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

KAUP WOMEN FARMERS’ PRODUCE COMPANY FIRST OF ITS KIND IN INDIA A STEP FORWARD IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

SMPADA UDUPI AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

(Fr. Reginald Pinto Director of SAMPADA, Udupi)

Soon after the formation of the Diocese of Udupi 0n 15 October 2012, a decade ago, a socio economic survey of the households of the Udupi Diocese was conducted under the leadership of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo to study

the demographic socio economic condition of the families in the diocese. During the survey, it was found that a good number of families were economically poor and struggled to meet both ends. Womenintheagegroupof21to75 have not been in any organization. As the women play an important role in the family, it was thought of uniting the women and through them to have happy, healthy, and value-based families. Most marginalized women, children, and youth to be facilitated and trained to live with dignity, claim legitimate rights and entitlements. To implement this mission SAMPADA was started in June 2013 under the name “Udupi Diocesan Social Development Organization and Charities” which was registered as SAMPADA UDUPI as a trust. Thus, theUdupiDiocesebecameapartof the KROSS Bangalore becoming a partner of Women Empowerment

Programme in Karnataka. As per their requirements, SAMPADA started few Self Help Groups (SHGs). SAMPADA has been collaborating with other associationssinceitsinception.

Since its inception, Fr. Reginald Pinto has been the Director of SAMPADA UDUPI under whose leadership the organization has been undertaking several projects for the benefit of the common people and Empowerment of Women has been its Flagship Project.

According to Fr. Reginald Pinto DirectorofSAMPADAUDUPI,asper our strategic plan, SAMPADA’s objectiveforWomenEmpowerment Programme is by 2025, ‘8,500 empowered women will be financially stable, politically active and organizationally united’. In 2021 22, SAMPADA has brought togetherwomenfrom92villagesof the Udupi district and those who werewillingtocometogetherunder its banner were united through SHGs, organized, trained, and empowered. This year SAMPADA concentrated mainly on the financial problems women faced due to COVID effect. SAMPADA

empowered women to take up income generation activities. Through Samrudhi organization of Bangalore and through Charity

Trust of the Diocese of Udupi, financial help was arranged. Nearly 343 women started their own income generation activities to make easy to carry the financial burdenoftheirfamilies. 182 women have started various income generating activities like piggery, poultry, goat rearing, dairy farming, tailoring, beauty parlour, pettyshop,fishtrading,etc,through loanfacilitiesfrom varioussources. Raita Bazar - Development of Small andMarginalizedFarmers

Raita Bazar’ - agriculture and Organic Farming Programme was initiated with an objective that “By 2025, 1200 small and medium farmers, through organic farming and by cooperative activities increase their family income by 25%’. This programme was implemented from mid 2021. BecauseofCOVIDeffectthefarmers suffered a lot as the farming activities were hampered either by lackofhumanresourcesorbecause of financial constraints. In mid 2021 we had a survey of farmers in

5 villages of Udupi, Brahmavara, Kaup and Karkala Talukas. With the survey results SAMPADA started workingwiththesmallandmedium farmers conscientizing them throughvarioustrainingsessions. 81trainingsessionswereconducted on the topic of Community Based Organizations (CBOs); Raita Bazar programme and family livelihood enhancementto2,280farmers.Asa result, 12 new CBOs started in the year with a membership of 186 farmers.

By August September 2021, new concept of Farmers Producer Organization (Company) known as FPO emerged in the district. With the guidance and help from Nitte Incubation Centre we started to trainwomenfarmersofKapuTaluka and formed an All Women FPO at Kapu Taluka with a membership of nearly 700 odd women.

Membership to Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) drive was taken bySAMPADAUDUPIasapartofthis programme. At 15 villages specific training was conducted on FPO concept, membershipdrives, etc. Till 31st March 2022, 926 farmers enrolled to 3 FPOs namely Kapu FPO,NitteFPOandKuralFPO.12of

the members whom SAMPADA promoted became directors in theseFPOs.

TheFarmers’ProducerOrganization eventually became a reality when the Kaup Women Farmers’ Produce Company, the only one so far in India was inaugurated on Monday, 26September2022.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KAUP RAITAUTPADAKACOMPANY

Mrs. Lily D’Souza

Kaup Women Farmer Produce

Company–TheFirstofitsKindin IndiaInaugurated

Udupi/Kaup/Shirva, 26 Sep 2022:

The Kaup Famers’ Produce Company(Ltd.)managedentirelyby women creating history in the ‘Women Empowerment’ movement was inaugurated in a well attended functionintheSaudeSabhaBhavan, Shirva Manchakal on Monday, 26 September 2022 at 3pm. The inaugural function was presided over by Lalaji R. Mendon MLA of

Kaup Constituency. Other dignitaries on the dais included: Dr. A.P.Achar ChiefExecutiveOfficerof Atak Incubation Centre,Nitte, Kempegowda H. Joint Director, Agricultural Department, Udupi District, Mrs. Bhuvaneshwari Deputy Director of Horticulture

Department, Udupi District, Mohan Raj- Assistant Director of

Agriculture Kaup Taluk, Ratan

Shetty President of Shirva Grama

Panchayat, Fr. Reginald Pinto Director of SAMPADA, Udupi, Mrs.

Lily D’Souza President of Kaup Farmers Produce Company, Shirva,

Ms. Pearlvita Mathias Chief

Executive Officer of Kaup

Theprogrammecommencedwith

the prayer song sung by the members from Shankerpura followedbythewelcomeaddressby Ms. Pearlvita Mathias during which the chief guests and guests of honour were welcomed by offering them bunchesofJasmineflowers. In his introductory remarks, Fr. Reginald Pintonarrated the journey of the women in forming the Kaup Farmers’ProduceCompany.Hesaid that SAMPADA, Udupi has been working hard in the direction of ‘Empowering Women’ throughout the Udupi District since the last 9 years. When he visited the women of the Kaup Taluka five years ago, theynarratedtheirproblemsrelated tothecultivationofjasmineflowers. At that time, Fr. Reginaldmet Sanjiv Nayak an officer in the District AgriculturalDepartmentwithwhom

he discussed the issue of the jasmine cultivators. Under his guidance, Sampada organized awareness programmes for jasmine cultivatorsat8placesfrom6August to 21 August 2018 in which around 316 men and women cultivators participated. However, Covid 19 lockdown created problems for jasminecultivatorsasinotherfields.

On 29July 2021, officials from Nitte Atal Incubation Centre under the leadership of Dr. A.P. Achar met Fr. Reginald Pinto and convinced him to organize the farmers in the Kaup Taluka and initiate a Farmers’ Produce Company for which the center would provide all expertise andsupport.Withthisassurance,Fr. Reginald Pinto met women leaders and prepared the ground for starting an all women farmers produce company. On 5 August 2021 a meeting of 38 women was organized at Bantakal and started the membership drive which gradually spread to women self helpgroupswithintheKaupTaluka.

According to the rules and regulations of the Raita Utpadaka

Company, first the farmers must be made aware of the need for such a company. Thereafter, the farmers must accept the membership and pay the fees. The group of 20 farmers had to be formed from whom two members must be chosen. This process went on smoothly and the farmer representatives attended training sessions at the Udupi District Horticulture Department, Doddannagudde, Udupi and Padubidri.

As the organizational work proceeded systematically, within one month of the meeting with the officialsofNitte,on26August2021, 52 leaders from 26 farmer groups held a meeting at Shirva. The meeting was presided over by Kempegowda H Joint Director in the Agricultural Department. Dr. A.P. Achar of Nitte Centre led the meeting. In this meeting 10 DirectorswereselectedandMrs.Lily D’Souza was elected as the President of the Kaup Farmers’ Produce Company (Kaup Raita Utpadaka Company). Thereafter,

underthedirectionofDr.A.P.Achar, NitteAtalIncubationCentreofficials helped in the formalities of registration etc. Thus, the journey that had started nearly 13 months ago created history by the inauguration of Kaup Raita Utpadaka Company with over 1000 memebrs on Monday, 26 September 2022 within a record short periodoftime.

Mrs. Lily D’Souza-Chairperson of KaupFPO

Mrs. Lily D’Souza was born and brought up in Belthangady. She did herhighschoolstudyinSt.Antony’s

High School, Belthangady and passed SSLC Examination. She married Reginald D’Souza of Pilar, Shirva. Mrs. Lily D’Souza has been interested in agricultural work and proved to be an ardent woman farmer. Because of her hard work andexemplarynature,shehasbeen a motivator to other women and helped many of them to earn a living through agriculture and horticulture. Her professional qualifications are quite impressive. She is the Founder President of the Kuthyar Dairy Milk Producers Association. Founder Chairperson of Mallige Mahila Belegrara Sansthe, Kaup Taluk. Animator for 77 Women Self-help Groups under Programme for Development of Rural Women under SAMPADA. Member of the Kaup Taluk Panchayat Member from 2011 2016.PresidentfortwotermsofShri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Programme. She has been an active member and office bearer of Church Associations. She has been providing her service to SAMPADA Udupi as Animator for

Udupi Deanery Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs). It is matter of honour that she was elected as the Chairperson of India’s first ever All Women Farmers’ Produce Company, Kaup (FPO)- a Central Government sponsoredproject.

Ms. Pearlvita Mathias Chief ExecutiveOfficer(CEO)ofKaupFPO

Pearlvita Mathias is the second daughter of Vimith Peter Mathias, Gulf returnee and Emilda Pinto retired government school headmistressofPilar,Shirva.Perlvita had her higher primary and high

school education in the Don Bosco Institutions, Shirva and completed graduationandM.CominSt.Mary’s College,Shirva.Pearlvitawasknown forinitiativeandleadershipqualities sinceherchildhood.Whileinschool andcollege,Pearlvitawasamember of the youth organizations such as YCSandICYM.ShewasanAnimator toYCS studentsforfouryears. After Post graduate studies Pearlvita workedfora yearinDubai. Having

returned to her native place, Pearlvitaispresentlyworkingas the CEO ofFPO Kaup.

Compiled by: Dr. Eugene Dsouza, Moodubelle

A comparative study of two stateswithopposingideologies.

(PhilipMudartha)

Bihar

Recently Nitish Kumar dumped his allyBJPandwassworninforthe8th timeasCMattheheadofthenewly formed Mahagathbandhan alliance consistingofRJD, Congressandleft parties. His government had unveileditsbudgetfor2022-23with no fresh tax proposals. The total expenditure was pegged at Rs. 2,37,691 crores, with a revenue surplusofRs4,748crores.

Education, energy, health, and road construction were clearly the government’s priorities. The imprint of Nitish Kumar's 'Saat Nischay' echoedthroughthebudget.

Education gets the highest allocation of Rs 40,828 crores (18.2%), while rural development gets the second highest allocation of Rs 23, 533 crores (9.9%). Healthcare gets Rs 15, 898 crores (6.7%). Thus, education and health at25%isinadequateforastatewith one of the lowest literacy rates and unhealthy citizens. But it is in the right direction. The opposition BJP was quick to remind that the allocationtoeducationwaswoefully insufficient. But that was because Nitish continues rural electrification as one of the priorities of his governments since he first came to powerin2005. The estimated revenue receipts of state government are Rs 2,37,892 crores including borrowing of Rs 40,756 crores. Of net revenue receipts of Rs 1,97,136 crores, state's own taxes amount to Rs 41,387crores(21%).Thismeansthat the state depends largely on devolution from central taxes and grants in aid from central

government. Bihar, being a poor state with its agrarian economy of subsistence farming, has to depend on the central government for funding its development for several yearstocomeinthefuture. However,withthetotalexpenditure nearing that of Gujarat state in absolute numbers, though still half in per capita terms, Bihar will have toraisemoretaxrevenuesfrom the sectors of economy which will benefitbygrowth. A revenue surplus budget does not mean its overall expenditure is within its revenue earnings. The state has been borrowing and spending on creating assets since several years, especially since the NDA rule from 2005. The fiscal deficit by end of this fiscal is estimated at Rs. 25,885 crores, which is 3.47% of the GSDP. The revised statutory limit is 4% per FRBMAct.

The GSDP for 2022 23 (at current prices)isprojectedtobeRs7,45,310 crores. Thisisagrowthof9.7%over the revised estimate of GSDP for 2021 22 of Rs 6,79,473 crores. With an estimated population of 12.5 crores, the per capita GSDP is Rs

59,628. This is about 50% of our nationalpercapitaGDP. Committed expenditure of a state typically includes expenditure on payment of salaries, pensions, and interest. Allocation of a large portion of budget for committed expenditure items limits the state’s flexibility to decide on other expenditure priorities such as developmentalschemesandcapital outlay. In 2022 23, Bihar is estimatedtospendRs70,307crores on committed expenditure items, whichis36%ofitsrevenuereceipts. Thiscomprisesspendingonsalaries (15% of revenue receipts), pension (12%), and interest payments (8%). Committed expenditure in 2022-23 is estimated to increase by 9% over the revised estimate of 2021 22. Interest payments are estimated to increase by 12% whereas salaries and pension are estimated to increase by 7% and 11%, respectively.

The Capital outlay in 2022 23 is estimated to be Rs 29,750 crores, which is funded solely from fresh borrowings. Capital outlay comprises expenditure towards the creation of assets. This includes

expenditure on building schools, hospitals, androadsandbridges.

The total public debt which is the outstanding liabilities of the state is the accumulation of total borrowings at the end of a financial year. As of March 2023, the outstanding liabilities of Bihar is estimated to be 38.66% of the GSDP. This is cause for worry and callsforbettergovernance.

GujaratState assembly elections are due in December 2022. Since the previous election in 2017, Gujarat has seen three CMs, Anandiben Patel, Vijay Rupani and the incumbent Bhupendra Bhai Patel, all from the ruling BJP. Gujarat State government presented its annual Budgetfor2022 23withoverallsize ofRs2,40,434crores.Theestimated revenue receipts of state government are Rs. 2,33,296 crores, including fresh borrowings of Rs 51,001crores.

Total revenue receipts for 2022 23 are estimated to be Rs 1,82,045 crore, of which Rs 1,32,645 crores (73%) will be raised by the state through its own resources, and Rs 49,401 crores (28%) will come from

the centre. Resources from the centre will be in the form of state’s share in central taxes (16%) and grants (12%). The state has substantial non tax revenue of Rs. 17,762 crores because it hosts several central public sector and statepublicsectorenterprises. That the state raises 77% of its revenues through its own taxation andnon taxrevenues, comparedto 24% in Bihar, is indicative of the divergence in their economic activities. While Gujarat is a diversified economy with a high degree of industrialization and commercial activities, Bihar remains largely an agrarian economy. Farmers in India do not pay taxes (other than indirect taxes). Anyway, most farmers in Bihar are small and marginalekingout alivinginabject poverty whose incomes are far below the minimum income tax bracket.

Gujarat also maintains a revenue surplus at Rs. 1,006 crores. The state’s fiscal deficit is Rs 36,113 crores which is 1.64% of GSDP and is within the revised FRBM limit of 4%.

TheGSDPofGujaratfor2022 23(at current prices) is projected to be Rs

22,03,062crores. Thisisagrowthof 13.3% over the revised estimate of GSDP for 2021 22 of Rs 19,44,107 crores. With an estimated population of 7 crores, the per capita GSDP is Rs 3,14,723 which is twice as much as national average and a little over five times that of Bihar.

In 2022-23, the public debt of the state is expected to be 15.88% of theGSDP. Theeffectiveinterestrate on these loans is expected to be 7.72%.Theaccumulatedpublicdebt is projected to be at Rs 3,49,846 crores. Sooner or later, it will have to raise more taxes and move towards a debt-free governance model.

Committed expenditure of a state typically includes expenditure on payment of salaries, pensions, and interest. A larger proportion of budget allocated for committed expenditure items limits the state’s flexibility to decide on other expenditure priorities such as developmentalschemesandcapital outlay. In 2022 23, Gujarat is estimatedtospendRs82,731crores on committed expenditure items, whichis45%ofitsrevenuereceipts. Thiscomprisesspendingonsalaries

(21%), pension (10%), and interest payments (15%). Committed expenditurein2022 23isestimated to increase by 8% over the revised estimate of 2021 22. Salary payments are estimated to increase by 10% whereas interest and pension payments are estimated to increaseby7%and4%,respectively.

Capital outlay in 2022-23 is estimated to be Rs 35,898 crores which like Bihar is funded through freshborrowingofRs51,001crores. Capital outlay comprises expenditure towards creation of assets. Thisincludesexpenditureon building school buildings, hospitals, androadsandbridges. However, outlay for education is Rs 30,537 crores (12.7%) and primary health is Rs 12,207 crores (5%) is comparatively lower. However, emulating the AAP government of Delhi NCT, the government issues free medicines to poor who avail treatment at government hospitals. Especially, medicines for chronic conditions like diabetes and blood pressureareissuedfreeforlifetime. “The state government is committed to lighten the burden of farmers by providing electricity at subsidised rate to farmers of the

state,” allocating Rs. 13,483 crores for energy sector, the second priority after education. Of this, Rs 700 crores is earmarked to provide agricultural power connections to farmers. Additionally, poor households will be identified who donothaveconnectionsandwillbe givenfreedomesticconnectionwith supplyoffreeelectricity. UnlikeBihar, Gujarat isurbanisedto a higher extent. This is reflected in the budget priorities with Urban Development getting Rs. 12,639 crores (5.2%), the third highest allocation. In comparison, the provision is of Rs. 7,269 crores (3.0%)forPanchayat, RuralHousing andRuralDevelopment. Gujarat has attempted to shed its pro rich and anti poor image

throughitsbudgetsduringthepast several years. That is a good beginning, in the direction of inclusive growth and social justice from a party which decries similar ideologies of its rival parties: Congress, JDU, RJD, SP, TMC, BJD, AAP, CPM, and other Left Liberals. Even in Gujarat, the population is not ready for a truly right-wing government.

Gujarat votes in December 2022. AAPismountingastrongcampaign aiming to emerge as an alternative to BJP and Congress with its focus on themiddle classes and the poor. While it may not wrest power from BJP, it may emerge as the principal opposition party displacing Congressparty.

ATributetoGEM

Diaspora-Pioneers

PhilomenaLawrenceandGilbert Lawrence,

Authors:InsightsintoColonial Goa,

Published viaAmazonin paperbackand e-book. Paperback8”x11”is330pages AmazonPublisher

The e-bookis635pagesKindle Publisher

e-maillink: InsightsintoColonial Goa

Between the 16th and 17th centuries, most émigrés to Mangalore, Bombay, and Portugal

were war refugees or skilled individuals such as goldsmiths and sailors. In later years, it was theturn of the intelligentsia, who were educated in their parish schools, and excelled in the colonial education system. In the 19th century, doctors and civil servants were recruited to work as administrators in the African colonies. In the 20th century, the immigrants were not adventurers; theirsoulswerenotwhippedbythe lust for travel. Poverty and joblessnessathome,combinedwith

the promise of opportunities abroad and glowing reports of prosperity and progress of those “who made it,” tipped the scales towards leaving the familiar shores forpartsunknown.It isalsounlikely that any GEMs were affected by the market crashof1920. Forsome,the decision to emigrate was made by an acute economic crisis or after observing individuals who had left with barely more than a shirt and loin cloth to their credit and returned from abroad stylishly dressed in western style clothes, shoes, socks, and a jacket. In the interim, their families benefited from the regular remittances they received from their relatives employed in other countries another practical reason for local folktoconsideremigrating, too.

There were various causes for the acute economic distress sickness, death, debt, crop failure, natural catastrophe, or lack of an inheritance. It was recognized that thesolution emigration wasalso fraught with danger. Voyages were slow and perilous, communication between countries was uncertain, and the final destination only

vaguely known. One never gave a thought to the risk of thefts at the various ports en route to the destination or the increased mortality rate. On a more social level, migration was bleeding the land of its talent and youth. After months of prayers in family kuladevas,temples(bothwithinand out of the OT) and churches, weeks of novenas, dozens of candles and diyas lit, and daily recitation of the rosary, the paperwork needed to migratefinallyarrived.

The next chore was to scrape together the funds required for the journey of a lifetime. Few had that kindofmoneyready.

Types of Émigrés and Risks of Emigration

The types of émigrés fall into four broadcategories:

1. Banishedexiles.

2. Emigration was not an opportunity for progress, but a necessity forced by factors beyond one’s control. These émigrés were victims of socio economic forces, whichwereasignofthetimes.

3. The lure of a career move up the mobilityladder.

4. Ambitionsofabetterlifefor

themselvesand/ortheirchildren.

While GEM migration started in the 16thcenturyandbeforethatdueto wars and famine, it was a trickle. By the 17th and 18th the century the migrationbecameastreamwiththe fluctuating economic progress of the OT (from colonial competition) andeventsinPortugalandBrazil. In the 18th century, the economy of the OT was drastically curtailed by colonial competition. Ironically many casados and mestizos left the OT for African colonies and Brazil creatingopportunitiesfornativesin jobs and farming. The opening of theSuezCanal(1869)decreasedthe proximity of India to Europe, and the voyage became quicker, cheaper, and safer. Shipping in the Indian Ocean increased with increased demand for sailors, dockworkers, stevedores, and custom officers. For GEMs from a stream, relocation became a river and by the 20th century it was a gusher which included college educated Indians leaving for a betterlifeandimprovedcareers.

For more than 400 years, the Irish had migrated to England, Canada,

and America in unseaworthy ships they referred to as “tubs” or “coffin ships” partly because of their deplorablesteerageconditions. The exodus continued before, during, and after The Great Irish Famine 1845 1855 that claimed more than a million lives. The Hibernians had a unique farewell ritual known as “the American wake,” which was performed before loved ones left the Emerald Island’s shores. The ships used by GEM sailors and émigrés may have been a step up fromthoseplyingimmigrantsinthe North Atlantic. Ship travel was dangerous, especially during periods of international conflicts. Clifford Pereira, our doyen on the topic of Asians and Africans in shipping, reports that during World War I, more than 500 GEM crew members died on British and allied merchantvessels.Additionally,GEM sailorsalsoperishedwhileservingin theRoyalNavyandIndian(colonial) Navy and on other allied registered vessels. Fortunately, in World War I, GEM sailors did not man the North Atlantic passenger shipping lines and were not casualties in the sinking of those immigrant and other transatlantic carriers,

includingtheSSLusitania.Whilethe natives living around the Indian Oceanwerenotenemycombatants, they were dragged into WW I as recruits and were also at risk because German POWs from Africa were shipped to the dozen + colonial internment camps in India. More than 150 Indo-Portuguese crew members of over 100 vessels (including51onSSBritanniaand15 on the SS Tilawa) tragically died during World War II when their ships were mostly torpedoed by German, Japanese and Italian submarines. For more details of occupational hazards, please refer tothesectiononSailors.

RitualofDeparture

Theritualsperformedbeforepeople emigrated evoked a potpourri of emotions on the part of the émigrés to be as well as their friends and relatives. The event amounted to a mix of a sorrowful wake for the dead and a fond farewelltoabride to bebeforeshe left home. The attendees experienced a blend of fear and excitement the day had finally arrived, and the paramount question invariably was: “When we

Long before the designated

will see him/her/them again, if at all?”

day for departure arrived, it was important for the traveler to visit relatives to receive their good wishesandblessings. Invariably, the disht (evil eye) removal ritual was performed. The émigré’s home was inundated with well-wishers, friends, and relatives. Some, of course, emotionally equated a migration to a wake, which elicited lamentations, sorrowful poems, eulogies, desolate keens, and wailing. The émigrés’ wordless response usually was to fold their hands together in the traditional gesture denoting gratitude. Yet, close friends may even whisper, “GoodMove”or“pleasesponsorme as soon as you settle down.” Many friends wondered whether or how long the closeness and memories between them would last. Women émigrés sometimes were blessed in a modified version of a nelengu, a ceremony performed when the bride to beleavesherhome.Thisis a women only ritual in which the elders hold their hands over the woman’sheadandofferprayersand goodwishes.

Thelivingroomsofmosthomeshad an altar on which a candle or diya burned. Every extended family invariablyhadadominantauntwho, onthedaypriortodeparture,would take the soon to be émigré to that sacredplaceandpraywithandover him or her, asking each to promise “not to forget us.” It was a time to lament and display grief, make speeches, be melancholy, and remindoneanotherhowsad,lonely, and miserable the spouse, children, and parents left behind would be. Everyone, including the travelers, had a mournful appearance with a strong undercurrent ofsadness and fear,theirfaceslinedwithemotions. Neighbors composed ballads and poems; elderly aunts wailed, and parents and grandparents sat in stoic silence. Deep down, however, the feeling was one of hope for freedom from poverty. With financial remittances from abroad almost guaranteed plans were already in the works to begin major house repairs or finally pay off the family’s debt. Between friends and well wishers,therewasalotofgood adviceandbonhomie:“Goodluck… Please return safely … Don’t’ forget us …. Keep in touch … Write regular

letters...Don’tforgetyourKonkani.

. . Dream it up! … Soak it up! .. Live it up!” One joker offered the émigré to Africa advice on “How to cheat the cheetah.” But the comments invariably complimented the traveler:“Youwerealwaysfulloffun and upbeat; our village is losing its finest; you will be sorely missed.” The “uncle” in the kudd (village hostel) in Bombay/ Mumbai often hosted a party on the evening before the sailor was scheduled to join his ship; the rebec (violin/ fiddle) almost always came to good useontheseoccasions.

The travelers themselves had their own chores to complete. Clothes had to be packed along with the precious school and college certificates as well as treasured letters of recommendation. After all, it was drilled since childhood that“educationissomethingnoone can take away from you . . . if one has the tools, no doors can close in yourface.” AGEMinMumbaiwould usually shop at the Chor Bazaar section of Bhendi Bazaar, where army surplus items were sold. That venue held ample supplies of uncommon items such as woolen

mittens,skullcaps,andwintercoats, allessentialfortraveltocoldclimes.

The day before his/her departure, the émigré had a lot of loose ends to tie up. After a restless night, the first chore on the to do list was a visittothechurchortempletoseek protection for this historic day. In my case, going to England to study and work in the early 1970s posed no travel related risks. However, until the day before I left, I had not finalized who would come to meet meatHeathrowAirport.Onceitwas determined that an English relative ofafriendinBombaywouldpickme up at the airport, we had to find a way for us to identify each other. Such mundane but vital arrangements had to be made, and that was just the beginning of the sagaofimmigration! Thetravellerswereoftenthebuttof jokes. Some were accused of developing a foreign accent even before they left their village; others were ridiculed for claiming a taste for foreign liquor and cigarettes while still living at home. However, the overwhelming feeling of the well wishers was one of gladness that another native had the

fortitude to aim for a better life abroad and had brought pride to theirvillage.Eventheprimogeniture (oldestsonwhoinheritedthefamily property) lamented the upcoming absence of his sibling. If the émigré lived near the docks, the relatives and friends considered it their duty togototheporttobidtheirrelative a fond farewell. For everyone at the port, a little piece of them departed thatday.Onthewaytheymadesure the homemade sausages, pickles and curry powders were duly packed. They returned home with a mournful face and empty heart. Each mourned in light of their personalexperienceofamemberof theirownfamilyleaving. Withevery decade, the number of those leavingGoaincreased.Theyhadthe option to travel by train or ship to Bombay or Karachi, and from there to fly or sail to their destination. As they left to perform on the world stage, they received an Italian greeting usually reserved for Opera Singers In bocca al lupo the Italian way of wishing a person “Good Luck.”

(Tobe continuednextweek)

Sketching workshop "Earth, River & Beyond" at 'Kudla'

From ancient times, the major surroundings and life in Mangaluru city revolves around its rivers and water bodies. Being situated between the rivers Netravathi and Phalguni, Mangaluru city has a strongdependenceandaffinitywith rivers. ‘Kudla’, the local Tulu name of the city, means ’meeting point of rivers and Sea’. This innovative project, titled ‘Earth, River & Beyond Exploring Mangaluru’s Heritage through Sketching and Drawing’ will attempt to document Mangaluru’s natural and built heritage with an illustrated monograph of selected sketches of riverside locations by Jeevan Salian, a young artist and art teacher from

the city. The project, which will last approximately two months, will include workshops with schoolchildren at various heritage sites throughout the city. An exhibition of the original sketches andphotographswill beheldat the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culturesituatedat Ballalbaghinthe city.

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Art Kanara Trust, launched a unique project of sketching of Mangaluru’s rivers by artist Jeevan Salian on the occasion of World Rivers Day on Sunday,

September 25, 2022 at BMS Ferry Point, Thota Bengre, Mangaluru, in the presence of Yatish Baikampady, Campus Director, Amrita Vidyalayam, Boloor and Keshav Karkera, President of Mahajana Sabha, Thota Bengre Syed Asif Ali faculty of Mahalasa College of Visual Arts with about 10 of his students. In the near future about 40heritagesitesareexpectedtobe explored.

The chief guest, Yatish Baikampady, drew a picture of a boat to signify the launching of the project. Addressing the gathering, he recalledtheimpactfulpartnershipof writers and artists, such as the brothers R. K. Narayan and R. K. Laxman, and Dom Moraes and Mario Miranda, who had made a famous illustrated travelogue of Karnataka. "Today you have launched a similar interesting project. I hope you will meet with similar success," he said.

In his address, Keshav Karkera expressed concern for the rampant pollution of the river, which is the lifeline of the people. "Today the pollution of the river is hurting the

people who depend on it for livelihood. It is causing health hazards and a decline in aquatic species.Ihopethisprojectwillopen the eyes of the authorities to solve the problem," he said.

Artist Jeevan Salian said that as he has good experience of drawing nature, he became interested in drawing attention to the neglected natural and built heritage of this region. Children from the locality enthusiastically took part in the eventbymakingtheirownsketches. Syed Asif Ali, lecturer at Mahalasa College of Visual Art, Mangaluru, guided the participating children.

Former local corporator Meera Karkera, President of Zilla Panchayath Higher Primary School Committee, Bengre, and schoolteachers Suma and Ashwini were present. Rajendra Kedige welcomed the gathering and co ordinated the programme. Subhas Chandra Basu, Nemiraj Shetty, architect Niren Jain and other members of Intach and Art Kanara Trust were present. The children, after morning snacks, many of them residing in Bengre of the

School,

familiar with

seen

took

Compiledby: IvanSaldanha Shet.

Mangaluru: Udupi’s Samantha Mascarenhas wins

MCC Bank Ltd

Taram’

special entertainment

of around 2 hours’

was witnessed by a huge crowd. Going by their response,

The show was mainly dedicated to two live rounds of Jigibigi Taram. SamanthaMascarenhasfrom Udupi won the top prize of MCC Bank Ltd 'Jigibigi Taram’ with a trophy and cashprize ofRs 50,000whileIshney FernandesfromKemmannubagged therunner-upspotoftheshowwith atrophyandcashprizeofRs30,000.

Ashna D'Souza Ferar, Rishel Melba Crasta Kulshekar, Aldrin Pinto Kadri and Melona Saldanha Bajpe were theotherfinalists.

Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank Ltd and Stany Bela, the director of the show honoured the winners withthetrophiesandprizemoney. Lauding the efforts of Daijiworld TV in Jigibigi Taram reality show, Anil Lobo said, "The eight month long show created a history in the Konkani entertainment world. Because of this show, we got a number of singing talents who will rule the music world in future. I can say all six finalists were the winners of the show because they have immense potential. MCC Bank always stood for the side of talents from the Konkani community. With theassociationofDaijiworldTVand other organizations, we regularly support our talents. At the same

time, thebank helps the generation with financial assistance for their goodfuture.Irequestyoungstersto utilize the benefits which the bank provides especially the education loan and financial assistance for start ups. Once again, I congratulate all the finalists and audience who have gathered here to support the finalists.”

Thanking the MCC bank Ltd, the parents of the children, Melwyn Rodrigues, director operations, Daijiworld said, "We are grateful to MCC Bank for their immense supporttotheshow‘JigibigiTaram’. They showed a way for budding stars in the music field to reach heights. Meanwhile, their parents also sacrificed many things for the betterment of their children. They trainedthemandnourishedthemto reachagoal.Icongratulatethemall. They also won the show. I want to thank our management and technical team who worked behind this show. I congratulate all finalists andwishthem agoodfuture." AnilLoboalsohonouredthejudges with mementos for their support and guidance throughout the journey of ‘Jigibigi Taram’.

Book

St Aloysius Prakashana, the publication unit of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore organizedBookreleaseprogramme on the 30th of September 2022 at 3pm in Eric Mathias Hall, Maffei

Block. Dr K Ullas Karanth, Emeritus Director,CentreforWildlifeStudies, Bengaluru was the Chief Guest for the programme. Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore presided over the programme. Four

books of social, cultural, academic, and environmental relevance were

released by the dignitaries. Sri J R

Lobo, Ex MLA, Mangalore South Constituency, Mr N G Mohan, Dr V.

the released books and Dr Vidya Vinutha DSouza, Director of Aloysius Prakashana were present onthedais.

The book, ‘PILIKULA’ written by Mr N G Mohan, is a coffee table book that speaks extensively about Pilikula Nisargadhama the pride of our district. Mr N G Mohan in this book has attempted to narrate the genesis and the growth of Pilikula Nisargadhama a natural habitat spread across 370 acres that is today protecting the environment, and heritage and improving tourism.

The book, ‘Flora of St Aloysius College Campus - Herbs & Shrubs’ is written by Dr Jyothi Miranda, AssociateProfessor,DeptofBotany. She is currently serving as the Head ofthesamedepartment.It’snotjust a coffee table book with colorful imagesbut alsoastudymaterialfor the students who are interested to knowaboutplantsandalsoisuseful for the general public who love plants. This book is written to promote awareness about these plants, which may help in the conservation of species in the days tocome.

Basil Hans, Dr Jyothi Miranda and Mrs Molly Miranda, the authors of

ThebookPublicFinanceisauthored by Dr V. Basil Hans, Former Associate Professor of Economics. The book Public Finance is mainly written for Undergraduate students to study fiscal economics in simple language. This book is the result of his research on questions on social choice and public policy. Concepts andtheorieshavebeenexplainedin simple language. It contains model questionsandquestionpapersalso. The Konkani book ‘Kontrelantlem’ written by Mrs Molly Miranda is a translation of a Kannada

A farewell programme was organised for Mrs Nancy Dsouza, Support staff of St Agnes PU College by the management and staff on 24 09 2022.

autobiography “`Nagandigeyolaginda'' published in the year 2019 by Mrs B M Rohini a well known literary figure, who has authored more than 10 classic booksinKannada. Dr Vidya Vinutha welcomed the gathering. Dr Mona Mendonca, Assistant Professor, Department of Historybriefedaboutthebooks.Ms Jyothi Simav Vaz, Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Chemistry compered the programme and proposed the vote ofthanks.

MrsNancyhadputinherseventeen years of service and has taken

voluntary retirement. She was felicitated by the Joint Secretary of StAgnesgroupofInstitutions,DrSr Lydia A.C, Principal Sr Norine DSouza, Vice Principal Sr Janet Sequeira and the staff. Dr Sr Lydia commended Mrs Nancy’s long servicetothecollegeandMr

The programme commenced with the prayer dance. Mrs Shubhavani welcomed the gathering and Mrs

Vincent Rodriguesforhismoral support toher.

Supriya Shenoy rendered the felicitation speech. Mrs Namitha comperedtheprogramme. Mrs

Nancy expressed her gratitude with welled up emotions. The staff and the management wished good luck andabright futureahead.

GandhiJayantiCelebration

St Agnes PU College celebrated Gandhi Jayanti, the International Day of Peace. Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on October 2nd to establish a new India, one basedonnon violence,truth,peace andlove. The event began with a powerful quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shape the

world.” The programme was hosted by Nimra Patel and co-hosted by Rida Thayyeba, Principal Sr Norine DSouza, Vice Principal Sr Janet Sequeira, lecturers and students participatedintheevent.

The occasion was initiated by invokingtheblessingsofGodwitha prayer song. Afreen delivered a phenomenal welcome speech. The event wasinauguratedbythe

Principal by garlanding the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, followed offering flowers by the Vice Principal, staff representatives and

students.Anoath takingceremony was led by Navya, where all students, teachers and guests held uptheirright handinasolemn

promise to honor their motherland andupholdthevaluesofpeaceand non-violence. This was followed by a video presentation depicting the profound thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi. A dance was performed by Suhaaniandgroup.

A Collage Competition was conducted on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on the theme of ‘Truth and Non-Violence,’ an inspiring moral that underpinned thelifeofMahatmaGandhi.

The celebration concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Zohara Hessa.

Mr.FranciscoSardinhafelicitated

Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Rt.

Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha felicitated Mr.Francisco Sardinha Ex Chief Minister of Goa and Member of Parliament, South Goa Lok Sabha Constituency on behalf of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh ® here today at Bishop’s house on October 3rd Catholic Sabha President Mr.Stany Lobo welcomed Mr. Sardhinha and appreciated the good works rendered to our community and also thanked him for his help in renewing RNI Licence of Amcho

Sandesh Monthly magazine publishedbyCatholicSabha. Our Bishop appreciated his long term services to our society in various capacity such as Memberof LegislativeAssembly,Speaker,Chief Minister and as a Member of Parliament. Mr. Sardhinha wholeheartedlythankedBishopand Catholic Sabha for the felicitation andassuredhisassistanceinfuture.

Catholic Sabha Spiritual Director

Rev. Dr. J.B. Sadanha and PRO of Mangalore Diocese Mr. Roy

FDP on e-Content Development

The library and information centre of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru organized a faculty development programme on e Content development for creating educational videos related through different software from 27 Septemberto1October 2022.

“It won’t matter if you don’t create e-content, but it matters if you dilute the value and the quality of the existingcontent,” said N.V. Paulus, Chairman, Global TV after inaugurating the Faculty

Development Programme (FDP) on e Content development. There is a need to digitalize textual teaching and learning materials. It is important for teachers to innovate andupdateinthefieldofeducation from time to time. He said that the library of Agnes College is trying to pass on the traditional world of knowledge to the modern sphere hesaid.

Resource person, Dr Gopakumar V, Head of Digital Knowledge Centre, Thiruvananthapuramsaidthat the

Internet is the window through which we see the world. In the field of education, where once there was importance given only to books, now the internet is gaining momentum. The urgency of the

hour is to pass on the book knowledge to the next generation through digitizing and developing e content, heopined.

Sr Dr. Vinora A.C., Coordinator, St Agnes Centre for Postgraduate StudiesandResearchpresidedover

the function. Sr Clara A.C., Vice Principal and Dr NancyVaz, the Registrar were also present. Dr Vishala B. K., the Librarian and the coordinator of the programme introduced and welcomed the guests. Delia, Assistant Professor of the PG Commerce, compeered the programme and Dr Sapna Kumari,

Professor, Chemistry,

participants - Teachers and

Librarians and Technical Assistance represented by various colleges and schools from Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, and

Dharwad, Shrsi, Raichur, Bangalore, Mysore, Virajpet, Udupi and Dakshina

Infant Jesus

Huge number of vehicles

Kannada were the beneficiaries of theprogramme.

Valedictory was held on 1 October 2022. During the programme the participants presented the educational videos prepared during theFDP. Thethreebest videoswere selected and awarded during the programme. The programme was wellappreciatedbytheparticipants, and they gave positive feedback. The certificates were distributed to theparticipants.

themselves for people. Fr Rovel D'Souza, director of the shrine Fr CharlesSerrao superior, Fr

Michael,

Lancy Luis,

Ivan,

Rudolf

AjourneyfromScarsto star-Myjourney afterrecurrent miscarriages.

Being an only child, I never knew what life’s struggles were about. I was blessed with the most loving parents, a wonderful upbringing, andthebestfacilitiesonecouldever

ask for. Despite being the apple of my parent’s eyes, they ensured that Iwastaughttolivealifeofempathy, mutuallove, anddiscipline.

I was blessed with a wonderful husband, who loved me and encouraged me to be my best. It was beautiful and yes, I lived a fairytalelife.

After two years of marriage, we decided to extend our family and have a baby. I never knew it could turn out to become so challenging.

After a struggle of eight long months, I was pregnant. This was themost beautiful news forme and myhusband.Beingpregnantforthe firsttime,wewereverycautious.We took all precautions to be safe and caredforthelittleoneinmywomb.

Beingontheheavierside,Iwasvery always cautious of my weight and having read a lot of things about howweight couldaffect theunborn baby, I was always cautious and troubled.

Thefirstthreemonthsofpregnancy flew smoothly with continuous bouts of terrible nausea but overall, it was a pleasant period, or I just thought so. One Saturday morning in the 4th month of my pregnancy, forreasonsunknownIlostmybaby. This was a major blow to me! The months following this mishap were not easy. Though physical healing was fast, emotional healing was painfully slow. Yet, in a few months’ time, I recovered and resumed my earlierlifestyle.

My lifestyle was not worth appreciating. It was filled with junk food, lack of exercise and miles awayfromGod.Thiscontinuedfora couple of months. Suddenly society

started pressurizing us to have a baby. That’swhenIrealizedI hadto lose the excess weight I was carrying. Unfortunately, my lack of dedication along with the norms in the society regarding my age and other criteria put me in a dilemma. At last, whenI madeupmymindto take my weight loss goals seriously, I becamepregnant again!

Though this news was good, I was confused since I was intent on losingweightandpregnancymeant a full stop to my weight goals. Yet, with a strong heart, I went ahead with the pregnancy and gave it my best shot. Since I had a history of miscarriage, I wasadvisedcomplete bed rest, a protein rich diet, injections, medicines and the like. However, despite all these efforts I suffered a miscarriage in my fifth month of pregnancy and lost my baby again. It was something my family and I could not stomach. It was horrific and beyond what I had expected. My family and friends were shocked, and I was in deep remorse. I thought this was the end ofmydreamsandwishes.

People around me were sympathetic. Some were genuinely concerned while others were looking for reasons to find faults. One of the harsh comments I receivedwasaboutmyweight–that it was my weight that had caused the loss of my babies. Though this comment was hard to swallow, it awakened a sense of guilt and shame in me. I started blaming myself for the whole episode. However, after a visit to my doctor and his assurance that the miscarriageshadnothingtodowith my weight, I was relieved. Yet, I knew I had to take things seriously andchangemylifestyle.

The journey after the miscarriages was hard but in a way it was beautiful.Idiscoveredalotofthings and learnt some of the most important lifelessons.

I realized that miscarriage was not God’s plan. Many of them around told me it is God’s plan you need to accept it. As much as I accepted it, I realized it was the devils work and I must resist it. I decided to face the situation with faith and seek the

supportofthealmighty.Ilearntthat it was ok to talk about miscarriage, butnotnegatively.Ilearnttotalkto other women and share the good news that, miracles happen, and nothing is impossible to the almighty.

I started treating my body with respect. Our body is God’s temple, and we need to respect it and take careofit.No,notjust physicallybut emotionally and we need to stop speakingnegativelyagainst it. Most importantly I learnt not to base my decisions on what others said but pray to God to discern what is right andactaccordingly.

Thedaysfollowingthemiscarriage were not easy. There were aches, pains, and frustrations. But slowly I startedtoheal. I startedreadingmy Bible, I started listeningto the word ofGodandspendingtimeinprayer. Thisbecamethebestremedyformy wounded heart. My growing intimacy with God made me realize that miscarriage was not his will for me but the devil’s evil design. I also realizedWhenwehavefaithinHim, thingswillchange, andmiraclesdo

happen.

Further,Idecidedtotakemyweight loss goals seriously. Though my weight had nothing to do with the miscarriage,IdecidedIneedtotreat my body with respect and not continue with an unhealthy body. I do not mind how many months it would take and who would be disappointed, But I would reduce my excess weight and become a healthy mom. I have begun taking baby steps and the results are beginning to show. I am sure I would be able to lose the excess baggageofmybodysoon.

Next,Idecidedtowriteaboutissues which are considered taboo. Earlier

I was very diplomatic and was worried about what others would think if I wrote on sensitive issues. But after my miscarriage, I realized that it is necessary to write about everything more so about issues that you feel and care about. I have begun to write about topics which are sad along with topics that are happy. This decision is indirectly empowering me and making me a strong voice to bring out the issues

which are otherwise considered to benon existent.

Though for many people around me, my loss was miserable, I began torealizemyscarwasturningoutto be a bright star, because my Jesus was comforting me. Losing a baby washardbut thedaysthatfollowed turned out to be better. I began to change my unhealthy lifestyle and started heading towards a healthy one. I have begun to pursue my interests and most importantly I have begun to trust and rely on the Supreme Power. For many people, God may be fiction but after my miscarriage, he has turned into a reality. Myspiritualjourneyhas

BySonal Lobo,Bangalore

made me hopeful, and joyful and given me a reason to live and love again!

Walsh University students enlightened by Indian Americans ‘Survivor Story’

Walsh University is a Catholic University welcoming student from 46 states and 35 countries offering undergraduate, graduate, and online adult accelerated degree programs, Walsh’s ultimate mission is to develop leaders in service to others.

On September 24, 222, Walsh University organized a Community Freedom Summit on Labor Trafficking in Ohio and Globally at Akron Canton. Kathie Gray, President, Not for Sale: OneStepAtATimeinvitedcrusader Indian AmericanHarold D’Souza to

sharehissurvivor story.

Keynote speaker at the event was Sarah Anjum, Senior Staff Attorney at AdvocatingOpportunity.

Not For Sale: One Step at A Time is anon profitorganizationdedicated topreventinghumantraffickingand providing education to bring awareness to this modern-day tragedy.

Theresa Barbato, Licensed School Counselorsharedherfeelingstothe press; “Have you ever had someone speak to the spirit in your soul? Today, Harold D’Souza’s personal

Harold has a natural way of educating his eager audiences on a topic which can leave one feeling down and discouraged, yet I felt encouraged, uplifted, and inspired afterhisfinalwords!

Audiences from far and wide need to hear his hopeful messages today!”.

story did just that… igniting the passion within me to continue serving those in vulnerable populations who may be helpless victims as Harold once was. I was bothmovedandmotivated.

I have served at-risk youth in Canton, Ohio for 35 years as a teacher and school counselor in an inner city public school system. I have been passionate about anti human trafficking efforts for the past 20 years, hearing countless survivorstelltheirstories.Just when I thought I had heard it all, Harold D’Souza shared personal details of hisjourneyfromtragedytotriumph as a victim of labor trafficking. Harold did so in such a down to earth, personal way that I felt like I was transported back to the time and place where the actual heartbreakinginstancesoccurred.

More then 500 students and community members did the One MileFreedomWalk.Unitewithusas we walk for those who have been silenced by the tragedy of human trafficking…one step at a time.

KathieGraysaid, thankyouHarold

Harold D'Souza

*

that roasted powder, star

cloves into chicken and stir

andmix well

tomatoes, stir well

5 mins on medium

tomatoes become soft

1 cup of hot water

*Meantimetakeasaucepanandfry

medium flame

for a while on low flame

spice powder

no. 4 to until raw smell goes and aroma

KANNENIVOL

flame and garnish

PALADE

LADY FISHCURRY

days before the baby's birth as postnatal care. Its a unique dish filled with flavours, very healthy

KANNE NIVOL | PALADE

LADY FISHAJWAINCURRY

One of my favourite Mangalorean

Traditional fish curries. This is specially given for mothers a few

Ajwain

Carom seeds makes this curryveryflavoursome

be added

be prepared

NIVOLWITHOUT ADDEDFISH