradable value by harnessing technology. It is fiat currency that begs the question:
Whatisitthatisbackingit?Theonly thing that is backing it is legalized monopoly. Fiatmoneyisacurrency that lacks intrinsic value and is established as a legal tender by government regulation. According tothe renowned Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek, instead of a national government issuing a specificcurrency, use of which is imposed on all members of its economy by force in the form of legaltenderlaws,private businesses shouldbeallowedtoissuetheirown formsofmoney,decidinghowtodo soontheirown.Whilesuchanotion of money may not be feasible in today’s heterogenous world, history makes it clear that fiat currency is easily liable to be abused. Country after country, time and time again hasabusedit.Alookatsome ofthe present day Latin American economies wracked by frequent bouts ofhyperinflation drives home this point. Even the so-called developed economies haven’t had qualms while inflating out of their unserviceable debt burden. What this has meant is that the future generations aremade topayforthe excessesofthepresent. Nevermind that neo-Keynesians dress up such
excesses in respectable terms as deficit financing to balance the economy by harnessing its latent potential or quantitative easing (printingmoneybycentralbanks)to ride out a recession. No wonder, tech savvy gen next is instinctively taking to Bitcoin on platforms sans borders. India with nearly 100 million is at the top of the table of Bitcoin owners followed by China (despite crypto ban) and the US. And then you have a growing number of iconoclasts driven by a subculture of inquisitive irreverence if not contempt for the status quo, that is drawn to this self-governed and algo-driven currency system without fiat. And it is not that cryptos are confined only to major financecentres andmetros.There is yet patchy but increasing evidence that smaller cities like Giridh in Jharkand, Gaya in Bihar and Karnal inHaryanaareascryptosavvyasthe metros. Technology coupled with internet hasdemocratized accessto cryptos and it has led to increasing number of women participating in crypto economy. Some crypto investors have switched from running call centres to operating “crypto mining rigs”. Amining rig is
a computer system customized for cryto currency mining (mainly validating transactions on the blockchain). Anytime a crypto coin istraded anywhere, thesecomputer networks race to record and verify the transactions. The system that doesitfirstearnsmostrewards, and itisobserved thatthetimetakenfor suchvalidation canvarybetween 10 to300minutes. Then,ofcourse,thereisthecriticism that cryptos, particularly Bitcoin is easily misused by criminals, drug traffickers and terrorists. But the same entities have usedthe mighty dollar andthenot sohumble rupee more effectively and extensively, both byusing the existing payment systems clandestinely or by exploiting loopholes in them. What is of greater significance is that Bitcoin and other similar virtual currencies cannot be weaponsied since they are not driven by a monopoly oranoligopoly. There is enough evidence already that Bitcoin is here to stay. One advocatehasdescribedthenetwork of Bitcoin miners, users, companies andexchangesas“aswarmofcyber bees serving the goddess of wisdom, feedingonthefireoftruth,
exponentially growing eversmarter, fasterandstronger behindawall of encrypted energy”.
VonHayek,whoregarded moneyas one of the greatest instruments of freedom ever invented by man, must be turning in his grave with excitement at the step-change that is taking place in the evolution of money.
Save a Tree ... Please don't print this unless it is necessary.
She's A Woman
-By: Molly Pinto.
Be grateful for her tears, they say she still cares
Be grateful for her anger, what you do still matters
Beware when her tears stop, and turns into ice, no heat can melt
Beware when her deathly silence is her only response
She's a woman gentle and tender and kind if treated right
She will climb a mountain and fight dragons for you
She was born not to serve, but nurture and teach
She's a treasure to keep not to an object to misuse
Be grateful for chatter, there's much in it for you
Be gratefulfor a good woman, few men are as lucky as you
Beware if you hurt her, there's no place in heaven for you
Beware of her curses, they'remore powerfulthan the fires of hell
She's a woman, more intricate of all God's creations
She's more precious to life than you can ever conceive
She's the earth, the plants, trees and every life form
She is a woman, too long suppressed to conform
-By: Molly Pinto
Raise Your Words
Raise your words, not your voice, In silence, find a wiser choice. Loudness fades, like a fleeting breeze, But kind words linger, put hearts at ease.
Golden words, forever shine, Eternal, pure, a treasured line. Voices change with passing days, Yet words remain, in steady ways.
To the top, let words ascend, With voices soft, their strength to lend. In timeless truth, let wisdom soar, For words endure, forevermore.
By: Stany Jovin Menezes – Muscat / Pangla
50 Years (1974 – 2024) of 3L Mission
On 28th June 1971, I joined the Society of Jesus. Today by God's grace, I completed 53 years as a Jesuit.
Inthe first weekof June1976, Iwas sent to do philosophy at Jnana Deepa, Pune and I was residing at De Nobili College. For the first time in my life,Isawa slum at Yerawada and was shocked to experience the lifeofslum dwellers.
Every Thursday and Sunday with another senior scholastic Leo
Soares, SJ, I started to visit the Yerawada slum and distribute common medicine, provide first aid to the needy, andtake the patients to the Sasoon Hospital for treatment. I felt that I should do something more forthe children of the Yerawada slum for their education.
Those days we were given Rs. 20/as pocket money for our personal expenses.Isaved8to10rupees per monthandusedthatamounttobuy stationery for poor students. At the endoftheacademicyear,Icollected old notebooks, magazines, papers from scholasticsandsoldthem.The income was used to pay fees of a few students and to buy school
uniforms. This mission I continued wherever Iwent andby God’s grace it grew. I have not kept a record of how many students are helped. I firmly believe and practice the saying of Jesus, “When you give to the needy, donot let yourleft hand knowwhatyourright handisdoing, sothatyourgivingmaybeinsecret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
The 3L Mission has grown and it continues with the help of 3L Friends. My role in this mission is merely thatof apostman or courier man who delivers the letters or parcels totheright recipients.
Forthecurrentacademicyear,ason today, Friends of 3L, support 46 students at Government Primary School Ramdas Panaji, Goa. Good quality school bags and stationery for the first semester has been provided. One pair of school uniforms will begiven to themin thesecondweek ofJuly.
Besidestheabovestudents,26poor 3L students who study in private and government schools and colleges have been provided with stationery, to some rainwear, footwear, school uniform, school bags,schoolfees,privatetuition fee, travel allowance, medicate, etc. We provide new clothes and Christmas hampers to these 26 students during theChristmas Season.Seven needy families of 3L students have been provided with the monthly provision.
We need many more archangels and angels to support the Mission of 3 L.Maytheir tribe increase. It is God’s mission, and we are his partners to carry it forward. Hence, we trust in God and his divine providence.
May God bless and protect the 3L students, their families, andFriends of3L.
PratapanandaNaik,SJ Coordinator
of3L Mission 28th June2024
“Unmasking the Shadows”: Rohan
D’Souza Leads Mission to Raise Awareness on Human Trafficking in Asia
Mumbai,India&Kathmandu,Nepal
– June 26, 2024 – Eyes Open International (EOI), a global nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking, has recently concluded asuccessfulvisit toIndia and Nepal. This visit marks a significant step in EOI’s mission to expand its reach and deepen its impact in South Asia.
Rohan D’Souza, Board Member of EOI, led the delegation with the primary objective of connecting with local organizations and community leaders to foster partnerships and enhance understanding of the local
challenges in combating human trafficking. One of the major highlights of the visit was the appointment of Nirmal Kumar Upreti, founderofForum forNation Building Nepal (FNBNepal), as the Regional Director for EOI in Nepal. Nirmal has been working alongside EOIforoverayear,helpingnavigate and assist efforts in Nepal, and will now play a fundamental role in advancing EOI’s mission in the region.
Rohan D’Souza spent 8 days in Nepal, visiting Kathmandu and Pokhara, and 10 days in India, covering Mumbai and Hyderabad, with plans to extend his visit to
Gujarat and New Delhi. During his time in Nepal, Rohan engaged with FNBNepal and participated in an ‘Art for Peace’ program at a local government school in Kathmandu. Organized by Nirmal, his wife Manju,andtheirteam,theprogram provided students with art supplies to create pieces reflecting their vision of peace. This initiative highlighted the power of art in expressing hopes and dreams and emphasized the importance of peace and safety for children.
In Hyderabad, India, Rohan collaborated with Padmalochan Bagh Founder Director of Save Water and Safe Water Foundation. Their discussions focused on the intersections of environmental sustainability and social justice, exploring how these areas can contribute to preventing human
trafficking. In Mumbai, Rohan had productive meetings with Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Activist, Speaker, Columnist and Manoj Gursahani, Author, Global Strategist, and Business Coach delving into community engagement strategies andsupport mechanisms for trafficking survivors. These discussions underscored the need for a multifaceted approach, involving various sectors of society, to effectively combat trafficking.
“This trip has been an eye-opener,” said Rohan D’Souza.“The resilience ofsurvivors andthecommitment of local organizations are truly inspiring. Localized approaches, tailored to the specific challenges and contexts of each region, are essential in our fight against trafficking. The support and collaboration from community
leaders and organizations in both IndiaandNepalhavereinforcedour belief that together, we can make a significant impact.”
EOI is committed to leveraging the insights and relationships gained during this visit to enhance its programs and initiatives in South Asia. The organization plans to collaborate more closely with local partners, focusing on education, prevention, and support for survivors. The appointment of Nirmal Upreti as the Regional Director in Nepal is a testament to EOI’s dedication to establishing strong, on-the-ground leadership todrive itsmission forward.
Tracy Issac, Founder/CEO at The Rapha Tree/Hope Essentials Oils from Kathmandu, Nepal said; Itwas a wonderful time meeting our friend’s and Co-Founder of Eyes
Open International, Harold D’Souza amazing son, Rohan D’Souza, EOI Board of Directors and Nirmal Kumar Upreti, Board Member at National Network for Safe Migration-NNSM in Kathmandu. We had passionate conversations among us regarding the need to spread awareness and prevention, intervention forthevastLabourand Sexual Human Trafficking happening here in Nepal, India and abroad! Much praise to these gentlemen Rohan, Nirmal and their organizations for their unwavering and empowering efforts to make a valuable difference against this darkness.
As EOI continues to expand its efforts, the organization remains focused on building a world free from exploitation and human trafficking. This visit to India and Nepal is a critical step in that
direction, paving the way for more robust and effective interventions.
About Eyes Open International
Eyes Open International is a nonprofit organization dedicatedto preventing human trafficking and
supporting survivors through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Founded by HaroldandDancyD’Souzawith a passionate team committed to creating a world free from exploitation, EOI works globally to raise awarenessanddrive change.
St. Agnes P.U.College Cabinet Inaugura
"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." This essence of leadership was beautifully encapsulated during the Student Cabinet Inaugural for the
academic year2024-25 at St Agnes PU College on Thursday, 27th June 2024. The event, held with great enthusiasm and meticulous planning, was honoured by the
presence ofthe ChiefGuest, Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC, Superior and Joint Secretary of St Agnes Institutions.
The event commenced with a serene prayer song by Jaladhi and her group, creating a solemn and
reflective atmosphere that set the tone for the proceedings. Payal J extended a warm welcome to the august gathering. Adding a vibrant touch to the event, Riya and her group performed a captivating welcome dance, embodying the spirit ofjoyandcelebration.
The theme for the inaugural, 'Gemstones,' was a beautiful metaphor for the unique brilliance and individuality of each student leader. Each cabinet member represented a different gemstone, symbolizing their distinct qualities,
while the Class Representatives were named in the VIBGYOR order, reflecting the diversity and unity within thestudent body. Thistheme was further highlighted by a stunning PowerPoint presentation that illustrated the significance of each gemstone as the representatives tookthe stage.
Sr Dr Maria Roopa, the guest of honour congratulated the newly elected student council 2024-25 andinspired them totake initiatives in bringing about transformation and laurels to themselves and the college. In her message, she motivated them toget inspired and grow into inspirational leaders. Emphasising on the importance of continuous upgradation ofoneself inthiseraof innovation sheurgedtheAgnesians toworkhandinhandupholding the valuesof service andcompassion in continuing the rich legacy of the institution
Maithri Rao eloquently introduced the Class Representatives for the academic year. Following this, Hiba Irfan introduced the Student Cabinet members, each introduction met withapplause and appreciation from theaudience.
Thenewlyelectedcabinetmembers are:
Student President – Rochelle Joan
Madtha
Student VicePresident – ManvithaR
K
Science Secretary - Vibha V
Bhatnagar
Commerce Secretary -AnanyaRN
ArtsSecretary -Areej LuluAra
Cultural Secretary – Sanjana Vinod
Shenoy
Sports Secretary – DikshaDKarkera
Student Magazine Editor – Ruth Aroza
A significant moment in the ceremony wasthe administration of the oath by the Vice Principal, Sr Janet Sequeira. This solemn act reinforced the commitment of the new leaders to uphold the values
and responsibilities entrusted to them. This was followed by the distribution of badges to the cabinets, ClassRepresentatives, and Assistant Class Representatives, symbolizing their commitment and responsibilities.
The event was witnessed by the members of the PTA executive committee, parents of the student cabinet, teaching and support staff, and students. The Department of Chemistry, under the leadership of the convenor of the event Mrs Venitia Rasquinha, meticulously organized the elections and the inaugural ceremony.
As the ceremony ended, Saanvi S Ullal delivered the Vote of Thanks. The event was systematically compered bySharon Patrao.
Inauguration of the new block of St Agnes Hostel
Inauguration of new block of St Agnes Hoste
Anew block of the St Agnes Hostel was blessed andinaugurated on 24 June 2024. Rev. Fr Walter D Souza, Parish Priest, St Sebastian Church, Bendore blessed the new block. Sr
Maria Shamita, Provincial Superior, Apostolic Carmel - Karnataka Province cut the ribbon and inaugurated the building. Mr Michael D Souza, a well-known
philanthropist from Mangalore residing in Dubai, the Chief Guest unveiled the plaque. He is also the majorcontributor ofthenewblock.
contribution by Sr Maria Shamita, theProvincialSuperior, andSrMaria Roopa, the Superior of St Agnes Convent. Mr Micheal in his address encouraged the hostellers to make the best use of the facilities and achieve great heights. Sr Shamita, the Provincial Superior, expressed her happiness when obtaining a state-of-the-art hostel building.
MrOswaldVeigas, the architect, Mr Sunil Kumar the engineer, Mr Suddesh Dandakeri, the contractor, MrVincentPinto,theelectricianwas honoured for their contribution in building the new block. Mr Naveen D Souza, the corporator was also honored for his help in getting the licenses and certificates for the hostel.
Mr Michael and his wife were honored for their generous
Sr Rose Agnes, the Assistant Provincial Superior, SrJulieAnn,the Provincial Sectretary and Sr Lydia Fernandes,theformerSuperior ofSt Agnes Convent joined the programme. Fr Valerian, Mr Stephen Pinto, Mr Oswald Rodrigues and family members of MrMichaelDSouzawerealsoapart oftheprogramme. AlltheHostellers werepresentfortheinauguration of thenewblock.
Sri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Hon'ble Governor of Karnataka visits Minor Basalica of our lady of Health, Harihar
Davanagere, June 25, 2024: Sri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Hon'ble Governor ofKarnatakavisitedMinor Basalica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar today (June 25th) at 1pm and took the blessings from Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Diocese ofShimoga. HewasaccompaniedbyVeryRev.Fr
George K A, Rector of Our Lady of Health, Minor Basilica of Harihar. It was a historical moment for the Diocese of Shimoga. Maria Nivas School children Welcomed him gladly with flowers. Bishop Francis Serrao SJ honoured him with a Shawl andgarland.
He came to inaugurate St. Aloysius International SchoolandPUCollege at 12pm. We are greatly honoured byhisgestureofvisitinghistoricand world-famous Marian Shrine at Harihar.
Our Lady ofMiracles Church, Mangalore.
PastoralVisit – 2024.
BishopofDioceseofMangalore and President of Catholic Board of
PastoralvisittoOurLadyofMiracles Church, Mangalore and affiliated educational institutions on June 22nd and 23rd, 2024. After arriving at the Church at 9 a.m. with prayerful welcome, visited the Milagres Institutions andinteracted
with the staff and students of the institutions. Bishop in his address urged the students to develop the value-based life with education. To foster good culture, love and compassion through education.
At 5.00p.m. he celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the parishioners and blessed thecemetery. He met the parish finance council, parish pastoral parishad and encouraged them to work in unity andbrotherhood.
June 23: At 6.15 a.m. Bishop delivered the official teaching and celebrated themass.At8.30a.m.he met the children and teachers followed by the meeting with the various associations of the church, wherein a brief report was presented and the Bishop guided
the various associations with his insightful thoughts. He visited all the Religious institutions andtheConvents ofthe Parish.Intheevening, hevisitedthe sick people and attended for the SCC meeting. Bishop thanked the Parish Priest Very Rev. Bonaventure Nazareth,
Asst. Parish Priest Rev. Fr Robin Santhumayer, Principals Rev. Fr Michel Santhumayor, Rev. Fr Uday Fernandes and Resident priest Rev. FrGeraldPintoandtheParishioners. Indeed, it was a privilege and blessed experience for the Milagres Parishcommunity.
Investiture ceremony, NSS and Clubs Inauguration
On the auspicious occasion of the Investiture Ceremony, NSS Inauguration and Clubs Inauguration at Rolsa Mystica PU
College, a sense of enthusiasm and pride filled the air. The ceremony commenced with a solemn invocation, followed bythelighting
of the lamp by the President, Chief Guest, and the student Council members.
The investiture ceremony began with the newly appointed student council members taking their oath of office, pledging to uphold the values of integrity, leadership and
service to the college Community. The Principal delivered an inspiring speechemphasizingtheimportance of responsibility and leadership amongstudents.
The NSS (National Service Scheme) unit was inaugurated with the lighting of the NSS lamp, symbolizing thespirit ofservice and community development. The NSS volunteers pledged to actively engage in various social service activities aimed at contributing positively to society. The event was gracedbyesteemed ChiefGuest Mr Gopala Krishna Kundar, Police InternalSecurityOfficer,Mangalore,
The various clubs took place, ranging from cultural and literary clubs to sports and environmental clubs. Each club showcased its objectives andplannedactivities for the academic year, encouraging students to participate and excel in their areas of interest. The event was graced by Sr. Bincy Thomas, Director of Jeevadana Charitable Centre, Kinnikambla. Cultural performances by students added colours and vibrancy to the event, reflecting the diverse talents of the college.
The Chief guests Congratulated the student cabinet members and all the members of the various clubs. They called up to be the good leaders in theFamily, college andin thesociety.
MrAvil Renil DSilva compereed the programmed andthevoteofthanks wasproposed byKushi,President of the College Cabinet, to all the dignitaries, guests, faculty and students for the contribution and participation in making the event a grand success. The Principal concluded the ceremony with the words of encouragement, urging students to uphold the ideals of unity, discipline and academic excellence. In conclusion, the investiture Ceremony, NSS inauguration, and club’s inauguration at Rosa Mystica PU College marked the beginning of a new academic year filled with promise and commitment to leadership, service and holistic development among the students. The event reinforced the college’s
dedication to nurturing wellrounded individuals capable of
Shimoga Diocesan Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) "Chaitanya" new Director Fr Pius D'Souza took charge.
Shivamogga, June 21,2024:
Shimoga Diocesan Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS), "Chaitanya" new Director Fr Pius D'Souzatook charge today.
At 10:30am Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ Bishop of Diocese of
Shimoga as well as President of SMSSS celebrated Holy Eucharist together with outgoing Director Rev.Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, newly appointed Director Rev. Fr Pius D'Souza and Diocesan Youth Director Rev.FrFranklin D'Souza.
BishopFrancis Serrao SJpreacheda meaningful homily depicting the role of service of the Church in the society. He said Lord Jesus Christ went around doing good for every people of the society. We are followinghisfootstepsandreaching
out the lost andleast in the Society without discrimination.
End of the Holy Eucharist Rev. Fr Pius D'Souza took Oath in front of theBishop andSMSSSemployees.
Then a short Felicitation program was organised at SMSSS Hall. Employees thanked outgoing Director Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto and welcomed Rev. Fr Pius D'Souza. Bishop Francis Serrao SJ
congratulated Fr Roshan for his Yomen services. He wished Fr Pius every success in his new role as Director of SMSSS. Mr. Jagadeesh compered the program.
SMSSS was started on August 11, 1989, with the motto 'Towards the lifewithdignity'. LateArchbishopDr Ignatius Pinto, first bishop of diocese of Shimoga was instrumental in starting SMSSS. Then the second bishop of the diocese ofShimoga DrGerald Isaac Lobo carriedforward the mission of
SMSSS to another level. Present bishopofthedioceseofShimoga Dr Francis Serrao SJ has taken SMSSS toanotherheight.
Directors whoserved SMSSSare:
1.FrMarkPatrickD'Silva
2.FrClement D'Souza
3.FrGilbert Lobo
4.FrVeeresh VincentMoras
5.FrRichardPais
6.FrCliffordRoshanPinto
7.FrPiusD'Souza(Present Director)
About SMSSS
The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (R) is the 'Development arm'ofthedioceseof Shimoga, Karnataka, India comprising of three civil districts, namely,Shivamogga, Chitradurga & Davanagere. SMSSS is secular, voluntary, non-profitable
organisation registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act 1960; Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 and under sections12Aand80GofIncomeTax Act 1961. The society is committed tomakepositive change inthelives of poor and marginalized people irrespective of caste, Creed, gender andracesinceitcameintoexistence on 11 August 1989 with the motto "Towards the life with dignity". Through its development interventions in 627 villages of 187 Gram Panchayats of the three districts.
Vision: A society based on justice, peaceandlove
Mission: Empowering the poor and marginalizedthroughtheprocessof capacity building and rights-based actions
Goal:Marginalizedcommunities will have access and control over
knowledge, resources and decision making for their integral and sustainable development
Priority groups: Small and marginalised farmers, people living with HIV/AIDS, marginalized women, children and their parents, unemployed youth, unorganized labourers, etc
Approach:
*Implementation
*CapacityBuilding
*Networking
*RightsBasedActions
Programmes ofSMSSS:
*Women Empowerment
*Education andDevelopment
*NaturalResource Management
*Good Governance
*HealthandDevelopment
*CapacityBuilding
Located in the heart of the bustling Lingarajupuram area Bengaluru, which acts as a thoroughfare connecting suburbs with the city is St. Charles Women’s Pre– University College, a premier educational institution which is imparting holistic education forthe past 20 years run by Sisters Of St.Charles Boremeo with the dynamic vision to inspire andsculpttheblooming damselsto learn with purpose and live with purpose.
WearethrilledtoAnnouncethatSt.
Charles Women's Pre-University College isrecognized with adouble honour, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, by the National Schools Award 2024, held on the 23rd of
June, 2024, at the Royal OrchidResort and Convention Centre in Jakkur. The ceremony unfolded with Dr. Raj Kumar Khatri, the former Additional Chief Secretary, gracing the stage as the Chief Guest. Capt. A. Nagaraj Subbarao, Dean of the School of Commerce and Management at Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore, served as the esteemed Guest ofHonour. Thefirst accolade, "Best Institution in COVID-19, from Karnataka" saluted our exceptional efforts inkeeping thelearning spirit alive during the pandemic. Our college's dedication to fostering a vibrant online environment resonateddeeply, provingthateven amidst challenging circumstances, the Charlesians can excel.
But the celebrations didn't stop there. To everyone's delight, our esteemed Principal, Dr. Sr. Nancy Cutinho, SCB was conferred the "Best Educational Leader Award 2024 in Karnataka."This prestigious recognition stands as a powerful validation of Dr. Sr. Nancyvisionary leadership, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to igniting the minds of our students. The awards were received by Sr. Lucy Mascarenhas SCB, our ManagerandCorrespondent, Dr.Sr. Nancy Cutinho SCB, the Principal, Mrs. Medona and Mrs. Maria
Arpitha, the senior lecturers of the college.
It was a celebration of the tireless efforts of our dedicated faculty members, the supportive staff, and ofcourse, our brilliant students. Thisrecognition servesasabeacon, illuminating the path St. Charles Women's PU College has forged. The College Community is more committed than ever to continuing this journey, to nurturing young minds, and shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. The future shines bright, and St. Charles is readytoleadthe way!
