Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre celebrates 27th Annual Day
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 21 Dec: The Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre catering the needs of the especially abled children that was established way back in 1995 celebrated 27th Annual Day on Saturday, 21 December 2024 at 10.30 am in the premises of the institution.
The annual day celebration programme was presided over by Henry Menezes-President of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre. The dignitaries on the dais included: Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha-Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese, Mrs. Shyamala C.K.-Deputy Director of Women and Children Development Department Udupi, Commodore Jerome Castelino (VSM)-Retired Senior Naval Officer, Dr. Edward Lobo-Fonder President, John Martis-Founder Trustee, Joseph Noronha-Secretary, Dr. Gerald Pinto-Joint Secretary, Shivaji-Programme Officer of Special Children’s Schools, Mrs. Vanith Shettigar and Mrs. Seema Shetty-PTA Presidents and Sr. Vinney Gonsalves-Principal.
The programme commenced with the prayer and welcome dance presented by the children of Manasa.
Following the welcome address by John Martis, Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha inaugurated the 27th Annual Day Programme by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
In his benedictory message, Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha quoting St. Theresa of Kolkata said that mother Teresa claimed to have seen God in those whom she served. Similarly, Manasa has been doing the good work of serving the especially abled children during the last 28 years. He said that the success of Manasa has been chiefly possible due to the tireless work of the management, principals, teachers and parents and prayed for God’s blessings on all of them including the special children.
Principal Sr. Vinney Gonsalves presented the bi-annual report for the years 2023-25. She highlighted the various achievements of the centre in academic and sporting events. She also highlighted the opening of the Autism centre. She said that so far since its inception more than 800 children have been rehabilitated in various fields. Presently there are 132 children who undergo training in Manasa and 37 children are being treated and trained in the Autism centre. There are 37 staff members including 18 teachers.
On this occasion Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha was honoured by the dignitaries on the dais. Mrs. Sashikala introduced Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha.
Five students of Manasa who had achieved great success in sports at the district, state and national level were felicitated. They included: Saideep Shetty, Chirag Pai, Arul D’Souza and Muralidhar Naik.
Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha and later Mrs. Shyamala C.K. distributed prizes to the winners in various sporting activities. Commodore Jerome Castelino distributed prizes to the winning teams of the teachers.
Commodore Jerome Castelino in his speech said that 28 years ago the Catholic Sabha of Mangalore and Udupi Diocese started the Manasa centre with just 20 children which has grown and so far has trained more than 800 students. Presently there are 132 students. Ordinarily, more than 90 percent of the parents with poverty find it difficult to look after special children. Under these circumstances, Manasa has come to the rescue of such parents. We are happy that Manasa has started the new Autism centre to impart special training to children with autism. He further said that the chief reason for the success of Manasa has been the dedication and sacrifices of its founders, trustees, directors, management, donors, teachers, parents and special children.
Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha by cutting the Christmas cake ushered in the spirit of Christmas season to the programme.
Dr. Gerald Pinto delivered beautiful Christmas Message and compared Manasa to the Crib where the innocent children get their training and donors are like the three wise men from the east who brought various gifts to Baby Jesus at Bethlehem.
In her address Mrs. Shyamala C.K. appreciated the good work that is being done by Manasa and pointed out the government’s role in promoting such special school by providing grants.
Shivaji also appreciated the work that is being done by Manasa and reminded the audience that 20 years ago he had been to Manasa as a trainee and learned quite a lot about the rehabilitation and training of the special children which is helping him as Programme Officer.
In his presidential address Henry Menezes expressed his gratitude to the government departments for their support and all his colleagues in the management, donors, teachers and supporting staff, parents as well as children.
Mrs. Ashwini proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs. Muriel Premlatha and Mrs. Hemalatha compered the programme.
The stage programme was followed by excellent cultural programme presented by the students of Manasa.