Sampada Udupi, Diocesan Organization Celebrates Ten Years of Service to Society

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 07 June 2024: Sampada Udupi, the Diocesan socio-economic organization that was founded on 07 June 2014 completed ten years of its service to the society in the Udupi Diocese. The Decennial Celebration was held on 07 June 2024 at 03pm at Amulya Hall Anugraha, Pastoral Centre Kakkunje, Santhekatte.

 

Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo-Bishop of Udupi Diocese and Managing Trustee of Sampada Udupi  presided over the Decennial Programme. Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza-Secretary of CODP, Mangalore was the Chief Guest. Other guests included Mrs Usha Vasanth of Baidashree Self Help Group (SHG), Thonse, Mrs Treeza Cardoza of Kanti SHG, Belman, Mrs. Sunayna of  Shine SHG, Bailoor and Victor D’Souza of Udaya SHG, Karkala Town.

 

A brief prayer service was conducted by Sr Veera during which passages from Holy Books-Bhagwadgeetha, Quran and New Testament were read by the staff members of Sampada.

 

Following a brief introduction and welcome address by Rev Fr Reginald Pinot-Executive Director of Sampada Udupi, Mrs Irene presented a brief history of Sampada right from its origin ten years ago, its mission, vision and aims and objectives as well as its  activities in various fields such as education, health, political awareness, protection of environment, empowerment of women, water conservation, formation of Self Help Groups of women and men at various levels, starting of all women’s Bank, organic farming, etc.

 

The Decennial Celebration of Sampada Udupi was marked by the felicitation of various categories of persons associated with the organization by offering them shawls, saplings, memento and certificate. Frist of all, the guests on the dais were introduced and honoured. Thereafter, past and present Trustees and Members of the Board of Directors were felicitated. Presidents and secretaries of various major organizations founded under the patronage of Sampada were honoured next followed by the staff members of Sampada. In between, the guests-Mrs Treeza Cardoza, Mrs Sunayna, Mr Victor D’Souza and Mrs Usha Vasanth briefly addressed the gathering narrating their experience in SHGs.

 

 

One of the important part of the Decennial Celebration of Sampada Udupi was identifying and honouring 24 achievers from various parts of the Udupi District including 19 women among whom four are physically challenged and five men. Two student achievers who were the beneficiaries of financial assistance from ICDP were also felicitated during this occasion.

 

In order to commemorate the Decennial Celebration, Sampada Udupi has brought out a Souvenir which was released by Rev Fr Vincent D’Souza.

 

In his message following the release of the Souvenir, Rev Fr Vincent D’Souza greatly appreciated the work done by Sampada Udupi during the last ten years. He said that the initiative taken by Sampada to empower women through the Self Help Groups has been one of the most significant tasks undertaken by the organization. Women are the backbone of the family and society and the strength of the family and solidarity of the society, to a great extent, depend on women. He also complemented Rev Fr Reginald Pinto for leading Sampada in an exemplary manner during the last ten years.

 

 

Rev Fr Reginald Pinto and other dignitaries on the dais honoured Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Managing Trustee eof Sampada Udupi In his address, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo explained the meaning of ‘Sampada’ saying that the word is derived from Sanskrit that means peace and prosperity to all. He further said that Sampada Udupi was established with a view to serve the people of the Udupi Diocese in educational, health, political, social, economic and cultural related issues. Its main aim was to lift up the poor and marginalized sections of the society by providing them education, training and awareness about various government facilities and schemes. During the last ten years a lot of work has been done in providing financial assistance through interest free loans for the needy students to pursue higher education. Great efforts have gone into empowerment of women through SHGs. Financial help has been provided to meet medical expenses and to build or repair houses. Many women have availed both government loans and loans from SHGs to start small businesses through which they could support their families. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo greatly appreciated the leadership provided by Rev Fr Reginald Pinto during the last ten years who put in hard work with dedication and result oriented programmes. On behalf of the Udupi Diocese, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo honoured Rev Fr Reginald Pinto. 

 

Rev Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves-Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca-Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Rev Fr Charles Meenzes-Dean of udupi Deanery, Rev Fr Vincent Crasta-Secretary of CESU, Rev Fr Wilson D’Souza, Rev Fr. Alwyn-Editor of Uzwaad, Rev Fr Stephen Fernandes and Leslie Auroza-Director of Family Commission were present.

 

Ms. Jannet proposed the vote of thanks and Stanley Fernandes compered the programme.