Sarita Mendonca: President of ICYM, Udupi Varado

Report by Eugene Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 05 June 2010: As the saying goes, ‘if there is a will there is a way’, Sarita, the young lady from Moodubelle proved that with will and determination one can achieve even difficult goals. She has been not only good in studies, sports and singing but also proved her leadership qualities by being elected as the President of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) of the Udupi Varado for the year 2009-2010, being the first young lady from Moodubelle to occupy this position.

Sarita was born as the eldest daughter among two children of Eliza and Simon Mendonca on 12th August 1989. She had her education up to PUC in the parish educational institutions-Church Aided Higher Primary School and St. Lawrence High School and  PU College, Moodubelle completing Pre University Course in 2007. Thereafter Sarita continued her studies for commerce graduation at St. Mary’s College, Shirva and has appeared for the final B Com examination in May 2010.

While in St. Lawrence High School, Sarita had been good in sports, especially in athletics. She had been a winner in many sports competitions in high jump, long jump and long distance running. Sarita had bagged prizes at the Taluk as well as District level sports meets. She was also a member of the school volleyball team.

During PUC studies, Sarita was a member of the PU College National Service Scheme (NSS) which instilled in her a sense of discipline and social service. She says that the NSS camps were of great help not only for doing social service but also for training the young students in developing a sense of responsibility and self dependence.

Sarita has a gift of singing by virtue of which she was a member of the parish choir. She had won prizes in solo singing competitions. Whenever there have been occasions such as family functions, Ward or social gatherings, Sarita would oblige the organisers by presenting her songs.

While in PUC (2006-07) Sarita was a member of the Young Christian Students(YCS) which gave her basic training and a number of opportunities to develop her talents and leadership qualities by attending meetings and camps.

During her studies in St. Mary’s College, Shirva, Sarita became a member of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM). She was one of the youth representatives of Moodubelle at the Udupi Varado level. As Sarita felt that she had the ability to take up greater responsibilities in the organisation, she expressed her willingness to contest for the Varado President’s post in 2009 and got elected in June 2009 for one year term, the first young lady from Moodubelle to occupy this prestigious position in the youth movement.

As the President of ICYM, Sarita had to conduct meetings of the representatives of the parishes from the Varado every month. During her tenure of one year as the President of ICYM of Udupi Varado, Sarita organised a unique competition of ‘Vovyos’ for women. Five goups of women from different parishes participated in the competition. Following the competition, the group of women from Moodubelle secured First and Third position and the group from the Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi secured Second position.

As a member earlier and as a President of ICYM for one year (2009-2010) Sarita has had varied experience. She is of the opinion that ICYM can grow and become an effective forum to develop talents and leadership qualities among the youth from different parishes if there is greater cooperation and understanding between the members.

Sarita’s younger brother, Shoun is doing ITI course at St. Mary’s ITI Institute at Udupi. Sarita’s father, Mr. Simon Mendonca is a former member of the Manipura Grama Panchyat and mother Mrs. Eliza Mendonca has been a member of the Catholic Women’s Association.

After completing her BCom studies, Sarita has set her goal to become an accountant and also continue higher studies for M Com through correspondence course.

Bellevision congratulates Sarita for being the President of ICYM Udupi Varado for the year 2009-2010 and wishes her good luck in future studies and career.