Moodubelle: KORWA’s Memorable Day Out sprinkled with patriotism, fun and social service

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 27 Febraury 2012: The members of the Konkan  Overseas Returnees Welfare Association (KORWA), Mangalore, which was established in November 2011  chose Moodubelle  as the first destinatioon for their annual outing. Twenty members of the association accompanied by its office bearers-Louis Lobo, President, Mrs. Jessy Pinto, Joint Secretary and John V. Tauro, PRO and also Honorary Correspondent of Bellevision in Mangalore, Elias Sanctis, Coordinator and Managing Partner of Paragon Builders and Promoters  and Fr. Denis Castelino, a native of Moodubelle reached Belle at around 10 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Their chief destination for the day was Ronald Saby’s  ‘Hill Top’ picnic spot in the  Mudartha Compound in Kattingeri.

 

Before proceeding to Kattingeri, the  KORWA members alighted at ‘Vana Sowrabha’, the idyllic residence of Commodore Jerome  Castelino which has become quite famous since the inauguration of the War Memorial  on December 16, 2011, erected in memory of the Indian soldiers and officers who had laid down their lives during the Goa Liberation (1961) and Bangladesh Liberation (1971) Wars.

 

The KORWA members were amazed to see the serene surroundings and the War Memorial, though small in size, but large in its intent and significance. At the outset, Commodore Jerome Castelino narrated the reason behind erecting the War Memorial in his compound and explained its significance. Thereafter, he played the CD of the inauguration of the War Memorial.

 

Before leaving the premises, members of the KORWA paid respect to the soldiers by showering  flower petals  at the War Memorial. All the members of the KORWA  felt a sense of patriotism and greatly appreciated the efforts taken by Commodore  Jerome Castelino in keeping  alive the memory of the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in the two significant wars in Indian history.

 

 

After spending around 45 minutes at ‘Vana Sowrabha’, the KORWA members reached the Mudartha Compound at around 11 am where they were warmly welcomed by Ronald Saby who had especially come down from Dubai and his parents, Bernard and Regina D’Souza. After spending sometime viewing the natural beauty of the surrounding area where the ‘Kavita Fest-2012’ was organised in the early part of January 2012, the members proceeded to the ‘Hill Top’. While some members including elder ones tested their stamina by trekking the steep climb, others were ferried to the top by Ronald Saby  in his ‘four-wheel drive’ vehicle.

Ronald Saby, with his never ending quest for innovations and novelties has spruced up the ‘Hill Top’ with new look and comfort since an article written by Victor D’Souza had appeared in Bellevision in March, 2011. The shade of the trees and the gently blowing breeze were quite soothing. The KORWA members were quite mesmerised by the fact that even in a remote corner of a village, such picnic spots can be created which could provide an appropriate get-away to the people from their busy and stressful city environment.

 

After settling down and lapping up the greenery and surrounding view, a game of Bingo (Housie) was played which created considerable excitement among the members. Commodore Jerome Castelino, Mrs. Helen D’Souza, Mrs. Meera Lobo and Joseph Martis joined the KORWA members at the ‘Hill Top’.

 

Veteran member of KORWA and eminent social activist and musician, Albert Jossy Rego and his friend Herman along with other members of KORWA provided musical entertainment. Ronald Saby in his inimitable style regaled the gathering by narrating certain anecdotes and incidents. So also Albert Jossy Rego.

 

In a brief felicitation programme compeered by Mrs. Jessy Pinto, Louis Lobo, President of KORWA offered bouquet and  memento to Ronald Saby and his parents for hosting the KORWA members and preparing the lunch for them. Commodore Jerome Castelino and Mrs. Helen D’Souza, who had prepared a special local dish for the guests were also honoured. Appreciating the contribution of Bellevision in giving publicity to the activities of KORWA, the Media Coordinator of Bellevision Media Network, Eugene D’Souza was also felicitated.

 

Following the lunch and additional music and having thoroughly enjoyed the memorable day out at Moodubelle, the KORWA members proceeded to Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre  at Pamboor and reached at 4 pm. The Matron of the  hostel had made sitting arrangement for the children  in the hall. Ninety-eight inmates, 62 boys and 36 girls and the staff were quite happy to meet the members of the  KORWA who spent around one hour with the inmates, interacting with them and singing.

 

Two of the inmates of Manasa,  Pramila and Richard who had excelled in international sports were honoured by KORWA. The KORWA members  also gave some fruits and cash donations to Manasa before leaving to Mangalore.

 

The KORWA members expressed their happiness in spending the day in Moodubelle and Padubelle in a very meaningful manner. It was a day where they experienced the patriotic fervour at the residence of Commodore Jerome Castelino, fun, merriment  and generous hospitality of Ronald Saby at his ‘Hill Top’ picnic spot and a sense of social service at the Manasa in Padubelle, Pamboor. After going back to Mangalore, Mrs. Jessy Pinto, the organiser of the KORWA Day out at Moodubelle in a  e-mail  wrote to this reporter, “....Thank you wholeheartedly  for giving your full time for us yesterday and  about  Ronald Saby we have no words to express our happiness. We will always remember the date 26th February 2012."

 

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• Moodubelle: KORWA’s Memorable Day Out sprinkled with patriotism, fun and social service

• Saby’s amazing “Hill Top Party Spot” in Kattingeri Moodubelle