Veez Konkani Global Illustrated Konkani Weekly e-Magazine in 2 Scripts – Kannada & English. Publis

Vaz Sisters created HISTORY with a FIRST KONKANI SONG presented at 75th Republic Day Celebrations, HighCommission ofIndia, London, UK

LanishaandDelisha,theVazsisters, who were known as “Dubai Little Stars”havebeenawardedtheTitled as "MelodiousKonkaniStars" and recently awarded as “The best InternationalsingersofKonkani stage” The Vaz Sisters were given the rare honour of presenting a Konkani song for the first time in history of the official 75th Republic Day celebrations on Friday 26th January 2024, at the High Commission of India in London. It was a moment of great honour and pride for Konkans, especially the globalKonkanicommunity.

ClaytonAntonioBarreto,whoworks as a social secretary to the High

Commissioner, had proposed Lanisha and Delisha’s names for the approval and after all his relentless efforts it was approved by the High Commissions competent authority andsotheywereinvitedbytheHigh Commission of India in London to performforthespecialcelebrations. The programme started with the unfurling of the Indian flag by the High Commissioner with the national anthem, followed by his speech and a cultural programme which featured other cultural presentations.

Beforethestartofthesong,Delisha speaks about the song. “The messageofthesongisquitesimple and timeless; we may be from different states, speak different languagesandwemaybeChristian, Muslims,Hindus,orSikhs,butatthe end of the day, we are all united together as one, as Indians, the songwasoriginallycomposedGoan Legend, and Melody King, late AlfredRose “AmiSoglimEK”.

A certificate of appreciation was presented to Lanisha and Delisha fortheiroutstandingperformance.

The rising stars from London, who havebeenmakingwavesacrossthe world were well applauded with praisesandappreciation.

Thespecialguestofthecelebrations was versatile Bollywood Actor, Boman Irani who acknowledged their melodious singing, calling them back on stage to sing some lines of the song again, further discussing the meaning behind the song and its message of unity. This is the second time the Vaz sisters have performed at the High CommissionofIndia,London,UK.It was a memorable and historic moment as the news being published in Mangalorean newspapers like Daijiworld, and Goan Newspapers such as The Goan, The Navhind Times, GomantakTimes,oHeraldo,Fuddari Weekly, Gulab Konkani Monthly Magazine and overseas TV News like Susegad Donnpar, Melbourne, Australia.

LANISHAANDDELISHAVAZ:

The Vaz sisters werebornand broughtupinDubai,U.A.E.andare

nowresidinginLondon,UK.Lanisha and Delisha are talented daughters of Pascoal Vaz, Goa and Laveena VazfromBondelParish,Mangalore.

Bothsistersbegantheirsingingand musicaljourneyattheageof6.They aresingers&musicians,havingwon their first prize singing award in the Konkani solo category attheage of 6 in Dubai. They have won numerous prizes and awards in

singing competitions as well as completingTrinityCollegeof London music exams. The instruments they play include the Keyboard,Violin,Ukulele,Guitar,

The Vaz sisters performed in many Goan & Mangalorean shows in Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Kuwait, Goa, Mangalore, Paris-France, Texas-USA,andLondonaswellas

French horn, Trumpet, and Trombone.

having sung in 16 Konkani DVD/VDs, Short Films & TV shows etc.,

They have home recording studio where they do their audio recording,mixingandvideoediting

of various songs for their YouTube channel ‘Lanisha Delisha Music Production’.

They were felicitated and awarded many times for their contribution towards our ‘mai bhas’ Konkani.

Lanisha and Delisha had come out with their debut Konkani Album

“AMCHIGIRESTKAI”(DVD+ACD)in 2019. The Vaz family are also active members of the SKA Mangalorean ChoirCommunityLondon. These talented sisters sing in

Konkani and English and these include:

Both winning 1st prize in solo category both winning 1st prize in the solo category singing

competition organised by MangaloreanKonkans,Dubai,U.A.E.

Lanisha winning 2nd Prize in the

English Category at Al Naseer LeisureLand,Dubai,U.A.E.

prize in both Solo & Duo category in the singing competition by SKA London, (Mangalorean Konkani Community),heldinLondon,United Kingdom.

Lanisha and Delisha winning 1st prize in the Goan Legend Alfred

Delishawinning2nd prizeinModhur Tallo, a singing competition which washeldintheUK.

Lanisha and Delisha winning 1st prize in Singer No.1 Duo/Duet Category) in the Global Online

Lanishaiscurrentlyperusinga

Singing Competition by Travasso Music,Goa.

Degree in Biomedical Science at UniversityandDelishaisdoingher

Lanisha and Delisha say that their biggestmentorsandsupportersare their parents, (Pascoal Vaz and

Laveena Vaz). They are grateful to

their parents for teaching them to readandspeakinKonkaniandthey hopetomakethemproud,thanking God for the talents and opportunities that they are blessed with, and by keeping our Konkani Mai Bhas flag flying high wherever theygetanopportunitytoperform.

University & Hospital hold Medical CampinMangalorePrison.

St Aloysius University (SAU) & Fr.

MullerHospitalMangalore,inactive cooperation with the DK District Prison Authorities, synchronised a 'Medical Camp' for the near 380 inmates (men and women) of the District Prison in Kodialbail on Sunday April 7, 2024; making it a great success and an model of inspiration for the future. The camp was inaugurated by Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius (SAU) (Deemed to be University). Shri. Obaleshwara,

district prison superintendent, the key official facilitated needed arrangements and presided over the camp. Students from PGDBM and NCC Air Wing cadets were volunteers to ensure good results. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Dr Kelvin and Dr. Caroline from Father Muller Medical College Hospital co-ordinated. Rajendra Kapade,jailorof theprisonformally welcomed the volunteers and medicalteams.ProfEdmund

Frank, programme co-ordinator, proposed the vote of thanks and was to a high degree the pace setter. Such a camp at a high securityprisonneedsgreatcareand systematic handling by all concerned to avoid anything unexpected. He added these valuable programmes cause betterment bringing needful knowhow and facilities to prisons and prisonersaddingtovalues.

Atthiscomprehensivemedical

camp, Muller Medical College

Hospitalarrangedfortheinmatesof thedistrictprison,providedmedical services for dermatology, blood sugar, cardiac problems/ECG and generalmedicine.

The same day six (non-stinging) honeybeecolonieswithqueenbees, drones and worker bees were installed and inaugurated in the vegetable/fruit garden to facilitate cross pollination and to train the inmates in the skills and trades

of rearing honeybees to produce honeyandmarketthesame. Aspart of the programme, bee-keeping boxes had been installed in the prison garden premises. Earlier a projectprovidedtheinmatesknowhow of growing various plants, producingfruitandvegetables,and being marketed through the public salescountersetupacrosstheroad opposite the prison - recently a graduation of the successful candidates (all prison inmates) was heldbySAU.

In his presidential address Rev Dr PraveenMartisSJ,vicechancellorSt Aloysius (Deemed to be) University, spoke in glowing terms of the care and concern shown to the prison inmatesofvariouscategoriesbythe Govt and prison officers and the encouragement and facilities extended to institutional groups to conductwelfareactivitiesandsoon. He pointed out the recent valedictory to a 120-day training course in “Integrated Agriculture and Organic Farming Methods” for the inmates of the District Prison in Mangaluru held from October 2, 2023, to January 31, 2024. The training focused on the transformation, rehabilitation, and skill development of the prison inmates and to prepare them for a better and useful life after their release. The convocation ceremony

to distribute the Diploma certificates was held on March 11, 2024, in the jail premises, as was reported here. A guided walk throughthislushgreenstripofland insidetheprisonwallswasindeeda wonder.

On this occasion it is worth noting that - Aloysius College & Muller Hospital are branches of the same root, both simultaneously cultured by the Jesuits. About 150 years ago Rev Augustus Muller SJ, a German Homeopath was part of the Jesuit team that arrived in Mangalore to provide education to the local people. It was the routine of Fr. Mullertositunderthehugebanyan tree still seen outside the college and dispense pills for illness from his homeopathic boxes. Considering the want of medical facilities in those times and during the Plague and Pestilence of 1918, theGovtprovidedlandandfacilities at Kankanady where a makeshift hospital was set up and now it has likeit's counterpartSAU growninto a huge conglomerate of advanced

multidisciplinary medical services in Mangalore. The Vice Chancellor assured that such programmes will be organised for the inmates of the prison in the future also. The dedicateddonsoftheUniversitylike Prof Edmond Frank and others are seen to be very generous with supporting the prison in it's God ordained work of transforming and rehabilitating the jail inmates and inspiredbytheirplansandworks.

Sri. Obaleshwara, district prison superintendent Mangalore presidingovertheprogramme,said that these types of programmes offered by St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) will help the inmates of the prison to overcome their mental depression and improve their physical well-being, equipping themselves to return to the mainstream of society once their sentences are done and contribute as good citizens of the nation in future. He reiterated the commitmentoftheGovtauthorities to extend the best facilities and possibilities to the inmates and the

co-operation and contributions of 'peopleof Good Will' can go a long way as is seen here constantly. He narrated that in view of the current regulations allowing only treatment ofPrisoninmates byGovt Hospitals and in emergencies obtaining specialisedtreatmentfromthestate HQ in Bangalore and travelling the distance for 12 hours is risky and impractical; discussions were initiated with Mullers Hospital Mangalore recently and he was happy that an understanding to extend ad hoc advanced treatment to inmates in special circumstances and with Govt approval was on the cards. He said much is possible whenthereisapositiveoutlookof

mutualtrustandconcernfromsuch flagship institutions and civil society. Prisons have many kinds of humans not unlike the normal population and they are not condemned forever, but good correctional and rehabilitation processes always serve to reform and place them back as productive peopletotheirkithandkin,society, andhumanity.

-CompiledBy:IvanSaldanha-Shet.

From Victim toAdvocate

How Harold D’Souza Shines a Light on the Nature of Human Labor Trafficking

We had the pleasure of speaking to Harold D’Souza at the University of Cincinnati’s Combatting Human Trafficking class on April 04, 2024. D’Souza shared with us his experience of coming from India to the United States to work a job with great salary benefits and getting duped once he and his family arrived. He and his family were victims of human trafficking, specifically labor trafficking, and debt bondage.

Being new to the country, D’Souza and his family believed and trusted theirtraffickersowhenthetrafficker

asked the family to turn over any documents or money for “safety concerns” the family immediately handed it over. Now the family was in the hands of the trafficker. And whenthefamilytriedtoaskfortheir dues,thetraffickertoldD’Souzathat he would get arrested, deported, jailed, or handcuffed if there was any attempt to speak out. The psychological trauma and compliance the traffickers inflict on their victims is so severe that over time, little force, or use of threat is needed.

Many people today are getting tricked into coming to the United States for a job. On the outside, a hospitality job paying $75k sounds great, but it is not even close to the truth. Within 30 minutes of landing, D’Souza told our class, the individual or family that moved across the world for a better life, better job would be under the control of their ‘sponsor’ –the trafficker.

The biggest takeaways from the presentation were: Be happy, Think Positive, Never Quit, and Believe in

Yourself. Eyes Open International is anorganizationthatHaroldD’Souza founded to empower individuals and communities around the world to combat trafficking. After going through something this horrific, D’Souzaandhisfamilyhavemadeit their mission to protect and ensure no one else falls victim to human labor or sex trafficking. And a way we,asstudentsorasUSCitizenscan help is by using the money, we wouldforStarbuckstoinsteaduseit to sponsor a victim or donate to

organizations that make it their purpose to saving potential victims. As Kim Namjoon once put it “No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, your gender identity, just speak yourself.” And that is exactly what Harold D’Souza is doing. By sharing his story, his journey, and his achievements, he is taking human trafficking by storm and shedding a light on what we all can do to support the cause.

Author: Nikhila Kattamuri, MSCJ Nikhila is a graduate student studying Public Administration. Previously, she earned her Bachelor ofScienceinPsychologyandMaster of Science in Criminal Justice.

Nikhila’s goals are to spread the word about human trafficking and cults and how easy it is to fallvictim to these without the proper knowledge. Nikhila has found her passion in social justice advocacy work, aided by books likeCrazy Loveby Leslie Morgan Steiner, documentaries like The Vowabout the NXIVM cult, podcasts like A Little Bit Cultyand Inside of You , and various research including child abuse in households where domestic violence is prevalent, and human traffickingand its relation to the sex industry and cryptocurrency.

Statement of Concerned Catholics regarding the screening of the ‘Kerala Story’ by the Diocese of Idukki

On Thursday 4 April 2024, Pope Francisinaveryincisivemessage to the participants in the First Colloquium betweenthe Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Congress of Leaders of World and

Traditional Religions, held in the Vatican said, “Weneedtosupport each other in fostering harmony between religions, ethnic groups andcultures.Iwanttoemphasize three aspects...:respect for

diversity ,commitment to our commonhomeandthepromotio nofpeace.”

Unfortunately, on that very day, in Kerala, the Idukki Diocese, of the Syro-Malabar Church screened a controversial film ‘The Kerala Story’. The film was shown to students of Stds. X to XII, as part of the Annual SummerCatechismprogramme.On

8 April, several English and vernacularmediabothinKeralaand elsewhere,detailedthiseventunder the title, ‘Idukki Diocese screens 'The Kerala Story' for Catechism Students’.Aspokesperson of the Diocese has gone on record saying thatthefilmwas ‘showntoChristian studentstoraiseawarenessabout theissueof'LoveJihad'.’

That a Catholic Diocese has screened this film, defies logic! First, the movie is clearly a propaganda film created to further the Hindutva narrative that is trying to destroy the secular nature of our country. Secondly, it isreplete with lies, factual inaccuracies and halftruths;somuchso,thatthedirector of the movie,publiclyadmitted falsehood and had to correct thefigures given in theoriginal

curtain-raiser from “32,000 girls embracing Islam to just THREE!” ; besides ten obnoxious scenes, had to be deleted before the Censor Board gave its certification! Thirdly, and far more importantly, this is afilm which goes against the teachings of the Church and the personandmessageofJesus.

The decision by the Church authorities to screen the film, is deeply concerningbecauseit actively sows seeds of hatred, intolerance, and prejudice, among children, instead of promoting peace,compassion,andacceptance, which are the core values of Christianity. By screening such a propaganda film that is filled with lies,the Idukki Church is instilling negative emotions and discriminatory attitudes towards people of other faiths andfailing to teach children about love and respectforallreligionsandcultures. Such actions can have adverse effectsonthefuturegenerationand society at large,particularly in the present politically charged context where hate is being weaponised to destroythecountry.

Besides, the film has been given an ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). How could this film be ever shown to children? Will the Diocese of Idukki now be prosecuted for screening thefilmtochildren?

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has emphasized the importance of strengthening and building good relations between Christians and Muslims during this Holy month of Ramadan; the Diocese of Idukki, on the other hand, seems to have chosen to promote conflict and tension between the two communities. Like in the time of Hitler, there are always those in authority in the Churches who wish to kowtow towardsthose who have political power to keep their own ‘little empires’ safe.

A contextual adaptation of Mathew 23:15 could serve as a reminder to all of us, “woetoyoubishopsand religious authorities, pharisees, hypocrites!Foryoucrossseaand land,totrytoensurethatyourflock does not desert you, but in the bargain,youmakethemembersof

yourflocktwiceasmuchachildof hellasyourselves.”

Wetheundersigned,whilststrongly condemning this insensitive and unchristian act of the Diocese of Idukki, earnestly urge all Church authorities to do all they can to promote inter-religious, dialogue, reconciliation, fraternity, harmony, and peace, remembering that our futureasacountry,isatstake!

Signed

Dr.KochuraniAbraham, Kerala

Adv. Susan Abraham (Bombay High Court)

Adv. M A Britto, (Forum for Secularism and Democracy, Tirunelveli)

Dr. John Dayal (Ex Member, NationalIntegrationCouncil,GoI,Ex President, All India Catholic Union, NewDelhi)

Brinelle D’Souza (Chairperson, Centre for Health and Mental Health, TISS,Mumbai)

Dr Ruth D’Souza (Citizen, ArchdioceseofBombay)

Dr. Joseph Victor Edwin SJ(Secretary, Islamic Studies Association,Delhi)

Midhun J. Francis SJ (Doctoral Student Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome)

Adv.JulieGeorge,Lawyer,Mumbai

Dr. M.K. George SJ (Former Principal, Loyola College, Trivandrum)

Adv. Anastasia Gil (former Delhi MinoritiesCommissionmember)

Dr. Josantony Joseph (Human Rights Training Consultant, Former Supreme Court Advisor (Maharashtra) on the PILon the RighttoFood,Mumbai)

Ozelle Lobo (Jagrut Nagarik, Ahmedabad)

Dr.FrazerMascarenhasSJ(Former Principal, St. Xavier's College Mumbai)

Anand Mathew IMS (DirectorVishwa Jyoti Communications,Varanasi)

Dr.SureshMathew (Former Editor ‘Indian Currents’)

CedricPrakashSJ(Human Rights Activist & Writer, Ahmedabad)

RonaldSaldanhaSJ(Administrator, Indian Social Institute, New Delhi)

Adv.MaryScariaSCJM (Supreme Court of India)

VargheseTheckanaths.g. (Former National President, Conference of Religious India (CRI)

Paul Thelakat (Writer, former editor ‘Sathyadeepam’)

Adv. Henri Tiphagne (Advocate and Executive Director People’ s Watch)

9April2024

Contact: Joseph Victor Edwin SJ victoredwinsj@gmail.com and 9868366914

Cedric Prakash SJ cedricprakash@gmail.com and 9824034536

https://www.shieldcrest.co.uk/product/the-loot-by-joseph-dmello/ BuyabookandpleasehelpthisMangalureantosellhisbooks.

Evolving or Dissolving

-By: Molly Pinto.

On an ever-desperate race of destroying our planet of beauty and grace Polluting the air seas and earth at an unspeakable speed and gait Wonderful people were this the purpose of your expansion and education Killing and building foundations with the blood and bones of their own

The oceans are certainly Evolving and Dissolving along the way Growing at an alarming rate and swallowing everything within its range Apparently, this is all well and according to plan of the ever-changing kaleidoscope

How comforting to know how insignificant this avatar really is to the plan

Injustice, must be a yellow thread, don't worry it truly turns out good Especially the red thread of blood and gore, relax nobody really dies Hey be grateful for food and shelter, so many are without According to history, I may have well played that part before

The only thing I get from this message, one constantly emphasized Embrace each moment and what it offers, extracting whatever's good And savour all these precious moments, as nothings guaranteed And make the best of what you got and let the rest rot if it must

-By: Molly Pinto

Poem for the day

Singoneormorebajansaday, It'llkeepyouupandgoingandunderway, Whenyou chantthe Gayatri mantra, It'smoremagical thanany tantra, Burstoutwith asoulfull gazal, Andyou'll getmorethan ajustanuzzle, Gospelssongsareanotherverygood thing, Likeasongbirdyourheartwilltakewing, Andthere'snobetter'OM', Than'HomeSweetHome', Taketime, Fromtimetotime, In theguiseof ananelf,goblinorgnome, TosneakintoStPeter'sin Rome, AndhaveachatwithhisHolinessFrancisour Pope, He'sourharbinger ofpeace,solaceandhope.

By: Franklin Randolph Misquith

Easter Celebrations at Bondel.

The Easter Celebration here at St Lawrence Church, Bondel commenced at 7:00 pm with the blessing of the new fire by Rev Dr Ivan D’Souza, Professor St Joseph Seminary,Jeppu.

Rev Dr Ivan D’Souza was the main Celebrant. Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza Parish Priest, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves –principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza, Asst Parish Priest, Rev Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ, Rev Fr Vincent Saldanha and Rev Fr Theo Pintowereconcelebrants.

The Easter Candle was lit and carriedtotheAltarcallingonpeople to walk in the light of the Risen Christ. The faithful lit candles signifying the victory of light over darkness and thereby enlightenment. Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza sangtheExults– theEaster Hymn. Seven readings from the SacredScriptures gave a glimpse of the salvation story of Israel and mankind in general. As the Gloria resounded in the air the image of RisenJesusgotunveiled.

Rev Dr Ivan D’Souza began his homilywithathoughtthatJesusput on God so we need to put on Jesus (ಜೆಜು ದೆವಾಕ್ ನೆಸ್ಲೊ ಆಮಿ ದೆವಾಕ್

Recalling the Hindi Poem -he said " I tried to embrace myself with my hands, but I couldn’t, I tried to lay head on my shoulder to console myself,butI couldn’t. then I realised we need each other tocomfortandconsoleus.

Thestonethatwaslaidonthetomb ofJesusgettingrolledawaybyitself shows Jesus’ death has no power over Jesus, He is risen and fulfilled hismissionforhumanity.

Christian life should be always of Hope,Faith,andHappiness.

Mary Magdalene and Apostles witnessed the resurrection of Jesus we are much more privileged to believe His resurrection and become the strong witness in our Faith,HopeandHappiness

Thefoldedlinensignifiesthatdeath has no power over Jesus it is the signoffulfillmentofHisMission. Thereafter the baptismal water was blessed by Rev Dr Ivan D’Souza Parishioners participated enthusiastically in the solemn ceremony and celebration. Later

water was blessed, and baptismal vowswererenewed.

At the end of the Mass, the Parish PriestextendedtheEasterGreetings to all the parishioners. He thanked the liturgy Committee, Choir Members, PPC Members & Volunteers for organizing the Triduum well. The parish choir embellished the liturgy with excellent musical accompaniment.

Faithful who had gathered in great numbers wished each other after the mass and with the peace of JesusRisenreturnedhome.

The significance of the celebration of the Easter Service was highlighted by Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas.

Report:MeenaSerraoBarboza.

Bishop Duming Dias is consecrated as a new Bishop of the Diocese of Karwar

Karwar, April 10, 2023: Episcopal Ordination & Solemn Installation of Msgr. Duming Dias, Bishop Elect of

Diocese of Karwar took place on April9th,at9amatSt.Joseph'sHigh School Ground, Kodibag Road, Kajubag,Karwar.

His Grace Most Rev. Dr Peter

Machado, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Bangalore led the consecration ceremony. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Diocese of Belgaum and His Excellency Most

Rev.DrFrancisSerraoSJweretheco consecrators.

His Eminence Cardinal Philip Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Goa wasalso witnessed the consecrationceremony.

Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga and Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque, Chancellor of the Diocese of Shimoga presented BishopElectDumingDias.

Rev.Msgr.AlbertoNapolitano,from ApostolicNunciature,Indiareadthe Papal bull of appointment in Latin. Chancellor of Diocese of Karwar

read the appointment letter in Konkani.

Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Diocese of Udupi preached a meaningful homily on role of the Bishop and his mission. He invited Clergy and faithful to prayfortheirBishop.

HisGraceMostRev.PeterMachado Archbishop of Archdiocese of Bangalore led the consecration ceremony, he anointed the Bishop Duming Dias with Oil, he gave him the ring, Mitre and Staff as the symbol of the Shepherd if the Diocese. Then the new Bishop continuedtheHolyEucharist.

A short Felicitation program was held by the Diocese of Karwar for the newly anointed Bishop Duming Dias.

A good number of Bishops, Priests, Religious and Layfaithful witnessed this historic event of the Diocese of Karwar.

Sannouncethestellarperformanceof its students in the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board 2024. Leading the science stream with extraordinary achievement, Anjali R Rai dazzled with a commendable total of 592 marks, showcasing her academic prowess with perfect scores in Computer Science & Kannada. She has made usproudbysecuringthe7th Rankat the State Level. In the commerce stream, Ashmitha Pereira stood out

with an inspiring 590 marks, securing centum in Accountancy. Shesecuredthe8th RankattheState Level. Alisha Thimmaiah redefined excellenceintheartsstreamwithan astonishing total of 590 marks, including a centum in Psychology and 7th Rank at the State Level. This year the college boasts an overall pass percentage of 98.48 with 258 students achieving Distinctions, 352 securing First Classes, and 52 students earning full marks in

varioussubjects,andtheyhaveseta remarkable benchmark for academic excellence. The impressive results reflect the hard work put in by both students and teachers alike.

The management, Principal, faculty, and the PTA extend their hearty congratulations to all the students for their excellent academic triumphs and commend them for bringing laurels to the institution.

Daughter of construction labourer achieves dream, becomes IAS officer.

• Sat,Apr13202408:30:08 AM

Daijiworld Media Network –

Thiruvananthapuram(MS)

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr

13: Breaking barriers with determination and diligence, S Aswathy from the capital city of Kerala has secured a remarkable achievement by cracking the UPSC examination despite her humble background as the daughter of a construction labourer. She clinched the All-India Rank (AIR) 481 in the 2020UPSCexamination.

Aswathy's aspiration to become an IAS officer began during her eighth grade. However, she pursued her

education at Government Barton Hill Engineering College in Thiruvananthapuram. After receivingajobofferfromTCSKochi duringherfinalyear,shedecidedto pursue her dream of appearing for theUPSCexams.

Initially juggling her job at TCS with UPSC preparation, Aswathy later resignedin2017todedicateherself entirely to UPSC preparation. She sought coaching from the Kerala State Civil Services Academy and various other private academies in Kerala.

Despitefacingsetbacksinherinitial attempts in 2017, 2018, and 2019,

Aswathy persevered and achieved success in her fourth attempt in 2020. She attributes her success to focused content improvement and rigorous writing practice, which enabled her to present her ideas effectivelyintheexamination. Aswathy's father expressed immense pride in her accomplishment, highlighting her diligence and studious nature from childhood. Her mother is a homemaker, and her younger brother is employed in an IT firm. Aswathy'sachievementservesasan inspiration to many, proving that hard work and dedication can overcomeanyobstacle.

Priestly Ordination at Mangalore Diocese pics by StanlyBantwal

St Aloysius holds 144th Annual Day

The144th Annual Day of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) with the theme’Samvardana’-‘Lookingback with Gratitude, moving ahead with Faith’washeldon12thApril2024in theuniversitypremises.

Dr M. S. Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University)wastheChiefGuest.Rev. FrMelwinJosephPinto,SJ,Rectorof

St Aloysius Institutions presided over the programme. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar (Evaluation), Dr Ronald Nazareth, UniversityRegistrar,Rev.DrMelwyn Sunny Pinto, Director of AIMIT, the Directors of various blocks – Dr Denis Fernandes, Dr Loveena Lobo, Dr Narayana Bhat, Dr Asha Abraham, Dr Charles Furtado and Student Council President, Christon Joshua Menezes were present on thedais.

Chief Guest, Dr Moodithaya in his address said that only when extracurricular activities like sports and culturalsubjectsareimplementedin the life of students along with education, will they be helped to move towards a true value-based life and developmental path. A student's future through higher education plays a pivotal role in his/her empowerment and personality development. Final degree students should work hard andshapetheirfuture.Therewillbe no re-exams, assignments in life. Decisions must be taken today to

face the real-world challenges. He also said that when there are problems in life, we should find a solutionforitandincreaseourselfconfidence.

The Rector, Rev. Fr Melvin Joseph Pinto in his presidential remarks said, "We should always have faith towardstrust.Weshouldbegrateful to everyone and cooperate in realizingourdreams."

Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, the Vice Chancellorpresentedtheannual report.

Thestudentachieversinthefieldof academics and extra-curricular activities were awarded with certificatesandcashprizes.

Dr Mona Mendonsa and Manoj Dyson Fernandes compered the programme. Students Diya Mascarenhas, Chirag Bajal, Lenvin, Vinay Mayekar and Shaina D'Souza presented the cultural programme. Dr Ratan Tilak Mohanta proposed thevoteofthanks

COLLEGE DAY

St Agnes College (Autonomous) Mangaluru, celebrated the College Day of the academic year 20232024 at the Open-Air Stage on Friday, 12 April 2024. Dr Dilip G. Nayak, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE wastheChiefGuestfortheevent.Sr

DrMariaRoopaA.C.,JointSecretary, St Agnes Institutions and Superior of St Agnes Convent presided over the function. Sr Dr M Venissa A.C. the Principal, Mrs Sandhya Nayak, Assistant Professor Department of English,DrNancyVaz,theRegistrar,

Mr Ravi Bhat, the PTA Vice President, Sr Dr M Vinora A. C. the PG Co-ordinator, Mrs Helen Serrao and Dr Shailaja H.G. Staff coordinators of the College Day programme were the other dignitaries present on the stage. Sr

Dr M Venissa A.C. the Principal presentedthedigitalAnnualReport showcasing the laurels and academic performances, cocurricular and extra-curricular activitiesofthestudentsandfaculty during the academic year 2023-

2024 in the presence of the dignitaries, guests, members of the faculty, parents, students, and stakeholders. Dr Nancy Vaz, the Registrar welcomed the gathering andintroducedtheChiefGuest.

The French language students

presented a French song to entertain the audience.This was followed by a formal stage programme. Dr Dilip G Nayak, Pro ViceChancellor,MaheandtheChief Guest, in his address congratulated the college for being a brand and being inclusive through coeducation.Whileheappreciatedthe

teachers’ commitment to work, he also urged them to go with the trend and to form the brains of the students through teaching them to think rather than filling them with mere knowledge. Addressing the students with a special note, the Chief Guest called the students to be prepared to face the world by trying to be a better version of themselves each day and to always remember the sacrifices made by their parents and to be grateful to their Alma Mater and teachers who havemouldedthem.

The Principal’s Role of Honour, Special prizes, Scholarships were presented to the students of the

college in recognition of their exemplary performances in various academic, co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The cabinet members of the current academic year were also awarded on the occasion.

Student achievers Ms Alisha Saldanha,whohassecuredAllIndia Rank 1 and World Rank 6 in Audit and Assurance paper, Ms Sherlita Monteiro,whohassecuredAllIndia Rank 2 and World Rank 7 in Audit and Assurance paper of ACCA and Ms Trisha Shetty, a dancer, theatre artist,singerandcineactorwerethe receivers of special honour and felicitationbythedignitaries.

A spectacular cultural programme presented by the college students and the theatre groups included a musical orchestra, a Kannada Tableau on the life and work of Mother Veronica, an English play “The Dear Departed" and fusion dances. The digital Annual report of the college was prepared by Ms Anita

Peris, Assistant Professor, Dept of BCAandMsKhushiKunder,Deptof ComputerAnimationassistedbyMr Gurucharan,theLabTechnician.The formal programme was compered by Dr Devi Prabha Alva, Associate Professor, Department of Commerce and Dr Vishala BK the Chief Librarian, proposed the Vote of Thanks. The programme ended withtheCollegeAnthem.