Veez Global Illustrated English Weekly e-Magazine.

Mandd Sobhann’s 250th Monthly Theatre

Presented With Great Pomp

MediaRelease

Mangaluru, Oct 4: Mandd Sobhann has created another record in the history of performing arts.The250thMonthlyTheatrewas presented with great enthusiasm. Mother Konkani’s crown was decoratedwiththepearlsof11new Konkani songs. The full packed audience that was present at Kalaangann on October 2, experiencedamusicalheaven.

Secretary of Sumell, Raina Sequeira welcomed everyone and founder of Aangann Konknnechem, Riyadh –Arun Palimar gave a start to the

programme by ringing the bell.

Gurkar Eric Ozario, President Louis

PintoandsecretaryKishore

Fernandezwaspresent

NelluPermannur, oneofthe directors of Comedy Company,

Mo’nshakullachi Srushtti

Cliyon D’Silva, Bajjodi)

5.Pinzo’l’limKupam (Lyrics:Wilson Kateel/Tune:CajetanDias/Singers: RobinSequeira& ShilpaCutinha)

6. Mai Tujya Mogak Runni (Lyrics: Janet Flavy Monteiro / Tune: Eric Ozario & Sonal Monteiro / Singer: SimoneMonteiro)

7.Mho’jemMho’ll’llemKitenchNa–

(Lyrics & Tune: Irine Rebello, Kulshekar / Singers: Elton Pinto & Melvita D’Souza)

8. Bhonvari Ye (Lyrics: Alban D’Silva/Tune:JeevanSiddi/Singer: Prajoth D’Sa)

9. Amorecho Ve’ll (Lyrics: Titus Noronha, Taccode / Tune: Eric Ozario/Singer: KetanCastelino)

10. Zho’ddlam No’ktir Zho’ddlam(Lyrics: Rony Crasta Kelarai / Tune: Joel Pereira / Singer: Ashwin D’Costa)

11. Nach No’ra (Lyrics & Tune: Lloyd Rego / Singers: Steven Cutinha& RobinSequeira)

On this occasion, Sumell celebrated the International Music Day and felicitated Roshan Martis Kadri. Sumell convenor Sunil Monteiro gave a brief introduction while Kavitha George read out the felicitation. Irine Rebello compared the programme. Mother of Roshan

Martis, Shevrin Martis was present onthedais.

In response to the honour, Roshan MartisthankedManddSobhann for the honour and he also expressed his gratitude towards his teachers and his parents. He said that during the difficult times in his life, he foundpeaceinmusic,andhewishes to share the same peace with hundreds of his students. He also assuredhimofhissupporttoSumell intheirmusicalactivities. The music team led by Roshan Bela (lead guitar) created a beautiful musical world. The team consisted of Sachin Sequeira (Drums), Sanjay Rodrigues (Keyboard) and Stalin D’Souza (Bass Guitar).

At the beginning of the show, Eric Ozario launched the ‘Ko’r Natto’k’ short play competition. This social themed short play competition is organised by Comedy Company for invitedtroupesonly.

Sound was provided by Surabhi Sounds and lighting by Kingsley Nazareth. Photography by Stanly Bantwal and Video by Raveen Martis. Wilfred Pinto (Art Creators) handled the stage setting. Sweets weredistributedat the entrance.

LicenceTo Kill&Promote SexualPromiscuity?

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India on 29 September 2022 declared in its judgement that unmarried women are also entitledto seek abortionof pregnancy in the term of 20 24 weeks, arising out of a consensual relationship."Allwomenareentitled to safe and legal abortion. Distinction between married and unmarried women is

unconstitutional” said the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud, Surya Kant and A.S. Bopanna.

It may be useful to recall here that theIndianParliamenthadamended the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act 1971, a year

ago on 24 September 2021. This Amendment had extended legalization of abortion upto 24 weeks under some special circumstances (while originally it was upto 20 weeks). Among the specialcircumstanceswhichmakea woman entitled to terminate her pregnancy (abortion) is when marital status changes during pregnancy (e.g., divorce, widowhood).

The learned judges, however, thought that restricting the benefit ofthislawonlytomarriedpeopleis too restrictive interpretation of the

rule. According to this judgement “the artificial distinction between married and single woman is not constitutionally sustainable. The benefits in law extend equally to both single and married women”.

Background

The case in point was a Manipuri unmarried woman, aged 25, who approached the Delhi High Court seeking termination of her pregnancy of 23 weeks and 5 days stating that her partner of consensualrelationshiphadrefused to marry her, and she did not want to give birth to the child. The Delhi High Court refused relief to her stating that an unmarried woman whose pregnancy arose out of a consensual relationship, was not coveredbyanyoftheClausesunder theMTP Rules, 2003.

She then approached the Supreme Court which, on 21st July 2022 passed an interim order allowing her to abort her pregnancy. “The rights of reproductive autonomy give an unmarried woman similar right as a married woman.

Therefore, including only married and excluding unmarried women will be violation of Article 14 of the Constitution. The rights of reproductive autonomy, dignity, and privacy and Article 21 give an unmarried woman the right of choice on whether to bear a child, on a similar footing of a married woman”.

NotJustLegalbutMoralIssue

We must note here that any direct abortion,atanystageofpregnancy, is immoral. What is legal is not necessarily moral. Many things may be legally permissible in a Civil Societybutthatdoesnotmeanthat they are also by that fact morally acceptable. As human beings we have obligation not only to follow the State laws but also God’s law. And if civil law goes against natural law or divine law, the moral obligation is to follow the natural lawordivinelaw.

The supreme Court Judgement upholds the rights of a woman, her reproductive rights, autonomy, dignity, and privacy but the

fundamental right to life of the innocent, weak, voiceless, and defenceless child in the womb is totally ignored and blatantly violated.

Sacredness and Inviolability of HumanLife

It further teaches: “From the time that the ovum is fertilized, a life is begun which is neither that of the father nor of themother; it is rather the life of a new human being with his own growth. It will never be made human if it were not human already”(No.12). Furthermore, “The child itself, when grown up, will never have the right to choose suicide; no more may his parents choosedeathforthechildwhileitis notofanagetodecideforitself.Life is too fundamental a value to be weighed against even very serious disadvantages”. (No.14)

The judgement goes against the sacredness and inviolability of human life, which is a precious gift from God.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in its Declaration on Procured Abortion (1974) states that the human person has certain rights which are known as “human rights” and the first right of the human person is right to life. This is fundamental, the condition of all the others. Hence it must be protectedaboveallothers. (No.11)

Vatican II Pastoral Constitution, GaudiumetSpesteaches with very clear and unequivocal terms that human life must be respected and protected: “Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.” (G.S.51)

The Church has always, from the first century itself, affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion.IntheDidache´itisclearly said: “You shall not kill by abortion

the fruit of the womb and you shall notmurdertheinfantalreadyborn.” This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to moral law (cf. CCC 2271)

St. John Paul II, the great defender of life, describes the pitiable plight of the innocent, weak and defenceless child in the womb: “The one eliminated is a human being at the very beginning of life. No one more innocent could be imagined. In no way could this human being ever be considered an aggressor, much less an unjust aggressor! He or she is weak , defenceless, even to the point of lacking that minimal form of defence consisting in the poignant power of a new born baby’s cries and tears. The unborn child is totally entrusted to the protection and care of the woman carrying him or her in the womb. Andyetsometimesitispreciselythe mother herself who makes the decisionandasksforthechildtobe eliminated, and who then goes

about having it done.” (Evangelium Vitae,58)

Pope St. John Paul II strongly condemned abortion as a grave moral disorder: “Therefore, by the authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his Successors, in communion with Bishops…… I declarethatdirectabortion,thatis abortionwilledasanendorasa means,alwaysconstitutesagrave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent humanbeing.Thisdoctrineisbased on the natural law and upon the written Word of God, is transmitted by the Church’s Tradition and taughtbytheordinaryanduniversal Magisterium” (E.V.62)

Towards a Promiscuous and PermissiveSociety?

The Supreme Court Verdict and certain observations of the learned judges such as, “law must be interpreted keeping in mind changing social mores; as societal norms and mores change, law must also adapt. Changing social mores must be borne in mind while

interpreting provisions. Societal realities indicate the need to recognise legally non-traditional family structures” etc., can be misleading. Likely such comments would encourage more live-in relationships,consensualandcasual sex, pre marital and extra marital sex. It would call in question the age-old institution of marriage and family which are essential and fundamental to a stable society. It would further promote sexual promiscuity and a permissive mentality in the society because people know that if any unwanted pregnancy occurs it can be terminated at any time even as late as24weeks.

The verdict said, “All women are entitledtosafeandlegalabortions”. DoesourConstitutiongrantanyone the right or licence to kill? Abortion is direct killing of an innocent person in the womb. How can anyone be entitled to kill an innocent person in the womb? As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches “Human life is sacredbecausefromitsbeginningit

involvesthecreativeact ofGodand it remains forever in a special relationshipwiththeCreator,whois itssoleend.GodaloneistheLordof lifefromthebeginninguntilitsend: noonecanunderanycircumstances claimforhimselftherightdirectlyto destroy an innocent human being.”

(CCC 2258)

What is a safe abortion? Safe for whom? Only for the woman (mother)? What about the safety and security of the innocent, voiceless and defenceless child in thewomb?Whowillprotectitifnot the mother in the first place, and then the Judiciary, Legislature and Doctors?

Conclusion

All of us have the great duty and responsibilitytorespectandprotect innocent life in the womb from the moment of conception to natural

TributetoLate CecilChristopherNoronhaIAS

-ByhisyoungerSonJatinPrabhu

Evenafteraperson has gained a lot in stature it is inevitablethat they are referred to as son, husband, father, cousin,

colleague, grandfather ...President, Minister, Official and so on. Mr. Cecil Christopher Noronha

IAS (Aug 22, 1938 - Oct 5, 2022), is an accomplished achiever and all

rounder beyonddoubt, a gentleman and intellectual ...all to the Nth degree. Cecil the son of Charles Noronha and the great grandson of the first Catholic settlerof Bangalore Joseph Noronha of the 'Prabhu' clan of Falnir, Mangalore. His first ancestor hails from Pezar from a family who escaped Tipu's Captivity by slipping intoMalabarandreturningafterthe death of Tipu in 1799. Cecil had a distinguished career in the IAS, his crowning glory was the appointment as Chief Secretary Govt of Karnataka in 1996. He married Ranee,daughter of John GratianPeres andNellieneeLoboRanee an educationist and counsellor in 1966 at St.Patrick's Church in Bangalore. They had two sons Jaideep and Jatin Prabhu who arefeelingthelossdeeply.

Mr.Cecil Noronha's last rites were held on Friday October 7, 2022, PM at St.Patrick's Church, Brigade Road followed by Cremation at Wilson Garden, Bangalore, and his ashes laid to rest at the graves of his parents, asperhisexpresswish.

fortunate to get to read firsthand here, a loving tribute from his younger son Jatin Prabhu. VEEZ extendsheartfelt symp[athiesatthe death of this illustrious and largeheartedKonkianiMangalorean andisgratefultobeableto publish here the tribute for all to read and beinspired. -EDITOR.

The Author with his dad on his last 84thBirthday August 22, 2022.

OvertoAuthorJatinPrabhu:

My darling father passed away peacefully in a bed at St. Philomena’s Hospital, Bangalore on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 5th, 2022. Despite being pitted in battle against old age, brain ruptures, a troublesome gut and severe diabetes, the image of tranquilitywasclearlywrittenacross hisface.

I arrived at his room soon after the medics informed me that he had slippedaway.Allayingmyshockand grief was what seemed like a smile embossed on his countenance. Perhaps this was the expression of an earthling signing off at the end ofarich, full, andcontentedlife.

However, my Dada’s time on earth was fraught with challenges right from the get go, being all 11 years oldwhenhisfatherCharlieNoronha bit the dust. However, Cecil’s

leadership skills surfaced almost immediately, earning him the distinction of House Boy at St. Joseph’s Boys High School,Bangalore, in1954. Afewyears laterit would seem that he had taken over the baton from his father, as he too became an Indian Civil Servant. Appointed to the newly formed Karnataka Cadre, he was moved around the state quite a bit. And joining in this carousel was first, his pretty bride Raneeandthen,theircutefirst-born Jaideep.

Prior to marriage, Cecil earned anotherdistinction:Presidentofthe

All Indian Catholic Union Student’s Federation. In fact, it was at a

conference of this association in Belgaum that Raneecaught hiseye. But it was on a subsequent visit to Calcuttathatshecapturedhisheart. With the consent of the Peris Patriarch (my Abba John), the Two became One and moved to Bangalore.

Administrative posts in places like Karwar, Belgaum and Delhi eagerly awaited Cecil and Family. And the Breadwinner was not disappointed at tackling his various commissions and assignments. But the little man ofthehouse Jaideep wasgetting impatient for a younger sibling. Finally, 13 years his junior and one miscarriage from his Mummy later, Jaideep got to welcome Jatin as his kidbrother.

What followed were six glorious years in Goa, where Cecil fulfilled the role of Chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust. It was at the regal Harbour House in Vasco town

that the Noronhas played host to several family and friends who convergedfromfarandwide.Inthis picturesque hamlet, beach picnics and joyous sing alongs were virtuallytheorderoftheday. Then in the late 1980s, Karnataka reintegrated Cecil. Here, he added Revenue Secretary and Home Commissiontohisportfolio.Butthe National Capital grabbed the accomplished bureaucrat back, getting him involved in prime infrastructure projects. Then, with his retirement in sight, Cecil got to return to his hometown where he was accorded a deserving send off as Chief Secretary of Karnataka state.

But an illustrious career was only onefacet ofthisdistinguishedman. Those who were close to him will recall his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and classic Hollywood cinema. In fact, one half of his vast bookcase is dedicated to Movies and the other half to Fiction, Science, Religion, and the Cosmos. Over the years, Cecil even accumulated film posters, video cassettes and DVDs in the thousands, puttinganyfilm library

ormuseum toshame.

Cecil was also infused with insatiable wanderlust. Indeed, his restless feet saw him travel to the ends of the earth – from the mystical mist of Machu Picchu to thegaudygarishnessofShanghaito the monochrome bush of southern Africa. He also embarked on whirlwind tours of Europe and the U.S., his trusted organiser (Mom Ranee)inhand.

about the Afterlife. One theory of ourswasthatifoneweretolivethis life sincerely, then one would be rewarded with a favourable occupation in the next. And so, it would follow that given Dad’s passion for cinema, he might wind up becoming a film studio boss: readingscriptsandassigning roles. But beyond all these prized aspects oftheman,theCecilNoronhathatI will cherish the most is that of a dedicatedfamilyman.Ifondlyrecall him coaxing me to sleep as a toddler saying, “Jatin, you just cheepy my chun” and in my adolescence, taking me on my maiden tour of Europe, before organising my higher studies in the U.S.

Plus,apatronofthearts,heproudly stoodontheboardoftheBangalore SchoolofMusic.Healsotookmuch prideinallowingtheneedletodrop upon each of his many LP records. Plus, with philanthropy flowing in his veins, he functioned as a trustee fortheSeemaNazarethEndowment fortheGirlChild.

When Daddy and I used to chat in hislateryears,wewouldswapideas

Plus, he usually exuded an aura of calm and composure, being able to think rationally when the rest of his

family were losing their heads. Furthermore, his discipline at work extended to home too. On being diagnosedwithdiabetesinhisearly 40s, he resolved to follow a strict diet, exercise, and medicinal regimenfortherest ofhislife. Being a human being, he was of course, not berefting of flaws. Once suchwashishabitofcuttinghiswife off, often with wrong information! This tendency would provoke the flustered woman to retort with the exasperated phrase: “What are you saying, Cecil?!” He also admitted that sports were never his strong suit, earnestly playing cricket, football and hockey and being equally bad at all three!

Your life is celebrated, but your death is grieved by your two progeny – Jaideep and Jatin, your daughter in law Angeles, your grandchildrenGabrielandAlba,and scores of other relatives as well as friends and colleagues. I imagine

that a lot of your departed contemporaries,notleastofallyour late wife, have planned a grand welcomeforyouinheaven.

remain in your shadow. Till we are reunited in the World Beyond, let mesaywithallmyheart,“Iloveyou, my dear, daring Dada”.

SOME PICTURES OF OLD MEMORIES:

As I bid adieu to you, dear Dada, I will miss having you around the house and in my life. I will crave receiving your articulate whatsapp messages every morning even though we were living under the same roof. I will feel the deep void in your bedroom chair where you would peruse the newspaper. I will feel an awful silence in the balcony where you endeavoured to walk everyafternoon.

Food at the dining table will not satiate me as much as when you were seated across it. Watching movies henceforth will be anempty experience without your enlightening commentary. However, all this apart, I will feel yourlegacyliveoninme.This,even thoughfortherest ofmylife, I shall

In the Driver's Seat and Going Places at age 2, 1941.

ToddlerCecilflankedbyhis parents CharlieandLizzieandsiblingsTrixie,

Donning the smart Blue & Silver uniform of St. Joseph's Boys High School, early 1950s.

Putting those oratory skills to good use as President of the All India CatholicStudentsUnionFederation, circa 1960.

Mother Lizzie with Children Cecil, Flavia and Vivian on the oldest child's First Holy Communion, circa 1945, Bangalore.

Cecilsecondfromtheleft,attheLBS National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, UP, 1962. TwoBecomeOne:CecilwedsRanee (neePeris), Jan2, Bangalore, 1966.

years of blissful marriage, Delhi, 1991.

Ring out the old, ring in the new: CeciltakesoverasChiefSecretaryof Karnataka, early 1996. He was to retire8monthslater.

Dhirubhai Ambani International Schoolat thetime.

Cecil with wife Ranee and sister FlaviainMachu Picchu, Peru, 2012.

CecilonPilgrimage:attheMountof Olives, Jerusalem, 2006.

The Noronhas welcome Daughter in law Angeles, Mumbai, 2005. Ranee was Principal of the

Cecil shows off his Classic Hollywood Movie Poster Collection fortheTimesofIndia, early2010s,

celebrates his 84th and last birthday in life, August 2022.

parents,

and his wife Ranee's body at her last rites' ceremony, St. Philomena's Hospital, Bangalore,

body arrives at St. Patrick's Church for his funeral service two day after his death on Oct 5, 2022. As per his wishes, Cecil's remains werecrematedandhisashesburied at his father Charles Noronha's grave at Hosur Cemetery, Bangalore..

ATributetoGEM

Diaspora-Pioneers

PhilomenaLawrenceandGilbertLawrence,

Authors:InsightsintoColonialGoa,

PublishedviaAmazoninpaperbackande-book. Paperback8”x11”is330pagesAmazonPublisher Thee-bookis635pagesKindlePublisher

e maillink: InsightsintoColonialGoa Arriving at their Destination and SettlingintheirnewHomes

On the voyage to the African colonies, the passengers soon realized they were on a ship with many other GEMs, all displaying apprehension on their faces. In steerage,thesituationcouldbestbe described as overcrowded, and the

common room was the only luxury. Some passengers successfully concealed their nervousness and appeared cheerful. Traveling on board the ship was a new and terrifying experience, even if they did not have to deal with seasickness. When the weather was rough, passengers clung to each

otherortoanythingthatwashandy to keep from being washed overboard. Few escaped the agony of sea sickness, unsanitary conditions, spoiled food, putrefied water, and terrifying rodents, which led to a high risk of shipboard diseases such as typhoid, cholera, (shipfever)typhus,anddysentery.If a storm approached, the hatches were battened down, and the passengerswereconfinedtoaplace with no light and little air. To bring some levity to the tension filled rooms, some passengers assumed the roles of entertainers. They provided livelyentertainment inthe form of jokes and funny anecdotes. After the storm subsided, the passengers could walk on deck to admire the sky resplendent with stars since there was no environmental pollution then. As they approached their destination, anticipation replaced anxiety as they drank in the beauty of the East African coastline. The émigrés arrived cramped, homesick, seasick, andterrifiedbut gratefultobe alive and to have arrived at their destination. Finally, theboat wasmooredat the

port. The quay at the port beyond the customs offices was noisy and overcrowded with a happy throng of people elbowing one another. The natives, all dressed in strange clothes and sporting unusual hairstyles, warmly welcomed the newcomers. After landing on terra firmaandmakingtheirwaythrough jostling crowds, the immigrants felt like bullfighters entering the arena, with one important difference they needed to contact the person assignedtopickthemup. Thelucky ones were met by friends, relatives, or relatives of a friend, or friends of a relative. Those who migrated in later decades and to countries in Europeandbeyond,mostlikelyflew to their destinations but nonetheless faced similar challenges physical, emotional, and psychological. These new arrivals also had to get used to being referred to as newbies, off the boaters, off the boaters, rookies, novices, neophytes, and disoriented immigrants. At first, they were shy, clumsy and amateurish, but soon their charm was irresistible. The guys brushed theirhairoverhisforeheadwiththe full palm of his hand, while the

womenpattedtheirhairdown. Yet, the often unattractive young nerds were headed for the top. Some GEMs without leaving the OT had mastered the art of banter and blarneyandoncetheysettleddown, they could deliver a virtuoso performance.

After thetraumatictranscontinental journey, it was time for “the rubber to meet the road.” The new arrivals had to lean on their cordial family connections for help in securing available (and affordable!) residences as well as suitable jobs. The émigré’s goal was to assimilate into the bourgeois society of their adopted country; if nothing else, they aimed “to be like the Joneses,” tobeliked,aswellastobeaccepted by members of their own community. They reminded themselvesofthecomfortingadvice they were given before they left home: “There are no strangers, only friends you have not yet met.” The first day spent on “foreign” soil was amomentousonefortheémigrés they had to adjust to a new time zoneandrealizethattheirlong held dreamofemigratingfromIndiawas indeed a reality. It was a new

chapter in the émigré's life. Buoyed withenthusiasmanddetermination, they stoically faced the unbearable summer heat, humidity, and prevalent chronic diseases. The overwhelming realization was that they now had indoor plumbing, running hot and cold water, as well as the luxury of a shower instead of a “bucket bath.” With little time to acclimatizetothenewcountry,Ihad to make my way to the three job interviews that had been previously lined up by me. Fortunately, I got the first job I interviewed for, which hastened the process of starting workandsettlingdown.

As most émigrés understand, migrationisnottheendoftheroad but the start of a new experience, onewhichwouldprovidethemwith much needed insights and wisdom. They are mentally prepared for setbacks, frustrations, and disappointments but they also are convinced that progress must and will go on. A part of the winning strategy was for the Greenhorns to turn on the BP (Big Persona), which oftenneededalittlepolishing.They earnestly embarked on making friends without making the

headlines in the local newspaper’s gossip columns. The first goal was to link up with other recent arrivals, who probably also experienced a battered psyche, vastly different from the mindset they enjoyed as members of the pampered strata in the old country. The newly formed social groups enjoyed the camaraderie that developed from sharing details of common problems and hardships endured, as well as from being united by a growingspiritofmutualidentity. In this new place, there was nobody who would preface a statement or request with a kindly babba-putha (beloved son). Young adults no doubt interjected the conversations with bawdy jokes, which received sympathetic glances between the oldermembers.

Understandably, the GEMs missed the members of their families who were left behind and the unpretentious style of living in the sturdyhomesthathadservedasthe family residence for several generations. The challenge the

VEEZ

newcomers faced was how to preserve their traditional culture whilemovingboldlyintothefuture. That freedom came with responsibility for every facet of life, both important and trivial. The immediate task is to find someone whohasaspareroomtorentwithin the strictly racially defined neighborhoods. Every meal needed to be paid for; the rent, bills for electricity and running water were all due at the end of each month. The newcomers soon realized that theadoptedcountrywasno utopia. The colonists had established a layered and compartmentalized society with well-defined glass boundaries. The demarcation existed even within the white community and on ships. As had been reported, those with IrishScot last names got blue collar postings; Anglo Saxons last names received the working officers’ appointments, while the sailors with Norman

French last names got the prestigious positions as captains, lieutenants, andadmirals. (Tobecontinued)

India’s Urban Crisis: Garbage Mountains and Dangerous Air

(PhilipMudartha)

On 27th January 2016, I woke up to experience one of the worst smogs everaroundmysuburbanresidence in Navi Mumbai. I saw images of thick smog blanketing entire residentialneighborhoodsinNorthEast Mumbai which worried

residents posted on social media. I learnt soon that a continuous mystery fire had broken out at Mumbai’s largest waste landfill in Deonar.

The fire was so big it was visible fromspace:

The above picture of Mumbai captured by NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite was telecast on NDTV. The

NASA image showed plumes of smoke rising from the Deonar landfillandspreadingtothe city, its

suburbs and into the sea. As the fires continued to rage, air quality levels plummeted to record low levels in the city and the suburbs, resulting in the closure of over 70 schools. Deonar landfill is located in the north eastern suburban region of Mumbai. The waste dump is spread across 326 acres with 30 meters high trash mountains, as high as a nine story building. It is the biggest ofthecity'sthreedumpinggrounds with 5,500MT of waste brought in daily. Air passengers flying into or fromthecitywholandatortakeoff from CSM Airport (located in Santa Cruz) can look down through the windows and spot the garbage. Roadusersaretreatedtothearoma of methane and other obnoxious gases emanating from the rotting garbage on a daily basis. The clinics and hospitals in the neighborhood report highest cases of pulmonary illnessesamongtheirpatients. The promised waste treatment plans:

TheBMC hadannouncedclosure of Deonar Garbage dump by 2008. It promised to install incineration plants and generate electricity from the waste stored for over a century. An alternate dumping ground in Kanjur Marg was set up. However, nothing was heard of the Deonar plan.

The"mountainsofgarbage"dotting India's cities will soon be replaced with waste treatment plants, PM Narendra Modi promised in October 2021. By that time, the Deonar garbage mountain had reacheditsnewheightequivalentof an18 storytower!

A year has gone by without visible progress on the ground. The “waste pickers”, mostly very poor women and young girls residing in the sprawling slums nearby, go about their business. From the gloopy trash, they pick up plastic bottles, glass, wire, electrical and computer hardware and broken mobile phones to sell in the city's thriving waste markets. But most of all she looksoutforbrokenmobilephones.

As the women go about their business unmindful of the health hazards, the decomposing waste continues to release noxious gases such as methane, hydrogen sulphideandcarbonmonoxide.The 2016firelastedafewmonthsbefore the city fire brigades could put it out. Such fires at landfills contributed 11% of particulate matter, a major cause of air pollution in the city, according to a 2011 study by India's pollution regulator. ThereisalsoacourtcaseinMumbai filed26yearsagotoclosedownthe

Deonar grounds, but the dumping of waste continues as of today, the 8th of October 2022. The Swatch Bharat Swasth Bharat Abhiyan and the associated cesses the central government has imposed on citizenrycontinueaswell.

I cough sporadically due to allergy

The distance between Deonar GarbageDumpandmyresidencein Nerul, Navi Mumbai is about nine miles as the crow flies. There is Turbe Garbage Dump only three miles away to receive waste from NaviMumbai.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal

Corporation (NMMC) operates an online monitoring station based at Airoli across the Thane Creek and provides real time Air Quality Index (AQI) on its website. At the hour, (9:30 a.m. on 8th Oct 2022), the AQI is 20 (good). That is because of rains. However, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India which another government body which monitors 10 stations spread across the island city, suburbs and Navi Mumbai reports its data for Airoli station as PM 10 of 74, PM 2.5 of 71, Nitrous Oxides of 81, and ozone of 10. Its advisory is “precaution”. By global standards, it is “moderate” AQI. Once the monsoon rains go away and winter sets in, the AQI moves into “unsatisfactory” category. Then an advisory is posted “for residents to avoid outdoor activity” . Under such conditions which prevail for most of the year, SAFAR website generally state: “Everyone may

experience health effects, avoid outdoor activity. It is advisable to use pollution masks.”

Because I lived for thirty-plus years in a tiny industrial village in Qatar, which is one of the worst polluted places in the world, my lungs have learnttodetectpoorairquality.Iam prone to cough sporadically due to the allergy to pollutants, especially nitrousoxide.

OurexistingCitiesaredecaying

Our national vision is creation of 100 smart cities. Yet, our existing citiesaredecayingduetoneglect.

The pollution problem of Delhi makes global headlines. Diplomatic personnel and foreign press correspondents routinely request transfers out of Delhi after a short stint. They opt not to bring their spouses and children to live with them, in order not to expose them to the health risks. The Supreme Court has taken over the problem and is not only supervising the implementation of remedial measures but admonishing executive establishment for its

lackadaisical attitude and political leadership for engaging in blame game.

Bangaluru, the garden city of yore, theretirees’paradise,theIThuband envyofformerUSPresidentObama for its nerdy human resources has its streets littered with overflowing garbage. Its lakes and water bodies often catch fire, with bio degrading rotting waste and industrial chemicals dumped into them which emit methane and other combustible gases. Neither the state government nor the corporations, controlled by rival politicians, have displayed any sense of urgency to accept that thereisagravepollutionproblem. Chennai suffers annually from severe flooding disasters. Lack of city planning and reckless construction over water bodies is blamed. Mumbai too had its Great Floods in 2005 which are forgotten withpassingreferencestotheevent by NGO activists marking the anniversary.

Our own Udupi town, a small urban settlement by any standards, is incapable to provide safe and uninterrupted drinking water. Prominent and long time residents are disgusted with the situation mismanaged by corrupt officials and the corporators. Some of them advocate civic revolt against the establishment.

The Sanitation workers are not paidtheirsalariesformonths! It is not uncommon for the sanitationworkersofourcitiestogo on strike, demanding that their salaries be paid on time. Delhi is a glaring example where the AAP controlled city state government and the BJP controlled municipal corporations regularly blame each other for the non payment or delay in paying the sanitation workers. Often, they resort to dumping garbageonthecityroads,highways and upscale residential neighbourhoods with the intent of spreading diseases to the rich, the mightyandthe powerfulofthecity.

and urbanization

GDP growth as promised during every national election. What is delivered to fulfil these promises? Legitimate questions as our cities face an existential crisis due to apatheticcivicadministration.

BelovedTempleCrocodile

'Babiya'nomore

CrocodileBabiyawhowaspopularly known as Devara Mosale of the Ananthapura Sree Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple near Kumble near Mangalore, has passed away. Babiya, who resided in the lake of the temple for several years was offered the Naivedyam of the Lord after pooja every day. It is claimed the croc was purely vegetarian.

Babiya had sprung a surprise some timebackbycomingoutofthelake and appearing near the Temple. There is a belief that Babiya guarded Lord Ananthapadmanabha who resided in the lake, Babiya used to often movefromitslaketoanother large lake of the temple. It is being said that the temple lake had a crocodile during the preindependence times and that the Britishhadshotitdead.Laterababy crocodile appeared in the lake, it is believed.Itisbelievedthiscrocodile

lived 70 years, the temple has no records of its existence or how it reachedthis temple pond.

For some days Babiya was suffering from age related illness and was under treatment. However, on Sunday night it was found floating in the lake. It was later brought outside where it was placed for the public in a freezer box to pay their last respects. The solemn final rites were held on October 10th in the eveningamidst sadness.

What about your

“ME” time?

absolute truth in his talk. He says women at a point of time can think hundreds of things, whereas a man can think only about one thing at a time.

-SonalLobo

Writing had always been my passion. Penning my thoughts was, isandhad beenthebest part ofmy life, untilI got married. Most of you might have heard the famouscomedian,RussellPeters;he beautifullyexplainshowthebrainof a man and that of a woman works. It might seem funny but there is

This is what happened to me after I got married, my mind deviated and did a lot of things and my hobbies and preferences slowly started taking a backstage. The world around me conveniently pacified me saying it was adjustment and normal. Managing the house, working,cookingandtakingcareof afamilywasbeautifulbutamidst all this I was missing something. I was missingtheME.

As a working woman, I felt balancing work and home was my all-time biggest achievement and I neednothavetodoanythingmore. Slowly this attitude changed into laziness and eventually the spare

timeIhadwastimeinfrontofTVor mobile and rest everything took a backstage. OnausualdayasIwassittingalong with my husband watching television, he started praising and said the actress whose movie we were watching was a complete woman. He went on to compliment her and spoke about how talented she was and how she was adorning different caps and juggling her careerbeautifully.

As usual my womeninstincts made me jealous and I started to argue saying it was easy for her and she had a lot of help whereas I did not have any extra hands and yet I was managing home, cooking for him, all being a working woman.

Listening to all this, my husband quietly told me, I was a complete woman indeed. He went on to tell me;itwasn’taneasytasktobalance work and home and he was proud of me. But, at last he asked me if it was all justified if I was completely happy. If I was, then he had no issues, but if I was not then it was timeformetoretrospectandbegin to start doing what truly made me happy. I ponderedforalittlewhileandI

realized a grave truth; that actress wasboldenoughtoliveherdreams and she never let her talents go waste, she came forward to show it to the world, but what was I doing with my talents that God had blessed me with? Along with being aperfectemployeeattheofficeand a great wife, daughter-in-law, and daughter, was I actually doing what I lovedtodo?

That is when I decided I will keep everyday that “ME” time, but that time will not be just for movies or talking but it will be for my writing. Every day for a little while I decided toforgetmywork,myhomeanddo that thing which made me happy and that is when I decided to write seriously. Irealized, ‘tobecalledthe specialone’weneedtodoalittlebit of extraordinary out of our ordinary lives. To prove to be different, we must tap in our uniqueness and cash upon it. This would make not only us happy and complete but alsopeoplearoundusproud. That’s when I began to write again and neverlookedback.

Ihaveheardmanyofmyfriendssay Iusedtosingbefore,Iusedtoactin plays, and I was interested in Origami etc. Well remove was and

used to and decide to do it now. It is all in our minds. Don’t keep regrets in life and do all that you wish to. Sing if you wish to, dance, hit the gym, bake a cake, stitch a dress do anything and everything which will make you happy and developthetalent withinyou. May be the entire world may not recognize you but make it a point that at least a few around

acknowledge the talent within you. Don’t let it die.

Each one of us is gifted. Probably, ourtalentsarenotthesame,butour abilities are. It’s never too late to startdoingwhatyoualwayswanted todoandmakeyourselfhappy. Remember at the end you are complete when you are ‘YOU’.

SonalLobo

At110-year-oldMilagres ChurchMangalore

Mangalore’s pride, the 110 year old structure of Milagres Church is an unfathomed enigma. Recently it has been a matter of much disappointment that the more than hundred prominent graves were unceremoniously removed to have aswanky newand modernflooring, though every reason pointed to an immediate need as the graves were caving in and posing a serious hazardtotheworshiper’sdayinand day out. The Parish Priest Rev. Bonaventure Nazareth has indicated that the first of the four options given for the concerned parishioners to choose from has surfaced as the choice. It says, "Replace the existing visible slabs;

with uniform plaques with essential details of the dead." However, as yet no general clarification or explanation has been forthcoming as to how this will be achieved. In the meanwhile, intelligentsia and old members of the church are not happy; a compromise to save the gravestones and information of centuryoldveteransisdue.Agroup of heavy weight overseas Mangaloreans, plan to have a "Peace Memorial '' in the vicinity

worthy causes can be served from thefunds, isarealquestion.Maybe amodest memorialwouldbe good, and the lakhs can be used for the good of better human causes. But it is still a very odd matter that the Church/ Diocese/ Parish authoritiescouldnotcomeoutwith a public statement and ease feelings-perhapsitischurchpolicy tokeepmum thepowerofsilence can be stiflingand explosive. It is about 3 months since the work was taken up, no word about its completion, unnecessary darkness prevails. Hopefully the church will opendoorsina short while.

seemslakhsofrupeesaretopourin; is this really a need while many

Historicity : The Parish of Milagres, once covered the entire Eastern half of the present city of Mangalore and nowcovers Falnir,

Highland, Attavar and surroundings, was first established in 1680,on a land given by RaniChennama of Ikkeri and is now over 329 years old. Rt.Rev.Thomas De Castro, Vicar Apostolic for Canara, andMalabar, established the primary Church and his official seat, even though Rosario was already in existence a short distance to the West. The Milagres Church which was moved and constructed at its present spot in 1801, following the captivity era and dedicated to OurLady of Miracles (Milar Mai). Dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Miracles’ in Konkani “Milar Saibin/ Mai”. It came to be called “Milar lgerz” and in slang “Milagres”.

About 1910 the facade of the Church collapsed this compelled the extensive rebuilding and got its present magnificent form. No pictures of the older church are traceable. There were many prominent old Catholic families living in large homes around the church in those days. The reconstruction was overseen by the then famous Italian Jesuit missionary-architect, Fr.Augustus

Diamente sj, who is credited with several Catholic monuments of the era. This became an attractive unique structure, with characteristic belfriesoneitherside of the facade, similar to French churches. Milagres Church in the heart of the city asseen today, was dedicatedin1911.

Mangalorehasalways beena colourfulmosaicofpeople,cultures, faiths,languages, prosperingamidst anature blessed environment on the west coast on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Mangaloreans considerMilagres alandmark,ithas a special place in their hearts and lives. The “St.Monica Chapel” attached to this church is a rare piece, used by the “Association of Christian Mothers” a yeoman group ofMothersofMangalore,whoserve family, society and pray. The interior of this Chapel is unique. The painting above the compact altardepictsSt.Monicakneelingand her son St.Augustine, consecrateda Bishop, in full regalia. This chapel has an ancient and prayerful atmosphere about it and is well maintainedtodate.

The church from time immemorial has had many Government and business centers around it. The present ‘Mangalore Central Railway Station’ is about half a kilometer away, with the bus terminus, Wenlock Govt Hospital nottoofar.Thecity,withallsorts of establishments, hasnowgrownand shopping, hotels,colleges,hospitals and all kinds of facilities are seen around this church in the heart of modern Mangalore. The dynamic priests and parishioners have with foresightbuiltuparoundthe church a good school complex and a modern hall to accommodate every type of event big and small. The hallwas established in 2007 and is an asset with the school and college. A huge portion of the land where 'St.Antony Ashram once was it is said was givenonmutualterms to 'Hotel Moti Mahal'. A hundred years of Milagres parish should not be confused, as it is older by far it exclusively marked the centenary of the present church structure which was constructed/completed in1911.TheMilagresparishassuch has been in existence since 1680, ( the 325 year Jubilee was marked with celebrations on January

9,2005)being the second parish of MangaloreafterRosario.

After the Portuguese abandoned Mangalore Port in 1653, people did not desire the control of the church in Canaraby Goa. The holy see appointed Rev Thomas De Castro, Vicar Apostolic for Canara & Malbar,who took charge in 1677 and came to reside in Mangalore near the present site of Milagres in 1679. He put up a makeshift church in 1680 on the spot where the cemetery is seen today. A report to the holy Father mentions, “The land for the church of Milagres in Mangalore, Milagres in Kalianpur, Mulki, Kirem….. was given byRani Chennamma of Ikkeri (1671 97) the then Tuluva ruler”. The original inhabitants as well as the ancient name was Kudla (a confluence of rivers and the sea) . The turbulent church affairs in those days saw much confusion. Bl. Fr. Joseph Vaz was sent by the Goa Bishop, however when he realized that the Bishop De Castro at Mangalore had the authority from the Pope he reported accordingly. Later he left for Srilanka (then Ceylon).The saintly priest was later

called the Apostle of Ceylon and venerated there. He is considered a saint and is honoured in the Southern area of Mangalore Derlakattewithapilgrim centre.

History records that primitive churches were rebuilt on this spot in 1756 and 1801. The first recognizable church wasbuilt atthepresentspotin 1811,afterthe return of the faithful, from Tipu Sultan’s warfare on the Mangalore Catholics and fifteen year captivity at Srirangapatna which was a dark chapterinthehistoryofMangalore. The local Tuluvas were very supportivetothesuffering Christian community of those times giving prooftothevibrant blendingof the Catholics with the inseparable local culture. In 1911 the façade of the church collapsed and the present one was put up to which additionswere made later; the portico in particular in about 1954. The interior of the church with artistic statuesanddecor which to date is maintained well and has an aesthetic look. It is generally believed that much of the main alter, the statues and so on now seen, were originally brought from

France fora Church planned byFr.Alexander Dubois, (a Frenchman, nephew of the famous Abbe Dubois buried in Cordel,Kulshekar) whowanted them for the Cordel Church; he was also Parish Priest of Milagres and decided that they would bettersuit the magnificent Milagres Church. Thecompoundtoois wellkept and aesthetic to the eye and used for outdoor celebrations. Presently a strip on the southern side has been handed over for the widening of the roads. It is essential to note that at the Southern side of the presentedificeisasmallchapel.The tomb of Fr.De Castro can be seen adjoining this old chapel which is believed to be a part of the earlier church.

Averyimportantnotableextension of Milagres Church is the 1898, ‘St. Anthony’sPoorHomes’ established by Mgr. M.P. Colaco, a renowned priest at Milagres,devoted to St. Anthony of Padua, inspired to set up a shelter for the poor and needy nearby it became a haven for destitutes. It may be noted that his sacred tomb was just at the foot of the revered St.Antony altar inside

the church. This great man imported from Italy a unique and beautiful artistic statue of St. Anthony and set up a shrine at the left side altar; devotions commenced on Tuesdays and thus was born this special haven of St. Anthony,famousnotonlyinCanara but spread all over along with migrating Mangalorean pioneers. As the city was becoming crowded and inmates at the ‘St. Anthony Poor Home’ increased, in the early 1930's land was acquired about 2 k.m. away at Jeppu with sprawling gardens, amplespaceforfruit and

vegetablecultivationandshelterfor many poor who poured in, now it has a few hundred inmates and has branched out in other ways. Many will recall accompanying the elders to Milagres on some occasion. At all times it can be seen that people of every imaginable description, seek favours of the saint at the attractiveshrineinthischurch. -

CompiledBy: IvanSaldanha-Shet.

What is this Peace Memorial?

PEACE MEMORIAL

stained glass.

CROSS

Basically 3 ft x 3ft built of special structural steel clad with stainless steel, connected at the Centre to a 6” dia Stainless steel pipe filled with cement concrete, starting from bottom of foundation to the top. The full front of the cross will be of strengthened Stain Glass 2ft. wide. There will be a crucified Christ on the cross.

Below the foot of the cross the following words will be written “ Jesus Christ Prince of Peace “on

On top of the cross is a separate round piece of 4 ft diameter on front of which will be Stained glass with the picture of Holy Spirit / White dove. Below the foot of the cross will be Stained glass globe 4ft diameter.

All stained glass will be lit at night from inside. Sufficient daylight will be allowed to enter behind the stained glass during the day. The cross will be above pyramids wide base 30ft x 30ft wide at bottom and 9 ft high. The total hight of the

monument will be around 50 ft above ground level. We believe so far there are no Holy Cross

memorials with stained glass lit in the night anywhere in the world.

MILAGRES PEACE MEMORIAL. -

WHY THIS NAME AND WHY BUILD IT NOW AT MILAGRES CHURCHCOMPOUND?

a. There are a large number of War Memorials in the World, but as per Google search, there is only one PeaceandJusticememorialinUSA.

b. There is not a single Peace Memorial in India or any other such peace monument as far as we are aware.

c. Milagres’s church in Mangalore is ahistoricandheritagechurch.None of the other churches in Mangalore except the chapel in St. Aloysius Collegeareone.

d. The above are also tourist attractionsofMangalorecity.

e. Milagres Church is the oldest Church in South Kanara built in the year1680

f. Milagres Church was one church that was specifically targeted by TippuSultan whonotonly brought it down in the year 1784, but to add insult to injury, took its bricksandbuilt theIdgah mosqueonLight househill. g. Further he rounded up around 60,000 Mangalore Catholics, chainedthem andmadethem walk toSrirangapatnam wheretheywere

jailed for more than 15 years. Only around15,000returned toMangalore

h. During this period thousand Mangalorean Catholics died, their womenweremarriedoffto Muslimsandevenlosttheirvaluable properties which were taken away from them andgivento others.

i. Those who survived this Holocaust,afterTippuSultandiedin 1799, returnedtoMangalore and started peacefully to rebuild their family lives and regain their properties.

j. They rebuilt the Milagres Church intheyear1811.

k. There was no animosity towards Muslim population or efforts to breakdowntheIdgah Mosque and get back the stones from Milagres Church or covert it intoachurch.

l.TheIdgahMosquestillremainson Light house hill next to St.Aloysius College. It isoneofthe oldest MosquesinMangalore.

m. On many Muslim feast days , St. AloysiusCollegeallowstheMuslims touseitsopenground next tothemosqueforMuslim devoteessaytheirprayers kneeling

n. Meanwhile the Mangalorean Catholic community have concentrated building a large number of Schools, Colleges, and Hospitalsofhigh repute.

o. Its highly educated diaspora has spread around the world and are very successful wherever they are settled.

p. Mangalore Catholics have shown the world of how one can forgive gravewrongdoing,liveinPeaceand Harmony, and economically thrive without hatred and bitterness towards the community which prosecutedthem inthepast.. a.MilagresChurchisagreatsymbol of Mangalorean Catholics religious tolerance. r.TheUkrainevsRussianwarisnow more than six month old. It is between two Christian nations. Many churches, colleges, schools, and hospitals are being destroyed . Thousand have died and millions have become refugees. This should stop. s.Billionsofpoorpeoplearoundthe world are suffering due to high inflation. There is hunger due to food shortage and the number of personsfallingbelowthe poverty

level level line is increasing. The world is entering into a long recession.

t. May be it is the right time for Mangalorean Catholics to put up “ Milagres Peace Memorial “ in the compound of Milagres church to show to the world how wars are destructive and communal disharmony is disruptive for people as a whole any where in the world and how to deal with conflicts peacefully.

u. It will also show the way internal disputes can be resolved peacefully without acrimony. Onthefoundationfirst steptopflat graniteSlab2.0ftx1.0ftsectionswill be marked and the names of those who opt for their ancestors whose graves were in the church to have them on this monument, will be allotted one such section. Each will havethenameofthePersoncarved on the granite . There will be sufficient space for all the 110 peopleiftheydecidetoopt forthe same. The families will not be chargedanymoneyforthis.Noone will be allowed to walk on those steps, which in any case are a steep 3ft high. If anyone wantstoseethe nameoftheirancestortheyeasydo

so, from theground.

y. This will free the church from putting plaques all over the new flooring to Mark where the grave slabs were before they were removed. It willalso prevent people walkingovertheseplaqueswhichin awayshow disrespect forthedead. w.Veryfewsentenceswillbecarved on the vertical sides of granite foundationtomaintaintheirbeauty. The cross firmly fixed above will be mainlyofStainlesssteel,structurally sound and will have unique design with genuine Stain glass lit in the night. x.Thismonumentshouldbeableto attract lots of tourists and the Milagres church could gather some funds from them for the maintenanceofthePeaceMemorial andthechurchbuilding.

y. We believe this kind of project if presented properly will attract attention and be fully financially supported by the Kanara Catholics inIndiaandinforeigncountries.

z. Any excess money collected for theprojectwillbekeptinaseparate Milagres Peace Memorial Foundation Trust fund. The money could be used for instance to say a

Mass each day in the church for Peace and Communal harmony in theworld. Tobecirculatedtoconcernedfamily members whose ancestors’ grave slabs were removed froTo be circulated to concerned family members whose ancestors’ grave slabs were removed from inside the MilagresChurch.)

WHY THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHOSE GRAVES WERE IN THE MILAGRES CHURCH SHOULD OPT FOR THIS OPTION OF HAVING THEM ON An ICONIC MILAGRES PEACE MEMORIAL

a. The names will be carved and painted in gold on the foundation first stepflat topsurface covered by Black Granite. Each will have a 2 ft x 1 ft individual marked space.

b.Thereissufficientspaceforall110 people who were buried in the church if the families opt to have theirnamesonthePeaceMemorial.

c. This will be done without any additionalcost tothefamilies

d. This will prevent the names of their ancestors being stamped over by people in the church or being below some church benches. No

one is shifting the any remaining hair and nones from where they werewhenburied. .

e. It will enable the newly laid flooring in the church to look good without scatteredplaques.. This option will require a small 4 inch square with a unique number carvedonitontopofthegrave.The numberwillcorrespondwithoneon thePeaceMemorialWebsite.

f. All the broken grave slabs removed from the church will be buried in the foundation of the Milagres Peace Memorial and not bethrowninsomedumpyard.

g. Besides we intend to produce a digital book where each of the persons buried in the church and now whose name is engraved on granite slab of the Memorial with a unique number given, will have a page giving a photo, ( if available ), date of birth and date of death. Also, the photo of the grave ( if available), its old position in the church and a short note about their lives. Also, names of their immediate children and grand children. This can be downloaded from thePeaceMemorialWebsite.

h. Withtheaboveinformationany livingfamilymemberiftheywantto

wouldbeabletofindthelocationof theoldgraveslabinthechurch

I. The family members separately could also be donors for building Milagres Peace Memorial which will be the first Peace Memorial in India with a total height of 50 feet and designed to be one of its kind of CrosswithlightedStainglass. ConvenorsoftheProject insidetheMilagresChurch.)

WHY THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHOSE GRAVES WERE IN THE MILAGRES CHURCH SHOULD OPT FOR THIS OPTION OF HAVING THEM ON A ICONIC MILAGRES PEACE MEMORIAL

a. The names will be carved and painted in gold on the foundation firststepflattopsurfacecoveredby Black Granite. Each will have a 2 ft x 1ft individualmarkedspace.

b.Thereissufficientspaceforall110 people who were buried in the church if the families opt to have theirnamesonthePeaceMemorial.

c. This will be done without any additionalcost tothefamilies

d. This will prevent the names of their ancestors being stamped over by people in the church or being below some church benches. No oneisshiftingtheanyremaining

hair and nones from where they werewhenburied. .

e. It will enable the newly laid flooring in the church to look good without scatteredplaques.. This option will require a small 4 inch square with a unique number carvedonitontopofthegrave.The numberwillcorrespondwithoneon thePeaceMemorialWebsite.

f. All the broken grave slabs removed from the church will be buriedinthefoundationofthe Milagres Peace Memorial and not bethrowninsomedumpyard.

g. Besides we intend to produce a digital book where each of the personsburied inthechurch and now whose name is engraved ongraniteslaboftheMemorialwith auniquenumbergiven,

will have a page giving a photo, ( if available), date ofbirthanddate of death. Also, thephotoof the grave( if available), it’s old position in the church and a short noteabout theirlives. Also names of their immediate children and grand children. This can be downloaded from the Peace MemorialWebsite.

h. With the above information any livingfamilymemberiftheywantto wouldbeabletofindthelocationof theoldgraveslabinthechurch

I. The family members separately could also be donors for building Milagres Peace Memorial which will be the first Peace Memorial in India with a total height of 50 feet and designed to be one of its kind of CrosswithlightedStainglass. -ConvenorsoftheProject

StFrancisAssisi’sFeastat StAnne’sFriary

Photos:AuroraMangalore

Mangalore: Alter Christus , another Christ, patron of ecology, messanger of peace, seraphic saint, St Francis of Assisi’s feast was celebrated solemnly on the 4th of OctoberbytheCapuchinFriarsofSt

Anne’s Friary together with the devotees at Portinuncula Chapel, St Anne’s Friary, Jail Road, Mangalore. The solemn concelebrated holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev.

FrRockyD’Cunha,thesuperiorofSt Anne’s Friary and the president of Konkan Natak Sabha. He in his homily highlighted the importance ofStFrancisinthepast,presentand future. He is the most important person of the second millenium, saint who lived the life of Jesus to the letter by wedding to lady povertyandembracingthecrucified Christ. Because of his poverty, humility and simplicity he has gained most important place in

heaven and here on earth. The Franciscan family started by St Francis of Assisi is the biggest spiritual family on earth having its first Order for men started in 1209,

secondOrderofPoorClaresstarted in 1212 and the third Order or theOrdo Franciscanus saecularis(OFS) started in 1221 for

the lay faithful. We are called to become not just the devotees of St Francisbutwearecalledtobecome thetruedisciplesofStFrancis.Letus not look for St Francis here and there but let us each one becone another St Francis. After the Holy Eucharist there was a short entertainment programme. All those who joined hands with the Capuchins of Karnataka by supporting the formation of Capuchins brothers in the seminaries the so called donours of “St Francis Burse” were specially thanked for their generosity by Rev Fr Rocky D’Cunha on behalf of the Provincial of Karnataka. Nearly 275 people attended the programme. Festal lunch was served to all. The programme was compered by Rev. FrRichardQuadras.

Two days Mega Charismatic Convention by Yesusparsha team at Stella Maris, MatadakeriHonnavarDioceseofKarwar

Honnavar, October 4th &5th, 2022: Divine Mercy Retreat Centre, Stella Maris, Matadakeri, Honnavar organised two days mega charismatic Convention of Yesusparshateam ledbyFrFranklin D'Souza.

On October 4th Program began at 9am with Rosary and divine mercy

rosary. At 9:30am Retreat Centre Director Rev. Fr Joseph D'Souza OCD welcomed the Yesusparsha team. Then Fr Franklin D'Souza and Bro. William D'Souza led Praise and Worship. At 10:30am Bro. T. K. George led a session on "God's mercy and healing". At 11:45am Prolife Manjula Joy shared her testimonywiththeWordofGod.

Joseph D'Souza

the Healer" he based his preaching on John 5:1 14. Then at 2:45pm Fr Franklin D'Souza and Bro T K Georgeledthehealingadoration.

At 3:30pm Rev. Fr Wilson Noronha, Parish Priest of Hadinbal celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached a homily on "making Jesus as the centre of our lives and witnessing him throughourlives".

The retreat concluded at 4:30pm. 2000 faithful witnessed the mighty AnointingoftheLordJesusthrough theretreat.

Second and final days Retreat at Divine Mercy Retreat Centre, Stella Maris,Matadakeri,Honnavar,began at 9am with Rosary and divine mercyrosary. At 9:30am FrFranklinD'Souzaand

Bro. William D'Souza led Praise and Worship. Then Fr Franklin D'Souza spoke on "Forgiveness brings healing".

At 10:45am Bro. T. K. George led a session on "Biblical promises and blessings ". At 11:45am Prolife Manjula Joy spoke on "importance oflife".

12:30pm to 1:30pm was the lunch break.Lunchwasservedforall.After thelunchbreakFrFranklinD'Souza, Bro. T. K. George and Bro. William D'Souza led the Praise and Worship. At 2pm Fr Franklin D'Souza together with Bro T. K. George and Bro. William D'Souza led the Inner healing adoration and anointingoftheHolySpirit.

At 3:30pm Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza together with Fr Suresh Lawrence Saldanha OCD and Rev. Fr Joseph D'Souza OCD celebrated the Holy Eucharist and thanked God for His healing and anointing upon the faithfulgathered.

Superior of the Stella Maris and Parish Priest Matadakeri Rev. Fr Suresh Lawrence thanked the

Sr. Deepa Peter, Principal Athena

and she focused on quality

overall

of the students. The faculty of Athena College of Nursing were introduced to the freshers followed by students’ introduction.

In the presidential address Mr. R.S Shettian, Chairman Athena institute of health sciences welcomed all freshers to the institution and congratulated them for selecting the college. He assured management support in all the curricular and extra curricular

activities. Ms. Nancy D’Silva LecturerI yearB.Sc(N)co-ordinator was present in the dias. Ms. Nishel Barboza, Associate Professor, HOD of Medical Surgical Department proposed the vote of thanks. The Programmecametoanendwiththe short cultural programme. The whole programme was compeered by Mrs. Priyanka D’Souza Lecturer ofChildHealthNursing.

SESSIONON‘WILDLIFE CONSERVATION-NEEDOF THEHOUR’

The Department of Zoology, St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru in association with NatureClub,organizedasessionon the topic ‘Wildlife Conservation -

Need of the Hour’ on 6 October

2022 for the B.Sc. Zoology students and Nature Club members. Mr Kiran Vati, Lecturer, Department of Zoology, St Aloysius College

(Autonomous), Mangaluru, was the Guest Speaker.

The session began with a brief insight into National Wildlife Week which is observed form 2 to 8 October. Mr Kiran, spoke about the important aspects of conservation strategies. He narrated a few examplesonhowtheorganismsget affected by anthropological activities.Healsoexplainedtherole ofinsectsinsustainingwildlife.

Ms Shwetha Pai, Secretary for Zoology, introduced the speaker to thegathering.MrsAmeethaK,Head of the Department of Zoology welcomed the speaker with flowers.

Ms Vivid Dsouza, Nature Club Coordinator handed over the memento to the speaker. Ms Renisha Dcosta, Nature Club Secretary proposed the Vote of thanks. A total of 140 students attendedthesession

Applications invitedfor KalakarPuraskar

Applicationsareinvitedforthe18th

Kalakar Puraskar offered by the Carvalho family and Mandd Sobhann. An artist of Konkani mother tongue and of Karnataka

origin, who has made significant achievements in either music, drama, dance or folk art will be selected. The award includes a shawl, fruits and flowers, a

Jevan Jyothi camp at deanery leve

flavourtothecamp.220studentsof Mangalore City deenary were present. Rev Father James Dsouza the Deen was present at inaugral as well as concluding program. Rev Father Peter Gonsalves the

Preparations for Golden Jubilee celebrations of

MangaloreDiocesanPastoralParishad begin

OCT 06: As part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Mangalore Catholic Diocesan

Parishad (DPP), which includes Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod

meeting of Diocesan

Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore kick started the preparations for the golden

jubilee celebrations of the DPP by releasing a letter of appeal for the souvenir. Addressing the meeting, Bishop Peter Paul “This Pastoral

Council has worked hard to bring significant growth and changes in the Church in Mangalore in the last 50 years. The sacrifices of many priests, religious brothers and sistersandlayfaithfulareimportant in this.” He further said that this celebrationwillbeagreateventthat shows the direction to the next generation.

Inhisintroductoryaddress,MrM.P. Noronha, convener of the programme said, “As the Pastoral Parishad in Mangalore Diocese completes 50 years, the bishop has decided to celebrate the festival in every church. Various religious and

community leaders have been includedinthecommitteetoensure the success of the Golden Jubilee celebrations as well as the subsequent projects that will be undertaken in the diocese”

Mr Noronha further noted that a diocesan-level celebration will be held at Father Muller's Convention Centre on December 10, 2022, and many special dignitaries have been invited. Around 2,000 representatives of the diocese have been given an opportunity to participate inthisevent.

Rev. Dr J B Sladnha and Mr Roy Castelino, the PROs of the diocese, Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Designate EditorofRaknnoweekly,Rev.FrAnil Ivan Fernandes, Director, Canara Communication Centre and Mr Luvi Pinto briefed about the event detailsandtheirresponsibilities.

Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General, Rev. Fr Denis Moras

Prabhu, ex vicar general, Rev. Fr

Vijay Victor Lobo, Diocesan Financial Administrator, Vicar

Foranes

Very Rev. Fr Vincent Monteiro, Very Rev. Fr James D’Souza, Very Rev. Fr Marcel Saldanha, Very Rev. Fr Onil Dsuza, Very Rev. Fr Ivan Rodrigues, and

Very Rev. Fr Valerian Dsouza were present.

Rev. Fr J.B Crasta, Diocesan secretary of Laity commission, Mr Stany Lobo, President and Catholic Sabha, Previous Pastoral Parshad secretariesMrSusheelNoronha,Mr Valerian Moras, Mr Richard Menezes and Mr L. J. Fernandes sharedtheirvaluablesuggestions.

The office bearers of ICYM, RACHANA Catholic Chamber of Commerce & Industry were also present.

Sr Cicilia Mendonca B.S., Provincial Superior of Bethany, Mangalore led the prayer service. Dr John D’Silva, DPP Secretary welcomed the gathering and Rev. Fr Rupesh Madthacomparedtheprogramme.

St Aloysius College organised an Interactive

SessionwithDCPAnshuKumarSrivastavIPS

TheDepartmentofPoliticalScience, St Aloysius College (Autonomous) organised an interactive session withMr. AnshuKumarSrivastavIPS, theDeputyCommissionerofPolice, Mangaluru. The theme of the session was “Youth in the Society", held on October 7, 2022, at 4.005.45 p.m. at Sanidhya, St Aloysius College(Autonomous), Mangaluru. The Principal, Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis S.J., addressed the gathering withwordsofwelcome.Hesaidthat

theyouthcan“makeandbreak”the society and therefore emphasised, quoting the former USA President Roosevelt, on the need for building the youth for the future. He highlightedtheinitiativethecollege has undertaken to impart civil service coaching to students within andoutsidethecollege.

Mr.AnshuKumarSrivastavisa2018 batch IPS officer. He was the SP in CoastalSecurityForce,Udupibefore his current posting at Mangaluru

andanalumnusofIITDelhiwherein he completed mechanical engineering.

DCP Srivastava associated most of the progress in the society to the contributions of the youth by exemplifying Mahatma Gandhi, Ishwar Vidyasagar, Jayaprakash Narayan etc who started young to lead social cum political change. Today start ups or innovations are being largely led by the youth wherein his own classmates or seniors from IIT Delhi were instrumental in the creation of Zomato or Flipkart. Youth expect and drive the change and many a times expect challenges of conservativism andpessimism. The DCP with his typical sense of humourparticipatedwithabout100 students through a lively interaction. He narrated his journey from his childhood to IIT Delhi and finally as an IPS officer. He advised students that a strong decision and self discipline can enable students to clear the UPSC exams and in

one’s job area. Motivation is not a significant factor as it can be lost over a period of time whereas self discipline keeps a person from doing one’s job against all circumstances. On questions regarding the spread of fake news and the role of police, DCP Srivastava said that today youth are not able to decide on authentic news. Media is driven by corporatism of creating sensational andemotion orientednews.Itisthe responsibility of the reader to read, verifyandthencirculate. Onquestionsofcorruptioninpublic administration and the ability of officers to criticise the government, hesaidthatdedication,honestyand uprightness helps a person or officer to overcome such evils. IPS being a constitutional post, an officer can refuse to follow an unconstitutional order instead of training guns on the government through media. Governments decide on policies through much deliberation and in consultation with stakeholders which also include the police. It is a myth that local MPs and MLAs control the IPS officers. Somequestionswereaskedonthe

rise of fear among youth given the communal nature of politics, poverty, and sense of political helplessness. The DCP said that the youthhavetofaceresistanceifthey have to stand up for their rights or truth.Apartfromthepolicemeeting the civilians under various dialogue formats in Mangaluru under the beat system or with peace communities, SC/ST communities etc., it is decided to start youth communities too. He said that justiceisdelayednotbecauseofthe police,butbecauseofdelayincourt cases. Cases are delayed when the victim or witnesses turn hostile. Being upright sometimes requires youtofollowup acasethroughthe court system and hence requires patience instead of succumbing to thesystem.

Towards the end, the DCP emphasised that the youth should stayawayfromdrugswhichcanruin one’s life and future; any cases of blackmail to be reported to the police as early as possible to avoid further victimisation; and to be carefulastowhatonesharesonthe internetasthedataissavedforever. He extended his help to students,

welcomed them to his office for interaction, and most importantly willinglyagreedtoassiststudentsof the college for research based projects in collaboration with the policedepartment. Dr. Norbert Lobo welcomed the DCP with a sapling while the principal thanked with a memento.

Also Mr. Sahil Khader from IIBA presented a memento on behalf of the students. The entire program wasinitiatedandcoordinatedby Dr Rose Veera D’Souza, Dean of Faculty of Arts and HOD Political Science. Vidhula Lokesh from III BA Political Science compered and deliveredthevoteofthanks.

SIX JESUIT DEACONS ORDAINED PRIESTS

ATDIVINE MERCY CHURCH, MANGALURU

Six Jesuit deacons were ordained priests by Rt. Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru diocese at Divine Mercy Church, Fatima Retreat House, Jeppu here on Saturday, October 08. The ordained deacons were Ashwin Cordeiro, Son of Paul Cordeiro and Anitha Cordeiro from St Victor’s Church, Nellikar. Ashwin Rebello, Son of Peter Rebello and Judith

Rebello from Immaculate Conception Church, Gangolli. George Pinto, son of late Denis PintoandStellaPinto,fromOurlady

JosephPaisandBenedictafromOur

of Dolours Church, Vittal,

Rayan Pereira, Son of Stany Pereira andBenedictaPereira,FromStAnne Church,Kelarai.RoyalSaldanha,Son of late Cyprian Saldanha and Alice

Saldanha, from St Joseph the WorkerChurch, Neermarga. They were ordained during the Eucharistic celebration in which the Bishop was the main celebrant along with Provincial of Karnataka

Province, Fr Dionysius Vaz, Fr Anil D’Mello, the Superior of Fatima Retreat House, Fr Melwin Pinto, the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, andotherpriests.

Bishop began his homily said that a Priest isa symbolof God’spresence

Later,

the

D’Cunha was the coordinator of the

Fr Alwyn D’Souza did the Master of the Ceremony for ordination, Fr

Jason Martis compeered the

felicitation programme, and the

Thegrandfinaleofthe58thsinging competition conducted by the Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) was held on Sunday, October 9 at the Don Bosco Hall here.

The program started with the

singing of the KNS Anthem. Vice president of KNS Liston Derick D'Souza welcomed the competitors and the gathering. The competition wasinauguratedwiththelightingof the lamp by Santhosh Sequeira, a patronofKonkaniNatakSabhaand Rony Byndoor, HR manager of Daijiworld Media Private Ltd was a

guest for the inaugural ceremony.

Dr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap, president, Konkani Natak Sabha, Liston D'Souza, vice president of KNS, Floyd D'Mello, general secretary, Praveen Rodrigues, assistant secretary, Gerald Concessao, treasurer, singing competition conveners Joseph Pinto and Gladys Pereira were present onthedais.

FrRockey, inhismessage, called upon the participants to give their best performance and accept their success and failures equally considering that this competition is a platform to fulfill their achievement. Unlike previous rounds of the competition, the grand finale was a new concept adopted by the Konkani Natak Sabha this year. The competitors performed with live music led by Joswin pinto & Team. The grand

finale was a contest among Top 4 competitors selected from 10 categories of the second round of thecompetition.

Sangeeth Guru Joel Pereira, Fr Alwyn Sequeira OCD and Shilpa Cutinha officiated as judges for the competition. Cletus Lobo conducted the competition. Joswin Pinto, renowned Konkani music director and his troupe gave the music.

For the valedictory programme, Louis J Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann, Walter Nandalike, founderofDaijiworldMediaPvt Ltd and Dayan D'Souza Mukamar, director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd and Santhosh Sequeira were the guests of honor. The executive committee of the Konkani Natak SabhafelicitatedSanthoshSequeira forhisgenerouscontribution tothe

singing competition. Joseph Pinto, one of the competition conveners, introduced the judges, General secretary Floyd D'Mello proposed a vote of thanks. Wencita Dias compered the programme and announced the results. A huge number of Konkani music lovers, parents and relatives of the competitors, journalists, columnists, singers, music composers, lyricists, priests and nuns witnessed the programme.

MasterAldrinLionelPintoofBendur won the Best Singer award in this year'scompetition.

Resultsareasfollows:

• 5 to 10 years Solo

-FirstPlace:NathanPreethFigueira, Jeppu

Second Place: Ayush Regan Menezes, Shankerpura

ThirdPlace: AmylVivaBarboza, Bejai

Consolation Prize: Rozel Zivia Saldanha, Neermarga

• 10 to 15 years Solo

First Place: Aldrin Lionel Pinto, Bendur

Second Place: Melona Clisha Saldanha, Bajpe

- Third Place: Rishal Melba Crasta, Cordel

Consolation Prize: Sohan Alva, Shankerpura

• 10 to 15 years Duet

First Prize: Rishal Melba Crasta & Melona Clisha Saldanha, Cordel/Bajpe

SecondPlace: Anora Mendonca& AlishaSanthumayor, Gantalkatte

-ThirdPlace:DeonaAngelineTauro

& MarishaSaldanha, Bondel

ConsolationPrize: AniaDeora

Mascarenhas& ParlonReva D'Costa, Bejai

• 15 to 45 Years Ladies Solo

- First Place: Sonali Suzanne Noronha, Bajpe

SecondPlace:DrSilviniyaAnitharaj

Fernandes, Udyavar

Third Place: Seema Joslin D'Souza, Allipade

- Consolation Prize: Cherlyn D'Souza, Jeppu

• 15to45YearsGentsSolo

First Place: DiteshD'Souza, Kulur

Second Place: Marvel Christon D'Souza, Udupi

ThirdPlace: ArwinBaptist, Urwa

Consolation Prize: Cliyon D'Silva, Bajjodi

• Above 15 Years Ladies Duet

First Place: Fedora Santos & CherlynD'Souza, Jeppu

Second Place: Dr Silviniya Amitharaj Fernandes & Sweeni D'Silva, Udyavar

- Third Place: Alma Mascarenhas & PreethiKamath, Bejai

Consolation Prize: Sanjana

D'Souza & Lipsy Anlin Jacob Nazareth, Mariashram

• Above 15 Years Gents Duet

- First Place: Roniel D'Souza & RoystonD'Souza, Ranipura

Second Place: Arwin Baptist & AnwinBaptist, Urwa

Third Place: Marvel Christon

D'Souza & Shon Austan Mendonca, Udupi

Consolation Prize: Rolston Jonal Pinto & Vivian Praveen D'Silva, NithyadharNagar

• Above 45 Years Ladies Solo

First Place: Ephiphania Almeida, Byndoor

SecondPlace:

First

ConsolationPrize:LenetCastelino,

FirstPlace:RonaldGD'Souza,Bejai

MCC Bank Shirva Branch holds CustomerMeet

On the occasion of the Post Centenary Decennial celebration of the bank, a Customer Meet of M.C.C. Bank Ltd, Shirva Branch, was organized at Saud Sabha Bhavan Hall, Shirva on Sunday, 9th October 5.00pm.

waspresidedover bythe ChairmanoftheMCC Bank, Anil

song. The meet was

Parish Priest, Saud Mai

SeemaD’Souza,Vice

Kurkal Gram Panchayath,

Kamath,

MelwynMaxim

Panchayath were the guests of honour.

Rev. Dr Lesly Cliford D’Souza inaugurated the Customer Meet by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural speech he quoted the words of Dr

Abdul Kalam, ex president of India “dreams should be translated into actions, actions into reality; Dreams

are not castles in the air. He congratulatedtheBankforrealizing the dreams of its founders and

treading in the path of progress.

Every customer wants good atmosphere, good service with smiling face which is practiced in M.C.C Bank. He appreciated the Bank for achieving good profit and saidthatpartoftheprofitshouldbe utilized to help the poor people to achieve their goals. He asked the customerstooffertheirsuggestions as the Bank has come to their doorsteps. He thanked the Bank for honouring him and wished the management goodluckinallits futureendeavours.

Chairman Anil Lobo, in his Presidential speech told the gathering that the Bank is conducting the Customer Meet at all the branches on the occasion of the post Centenary Decennial celebration of the Bank and this being the 13th of such Customer

Meets. The purpose of the Meet is to understand the expectations of the customers, obtain their feedback and make sincere efforts to redress their grievances, if any. Bank has earned a record net profit of Rs. 8.27 crore with a net NPA of 1.60 % during the last FY. The total business of the Bank which was Rs.500 Crore in 2018 has crossed Rs.860 crores in 2022 and the business of Shirva branch has increasedfrom17Croreto33Crore during this period. He attributed this progress to the customers and the staff members. Bank has been providing training to the staff members for improving customer serviceat the branches.

Heexpressedhishappinessthatthe vision and the goal set by the new Board have been achieved mainly due to the support of all the customersoftheBankandthegood efforts of the staff. He said the bank’s progress has a direct relationship with the economic developmentoftheserviceareaand generation of employment and urged the customers to avail digital banking services offered by the Bank free of cost. Heasked them to

avail themselves of credit facilities likeeducationloansandJewelloans offered by the bank at very low interest. He told the customers about Bank’s plan to extend its services to the neighbouring districts of Uttarakannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Hassan and Chikkamagalur and sought their cooperationfordevelopmentofthe business. He invited the customers to the Post Centenary Decennial CelebrationscheduledinNovember 2022. He congratulated the Branch Manager and staff members for taking the initiative and the success ofthecustomermeeting. Balakrishna Kamath, in his speech appreciated the excellent service rendered by Shirva branch during hislongassociationof22yearswith the Bank. He thanked the Bank for helping him during difficult times and was responsible for his success in business. He offered his best wishesfortheprogressoftheBank.

Melwin Aranha in his speech thanked the present management for undertaking various developmentalactivitiesforthepast four years. He appreciated the

excellentcustomerservicerendered by the Bank branch whenever the customervisitsthebank.Heinsisted the customers share their good experiences with others so that more people would avail themselves of the services offered bytheBank.

Seema D’Souza appreciated the Bank for treating all the customers without any discrimination and offeredbest wishesfor itsprogress.

Xavier DMello in his speech said that MCC Bank is the only Bank in the cooperative sector having a long history of serving the community and striving for the betterment of society. He said the management has experienced directors who have been working tirelessly for the progress of the Bank. He said that the maximum number of customers should use the credit facilities from the Bank and ensure that the funds are utilised for the purpose for which it wastaken.Hewishedsuccesstothe Bankinallitsfutureendeavours.

Hasanabba appreciated the Bank for helping all the communities

without any discrimination and wished for the success and development oftheBank.

The customers who celebrate their birthdays in the month of October were honoured. The Senior Citizen customers were felicitated with shawl and flower bouquet. Children ofthecustomerswhohaveexcelled in professional studies were honouredduringtheprogramme.

As a part of the customer meet, an open session was held to facilitate thecustomerstocomeupwiththeir suggestions, feedback and to share their grievances. The Customers actively took part in this interactive session and gave their valuable suggestions for the growth of the Bank.

Vice Chairman Jerald Jude Dsilva, Directors Herald Monteiro, Dr Gerald Pinto, Anil Patrao, David Dsouza, Andrew Dsouza, Felix Dcruz, and Dy General Manager Raj F. Menezeswerepresent.

General Manager Sunil Menezes explained the importance of the Customer meet. Shirva Branch Support Director Elroy Kiran Crasta welcomed the gathering. Branch ManagerMarianD’Cunhaproposed the vote of thanks. Alwyn Danthi comperedtheprogramme.

Employees of the Shirva Branch Lenny Crasta, Zeena Mathias, Navil D’Souza, and Rithesh DSouza were actively involved in organising the meeting.

MCC Bank, Kundapura Branch holdsCustomermeet

On the occasion of the Post Centenary Decennial celebration of the bank, a Customer Meet of M.C.C. BankLtd, Kundapura Branch, was organized at Simon Comforts Hallat KundapuraonSunday, 9th

The Meet was presided over by the Chairman of the MCC Bank, Anil Lobo.

Church, Kundapura. Vijaya S

Kundapura City, Prabhu Kennady Pereira, Businessman and Ex Member of Taluk Panchayat and RohiniUdayakumar, Member, Town Municipality, Kundapurawerethe guestsofhonour.

Rev.Fr.StanyTauroinauguratedthe

Customer Meet by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural speech he said that he is a satisfied customer of MCC Bank as the bank is customer friendly which is very rare these days in other Banks. He appreciated the personal attention given to each customer at the branch, especially to the senior citizens and said that people trust MCC bank for its sincere and efficient service. He congratulated the Bank for completing 110 years of service to society and conveyed his best wishes for all the future endeavours of the bank. He also

Haikady, Founder President,

wished that the Bank would progresstothelevelofnationalized Banksintermsofitstotalbusiness.

Chairman Anil Lobo, in his Presidential speech told the gathering that the Bank is conducting the Customer Meets at all the branches on the occasion of the post Centenary Decennial celebration of the bank in order understand the concerns and expectations of the customers, obtain their feedback, and make sincere efforts to redress their grievances, if any. Bank has earned a record net profit of Rs. 8.27 crore after providing for tax and restructuring of loans as part of the COVID relief measure, and a net NPA of 1.60 % during the last FY. The total business turnover of Kundapur branch which was Rs.33.78 Crore in the year 2018 has crossed Rs.40.97 crores in 2022 and attributed this progress to the customersandthestaffmembersof Kundapur Branch. He also thanked thecustomersforregularlyrepaying the loan and helping the bank to reduce NPA. Bank has been providing training to the staff members for improving the

customer service, which is the main reasonfortheprogressoftheBank. Heexpressedhishappinessthatthe vision and the goal set by the new Board, i.e., offering personalized service to the customers has been achieved due to the cooperation of the customers and the sincere effortsofthestaff.Hesaid theBank believes in implementing customer centric policies and transparency in its operations. He asked the customers to avail themselves of credit facilities like education loans andJewelloansofferedbythebank at very low interest. He invited the customers to the Post Centenary Decennial Celebration scheduled in November 2022. He congratulated the Branch Manager and staff members for taking the initiative and the success of the customer meeting.

Vijaya S Poojary in his speech said that he has had a relationship with the bank since the inception of Kundapura Branch. He appreciated the excellent doorstep customer service offered by the branch and wishedfortheprogressandsuccess oftheBank

Hussain Haikady, in his speech said that for the first time in the history, Bank is conducting the Customer Meet. He appreciated the management for recognizing and felicitating the talented children of thecustomersandseniorcustomers during the meeting. He made a special note on the growth of the bank due to the sincere efforts of themanagement andstaff.

Wilfred Dsouza is of the opinion that the bank is attracting customersfromallthecommunities andwishedthebankwouldreachits newheightsinfuture.

While addressing the gathering Prabhu Kennedy Pereira expressed his view that the response for the customer meet itself shows the goodrelationshipbetweenthebank andcustomers. Healsoappreciated the recovery efforts of the Manager forreductionoftheNPA.Hewished good success to the bank on this special occasion of the Bank completing110years.

Rohini Udayakumar wished the bank all success in its future endeavours

Thecustomerswhocelebratedtheir birthdays in the month of October were honoured. Senior Citizen couples amongst the customers, SeniorCitizencustomers,customers who have been with the Kundapura branch since its inception were honoured.

Childrenofthecustomerswhohave achieved in professional studies were honoured during the programme.

As part of the customer meet, an open session was held to facilitate the customers to come out with their suggestions, feedback and to share their grievances. The Customers actively took part in this interactive session and gave their valuablesuggestionsforthegrowth oftheBank.

Vice Chairman Jerald Jude Dsilva, Directors Herald Monteiro, Dr Gerald Pinto, Sushanth Saldanha, Roshan Dsouza, Felix DCruz, Dy

General Manager Raj F. Menezes werealsopresent.

General Manager Sunil Menezes explained the importance of the

Customer meet. Kundapur Branch

Support Director Elroy Kiran Crasta welcomed the gathering. Branch Manager Sandeep Quadros proposed the vote of thanks. Malini Sathishcomperedtheprogramme.

Employees of Kundapur Branch Anand Nazareth, Jyothi Baretto, Jonita Rebello, Steven Dsilva was activelyassociatedinorganizingthe meeting.

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