Lions Club Moodubelle celebrates Deepavali with tradition and gaiety

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 17 Nov 2023: Tradition and gaiety marked the celebration of Deepavali along with the inauguration of the newly laid out metal roof on Thursday, 16 November 2023. Dr. Ronald Sabi D’Souza, businessman and philanthropist  from Dubai, a native of Moodubelle and Ln. Sapna  Suresh, Second Vice Governor of Lions District 317C were the chief guests.

 

The Deepavali celebration commenced at 6.30 pm in the premises of the Lions Seva Bhavan which was decorated with colourful lights. Lamps were lit and placed on the parapet of the compound which brought in a traditional ambience to the entire Lions Seva Bhavan complex. In front of the main door a beautiful floral rangoli was set up surrounded by small earthen lamps. All the Lion members were dressed up in dhoti and white shirt putting a stamp on traditional fervour of the festivities.

 

The chief guests first lit the lamp kept in the middle of the floral rangoli followed by the Zone Chairman Ln. Ivan D’Almeida, Ln. Joseph Martis-President of the Lions Club, Moodubelle, Ln. Valerian Noronha-Secretary, Ln. Rajendra Shetty-Treasurer and Leo Ethan Martis-President of the Leo Club, Moodubelle. The rest of the lamps were lit by the members of the Lions Club, Moodubelle.

 

The lighting of the traditional Deepavali lamps was followed by the bursting of the fire crackers by the children.

 

The stage programme was held at 7.15 pm. Ln. Joseph Martis presided over the programme.  Following the prayer and Flag Salutation, Ln. Joseph Martis welcomed the guests.  

 

Dr. Ronald Sabi D’Souza who was  one of the chief donors for the renovation of the roof of the Lions Seva Bhavan symbolically inaugurated the new roof by lighting the lamp followed by other dignitaries on the dais. 

 

Introducing Dr. Ronald Sabi D’Souza, Ln. Devadas Hebbar said that Dr. Ronald has been a generous philanthropist who had supported many institutions through his generous donations. He has been a regular donor to the Lions Club, Moodubelle. He had contributed while the Lions Seva Bhavan was renovated few years back. Last year he was one of the chief donors for the School Bus that was donated by the Lions Club, Moodubelle to St. Lawrence Educational Institutions on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the club and this year he had contributed to the renovation of  the roof of the Lions Seva Bhavan. 

 

Dr. Ronald was honoured by offering him shawl, jasmine flower garland, peta and a unique memento representing the traditional instruments used in the villages by the farmers. 

 

In his address, Dr. Ronald Sabi D’Souza appreciated the good work that is being done by the Lions Club, Moodubelle since its inception. He said that his father, Ln. Bernard D’Souza is the Charter Member of the Lions Club, Moodubelle. He stressed on the values of honesty, integrity and dignity which are essential for the progress of any individual or institution. He further said that institutions like Lions Clubs are like bridges that connect human being without the distinction of caste or religion. Dr. Ronald said that sharing one’s fortune with less fortunate  brings happiness and joy in the society. He concluded his address by wishing success and bright future for the Lions Club, Moodubelle.

 

As part of the entertainment Sandrilla Lobo presented a Tulu song with her melodious voice.

 

Following the introduction by Ln. Lavina Noronha, Ln. Sapna Suresh was honoured by the dignitaries on the dais.

 

In her Deepavali message, Ln. Sapna Suresh narrated the various traditions and celebrations associated with the four days long Deepavali celebration. She explained the legend of Narakasura and King Bali. He expressed her happiness to be part of the Deepavali celebrations organized by the Lions Club, Moodubelle which has the reputation of celebrating festivals such as Deepavali and Christmas. As a gesture of goodwill she donated Rs.5,000/- towards the service activities of the club.

 

Zone Chairman Ln. Ivan D’Almeida congratulated the Lions Club, Moodubelle for the completion of the renovation of the roof of the Lions Seva Bhavan and organizing the traditional Deepavali festival.

 

Ln. Valerian Noronha proposed the vote of thanks and Ln. Devadas Hebbar coordinated and compered the entire programme.