Udupi: Statue of Mother Teresa installed in the Manasa Special School, Pamboor

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 15 Aug 2016: The statue of St. Teresa of Kolkata (Mother Teresa) jointly sponsored by Mohammed Kizar Sheik Goodu of Hyderabad and his business partner Cyril Noronha in memory of his parents-Late Maurice Noronha and late Ezbel Noronha  was blessed and installed in the inner premises of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor, Padubelle on Monday, 15 August 2016.

 

At 11.30 am, in the presence of the sponsors and their families, office bearers and members of the Catholic Sabha, Udupi and Mangalore Pradesh, Trustees and well-wishers of the Manasa Institute, Principal, staff and students of Manasa Special School and Pamboor parishioners, the statue of Mother Teresa was unveiled and Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva and  Vicar Forane of Shirva Varado  blessed and dedicated the pedestal and the statue of Mother Teresa to the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre.

 

Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro presided over the felicitation function that followed soon after the blessing and installation of the statue of Mother Teresa. Vinay Kumar Sorake-Ex Minister Urban Development, Government of Karnataka and MLA of Kaup Constituency was the chief guest.  Guests of honour included: Mrs. Veronica Cornelio-President, Karnataka Soap and Detergent5 Ltd.,  Mrs. Gracy Gosalves-Depurty Director of Women and Children Welfare Department, Manipal, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves-Spiritual Director, Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh,  Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’Souza-Principal of Don Bosco High School, Shirva, Wilson Rodrigues-Udupi Zilla Panchayat member, Mohammed Kizar Sheik Goodu and Cyril Noronha-Sponsors of the statue of Mother Teresa.  Other dignitaries on the dais included Valerian Fernandes-President of Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh, Anil Lobo Fermai-President of Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh and  Trustees of Manasa including Dr. Thomas Quadros. Besides these, administrators of Manasa- Henry Menezes (President), Irwin D’Souza (Secretary)), Elroy Kiran Crasto (Treasurer), Sr. Ancilla Fernandes (Principal) and  Joseph Noronha (Administrator)  were also on the dais.

 

The felicitation function began with the prayer song followed by a dance glorifying the Independence  Day by the students of the Manasa Special School.

 

Following the welcome address by Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves,  Vinaya Kumar Sorake was honoured by Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro for his sustained support to the Manasa Institution. It may be recalled that Vinay Kumar Sorake had celebrated his birthday recently along with the students and staff of the Manasa Special School. Mrs. Veronica Cornelio was also felicitated during this occasion.

 

 

In his message, Vinay Kumar Sorake said that he is very happy on being associated with the progress of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre. He recalled the financial help, though comparatively smaller  amount,  that he could render  as the Member of the Parliament (MP)  from the MP Development Fund when the institute was started way back in 1997. Speaking about Mother Teresa, Vinay Kumar Sorake said that because of the dedicated service of Mother  Teresa towards the old and sick, the attention of the world has been drawn towards India and she was rightly honoured by awarding the Nobel Peace Prize. In the present scenario of intolerance and hatred, the message of  selfless service to humanity  of Mother Teresa should reach the society far and wide.  Sorake also mentioned about the proclamation and dedication of St. Lawrence Minor Basilica at Attur-Karkala and said that  it is the symbol of the contribution of Christian community  in various fields.  He appreciated the gesture of Mohammed Kizar Sheik Goodu and Cyril Noronha in sponsoring the statue of Mother Teresa to Manasa and pointed out that it is the best example of communal harmony and good will.

 

Mrs. Veronica Cornelio in her address said that the felicitation function is the heart touching event. Mother Teresa had been a spiritual and moral guide to society and her example should  remind one and all about their respective responsibilities towards other fellow human beings.

 

Mrs. Sunita Lobo, one of the former students of Manasa who had won gold medal in Paralympics was honoured along with her husband and child by Vinay Kumar Sorake.

 

Vinay Kumar Sorake felicitated the sponsors of the Statue of Mother Teresa- Mohammed Kizar Sheik Goodu and Cyril Noronha by offering them shawl, garland, fruit tray and miniature statues of Mother Teresa.

 

In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro applauded Mohammed Kizar Sheik Goodu and Cyril Noronha for their generosity in sponsoring the statue of Mother Teresa.  He also appreciated the Catholic Sabha of undivided Mangalore Diocese for conceptualizing and implementing such a project nearly 40 years ago and establishing Manasa Rehabilitiation and Training Centre at Pamboor and running it successfully in spite of many difficulties. Fr. Tauro thanked Vinay Kumar Sorake for his support and  goodwill towards the institution.

 

Alwyn Rodrigues who had renovated the building of Manasa and Walter Pinto who had constructed the pedestal and enclosure for the statue of Mother Teresa were honoured by the students of the Manasa Special School.

 

The Master of Ceremonies, Alwyn Danti reminded the audience that Vinay Kumar Sorake not only provides financial assistance to Manasa  every month, but was also instrumental in getting government grants to the institution since the last three years.  Regarding the achievement s of the students of Manasa Special School Children,  Alwyn Danti  in a lighter vein said that while a large Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics is yet to win a medal, the students of Manasa Special School had won five Gold Medals, two Silver Medals and one Bronze Medal in the Paralympics held earlier. This year too four of the students have been chosen from the school to attend the Paralympics.

 

Earlier, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves had inaugurated the renovated building of the Manasa Special Children School and offered holy mass.

 

Dr. Thomas Quadros, one of the Trustees of Manasa proposed the vote of thanks. Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’Souza recited the grace before the meals. Lunch was served to all those who were present for the felicitation function.