Large number of youth participate in ’Leaders in the Making and Reaching to the Top’ Sem

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Shankerpura, 11 Jan 2014: Over eight hundred youth from different parishes of the Udupi Diocese participated in Career Enhancing Youth Seminar:”Leaders in the Making and Reaching to the Top” organized by the Konkani Weekly “Divo” in association with the Youth Commission of the Udupi Diocese and Catholic Sabha-Shankarpura Unit at St. John School Ground on Sunday, 11 January 2015 from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

 

Prior to the seminar, students and youth from different parishes filled in the registration forms and had their breakfast.

 

The inaugural function commenced at 9.30 am with the dignitaries coming into the seminar venue accompanied by the brass band of the school.  The YCS students of Shankerpura presented the welcome dance.

 

Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the inaugural function. The other dignitaries   on the dais included Vinaya Kumar Sorake-Minister for Urban Development and In-charge Minister of Udupi District; Ivan D’Souza-MLC; Albert W. D’Souza-Businesman, Educationist and Banker;  Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza-Parish Priest of Pangala-Shankerpura; Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Ronald Cutinha-Director of Samanvya, Mangalore; Lawrence Coelho-Editor of “Divo” and “Secular Citizen” and organizer of the Seminar; Mrs. Suzanne Celho; Francis Fernandes, Cassia and others.

 

The seminar was formally inaugurated by the Bishop by lighting the lamp.

 

In his welcome address, Lawrence Coelho said that the youth are the pillars upon which a nation’s future is built. It is true that in this challenging era of globalization, our youth must be nurtured, educated and guided towards the right path. With this objective “Divo” has been conducting special youth seminars entitled ‘Leaders in the Making and Reaching to the Top’ since the last ten years and the present seminar was the thirteenth.

 

Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza in his introductory remarks said that the society should have leaders who could inspire others and in this respect he exalted the leadership of Jesus Christ who should be the inspiration to all. A leader is the one who knows the way, finds the truth and imbibe positive inspiration and radiate that inspiration to others.

 

Speaking on this occasion, Ivan D’Souza pointed out that the youth is the wealth of the nation and they should come forward and contribute to the progress of the nation. In a fast changing world, the youth should grab the opportunities and develop their abilities and provide positive leadership to the society. He lamented the fact that many of the Christian youth are keen to get some sort of education and try to go abroad for employment. Further he said that there are many good opportunities within India especially in the administrative service which many of the Christian youth are not keen to take up as it involves competitive examinations. He made an appeal to the youth to join government service and provide leadership and service to the community within India.

 

Comparing the youth to flowing water, Vinaya Kumar Sorake said that by building the dam the flowing water can be utilized for various purposes similarly, by giving a proper direction, the youth can be converted into an asset to the nation. He complimented the organizers of the seminars for giving an opportunity to the youth to understand their own potential and choose their own career. Vinaya Kumar Sorake appreciated the contribution of Christian educational institutions in providing education to thousands of students all over India in general and in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts in particular.

 

In his presidential message, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that one becomes what he or she think to be. Leaders are not born, leadership is developed. It is easy to walk on the beaten path, but leader is the one who finds new path  and inspires others to follow him or her. Through various anecdotes the Bishop highlighted the qualities required for a leader. At the end of the speech, the Bishop gave spelt out five principles  that can build up a good leader: Clear Destination, Good Discipline, Strong Determination, Complete Dedication and Divine Intervention.

 

The dignitaries on the dais were honoured by offering them jasmine flower garlands, bouquets and mementos.

 

Dr. Edward Lobo-Chairman of the Seminar Organizing Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

 

The morning session of the seminar was conducted by Albert W. D’Souza on Motivation through an audio-visual presentation and giving information on the prospects in Engineering, Pharmacy, Technology, Management and leadership in trade, commerce and industry.

 

Dr. Gerald Pinto, Professor and Head of the Department of Physics in Milagres College, Kallinapur spoke on the opportunities in top government postings through Public Service Examinations.

 

Following the Mass offered by Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza-Director of the Youth Commission of Udupi Diocese and lunch, the afternoon session of the seminar was conducted three eminent resource persons.

 

Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Ronald Cutinha-Director of Samanvaya, Mangaluru on the topic ‘Use of talents and being successful’. By using the power-point presentation on “A to Z Tablets for Success in Life” Fr. Ronald stressed on various qualities that the youth should develop in order to achieve success in life,  become leaders and reach to the top.

 

Dr. Thomas J. Quadros-Principal of Glowin Star Integrated School, Udupi spoke on “Right Career and Personality Development”.

 

Retired Economics  Professor from Milagres College, Kallianpur, Mrs. Hilda Rodrigues conducted the seminar on “Family Values and their significance”.

The valedictory function was held at 4.15 pm. Rev. Msgr Baptist Menezes-Vicar General of Udupi Diocese presided over the valedictory function. Rev. Fr. Vincent Coelho-Principal of St. Johns PU College, Shankerpura, Lawrence Coelho and Mrs. Suzanne Coelho were on the dais. Dr. Edward Lobo welcomed the guests on the dais.

 

Speaking at the valedictory function, Rev. Msgr. Baptist Menezes through his own example pointed out how a person can achieve success in life and develop leadership qualities.

 

Rev. Fr. Vincent Coelho proposed the vote of thanks. 

 

The entire programme was compeered by Oliver D’Sa and Miss Joyce Martis and coordinated by Dr. Edward Lobo, John Lobo and Joseph Noronha.