PARTICIPATION IN THE 28TH MEMORIAL DAY OF ST. MOTHER TERESA

The St. Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike, Mangaluru, organized a district-level program at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall to commemorate the 28th Memorial Day of St. Mother Teresa. The theme for this year’s observance was “Threats to Coexistence: Challenges Before Democracy.”

The program commenced with a welcome address by Santosh D’Souza Bajpe, President of Catholic Sabha, who also led the gathering in singing the State Anthem. Floral tributes were offered to St. Mother Teresa.

Prof. Purushothama Bilimale delivered the keynote address on the theme. He highlighted the diminishing values of peace and harmony and cautioned against political efforts to divide society. He emphasized that differences should serve as a strength, not a reason for division.

Dr. K. Shareefa reflected on the life of St. Mother Teresa, noting her courage and lifelong dedication to humanity through her congregation, which continues to inspire kindness and peace.

Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore, encouraged the gathering to take steps toward unity and peace, emphasizing Mother Teresa’s joy in serving the poor despite hardships.

During the event, Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Awardee K. Kariya Mangala Jyothi was felicitated for his longstanding advocacy for the needy and support to the Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike.

Roy Castelino, President of the Vedike, spoke on Mother Teresa’s spirit of selfless service, reminding participants of the importance of helping others without expecting anything in return.

Dignitaries present included Stany Alvares, Msgr. Fr. Maxim Noronha, Munir Katipalla, Fr. Rupesh Madtha, Stany Lobo, Dr. Krishnappa Konchady, K. Kariya Mangala Jyothi, Dolphy D’Souza, Dr. Sumathi S. Hegde, and Fr. J.B. Saldanha.

An exhibition of books on the life and works of St. Mother Teresa was organized, drawing attention to her timeless message of compassion.

St. Mother Teresa, known as the “Mother of Humanity,” dedicated her life to serving the marginalized. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, which today serves in 135 countries, and was canonized in 2016.

The St. Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike, formed eight years ago, promotes harmony through initiatives such as Samarasya Deepavali, Harmony Christmas, Harmony Iftar, Unity Dasara, and Chinnara Kalarave workshops.

Assistant Professor Mr. Aldrin Sean Pereira from the Department of CSE, SJEC, along with 60 AICUF students from the SJEC Unit, participated in the program.

Through these initiatives, the Vedike continues to uphold Mother Teresa’s legacy of unity, compassion, and service across the coastal region.