Udupi: Stree Sanghattan Observe Women’s Day in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi/M’Belle, 14 Mar 2021: The Nisarga Stree Sanghattan along with Women’s Commission of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle observed International Women’s Day on Sunday, 14 March 2021 at 4 pm in the Parish Hall by honouring the women contestants in the recently held village panchayat election and a talk on mental health of women by Ms. Nitkita Rebello, Health Educator and Psychologist from the Community Medicine Department of KMC, Manipal.
The International Women’s Day function was presided over by Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Moodubelle. Other dignitaries on the dais included Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Assistant Parish Priest, Deacon Vijay D’Souza, Sr. Irene Veigas - Animator of Women’s Organization, Charles Quadros - Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Monica D’Souza - Coordinator of 18 Commissions, Ms. Nikita Rebello - Resource Person and Mrs. Wilma Rodrigues-President of Nisarga Stree Sanghattan.
Following the prayer and welcome by Mrs. Wilma Rodrigues one minute silence was observed in memory of late Mrs. Meera Lobo, one of the leading members of the Stree Sanghattan who had passed away in May 2020.
Fr. Clement Mascarenhas honoured the elected women candidates and also those who had participated in the recently concluded village panchayat elections - Mrs. Brenda Noronha, Mrs. Mary D’Souza, Mrs. Monica D’Souza and Mrs. Flavia D’Souza.
Speaking on this occasion, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas extended greetings of International Women’s Day to all women present in the programme. He said that women’s role in the society is great due to the fact that as ‘mothers’ they shape and nurture the children and imbibe good virtues in them. The society that respects and honours women can be considered as an ideal society. Women through their deeds and words should spread good opinion about other women.
The resource person, Ms. Nikita Rebello speaking on mental health extensively listed the various types of mental illnesses, their causes and what steps can be taken to prevent such illnesses. According to Ms. Nikita Rebello the various types of mental disorders are: Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Eating disorders. Personality disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. She further said that physical and mental health are mutually complementary. In order to promote good mental health, it is necessary to have a balanced physical health which can be achieved through balanced diet, good exercise, good sleep and leisure.
Mrs. Theresa Alva introduced the resource person Ms. Nikita Rebello, Mrs. Lorain D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs. Reshma D’Souza compeered the programme.