Mangalore: Huge Rally of Self-Help Groups marks the Golden Jubilee of Caritas

By John V. Tauro, Mangalore
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 04 March 2012: On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Caritas India, the Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP) organized a rally of the Self-help Groups on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Milagres Ground, Mangalore.

 

CODP is committed to the developmental activities it undertakes in underdeveloped areas of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Coastal Karnataka and Kasargod district of Kerala in India.

 

 

 

The programme began at 9.45 am with a grand procession from Balmata Ground which was flagged off by Rev. Fr. Peter Branks, Director of Cross Organisation, Bangalore.

 

After the procession reached Milagres School Ground, the stage programme began at 11 am. The rally was inaugurated by M. Veerappa Moily, Corporate Minister, Government of India. Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore presided over the function. Rev. Fr. Frederick D’Souza, the Director of Caritas, New Delhi was the chief guest. Abdul Razak, MLA from Manjeshwara Constituency and Mr. Jimmy Mathew from Caritas Office, Bangalore were the guests of honour.

 

Dr. Shalini Rajnish, Chief Secretary of the Village Development Council, Government  delivered the key-note address.

 

Prayer song was presented by Mrs. Lydia Moras and group from Bajpe. Rev. Fr. Onil D’Souza, Director of CODP, Mangalore introduced the purpose of the rally of the Self-help Groups and welcomed the guests and gathering.

 
Honorable Minister M. Veerappaa Moily inaugurated the function by switching the light on of the CODP emblem on the stage and by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He also delivered the inaugural speech. Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Frederck D’Souza and Abdul Razak MLA, the guest of honor also gave their messages. Thereafter, those Self-help Groups which had excellent performance were honoured. The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr. Oswald Monteiro, Deputy Director of CODP.

 

Later, after the end of the stage function, Dr. Rita Noronha as the resource person delivered lecture on Human Rights.