Stree Sanghattan of Moodubelle Parish Observes International Women’s Day

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 17 Mar 2024: The Stree Sanghattan of the Moodubelle Parish and Nisarga Women’s Self-Help Group observed the International Women’s Day on Sunday, 17 March 2024 at 10.30 am in the Souhardha Sabhagraha of St. Lawrence Parish Moodubelle. A large number of women participated in this programme. Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Parish presided over the programme. Mrs. Saujanya Shetty, Counsellor and Administrator of Dr. A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi was the resource person. Other dignitaries on the dais included Fr. Pradeeep Carodoza-Assistant Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Pritish D’Sa-Vice Presdient of the Parish Pastoral Council, Dr. Judith Lobo-Dean of Manipal College of Nursing, Mrs. Precilla Monis-President of the Stree Sanghattan, Sr. Bertina-Superiro of the Loreto Convent, Ms. Priya Quadros- Sampada Fileld Animator for Moodubelle, Kuntalnagar, Kanajar and Hirgan and Mrs. Gracy Rebello-Coordinator of the 21 Commissions.

 

Earlier, the dignitaries were ushered to the dais by presidents of 13 SHG Units of the Nisarga Mahasangha carrying lighted lamps and standing in two lines and later keeping the lamps on the edge of the dais. Meanwhile, Mrs. Matilda Quadros, Mrs. Theresa Alva and Mrs. Hilda D’Souza rendered the prayer song.

 

Following the welcome address by Mrs. Reena D’Souza-Representative of the Parish to the Udupi Deanery, the dignitaries were presented with flower saplings.

 

Mrs. Inish Castelino-Secretary of the Stree Sanghattan presented the Annual Report of the activities of the association.

 

 

Pritish D’Sa honoured the Presidents of the 13 SHG Units of the parish by presenting them gifts.

 

In his message, Pritish D’Sa conveyed the greetings of the International Women’s Day to all the women of the parish. He addressed them as precious jewels who serve selflessly their families and the community. He recalled their service to the parish. Pritish D’Sa referred to the judgement of the Supreme Court which had said that ‘A Home-maker’s (woman’s) worth is no less than the salary earning man’.

 

Mrs. Rovita Fernandes introduced the Resource Person of the day, Mrs. Saujanya Shetty.

 

In her  address Mrs. Saujanya Shetty spoke on the “Health of Woman and Upbringing of Children”. She stressed upon the fact that women should take care of their mental as well as physical health so that they can take care of the members of her family. She asked the women to consume food with nutricious quality and sufficient quantity. Drinking at least four liters of water per day, especially during the summer days is must to maintain good health. Mrs. Saujanya emphasized on the need to follow discipline in the family so that the children can be brought up under proper family environment. Spending quality time with the family is very important keeping the TV closed and shunning mobiles. She also stressed on the need to have healthy relationship with the members of the family especially with the husband. Emotional, sexual and monetary relationships count a lot in establishing stability and progress in a family. Mrs. Saujanya made the parents aware that they should respond to the changing biological nature of their children and give them proper knowledge and precautions to be taken during menstrual cycles and other related  issues.

 

On this occasion, Dr. Judith Lobo, an achiever and a valued parish member was honoured by the dignitaries on the dais. In her response to the felicitation, Dr. Judith Lobo narrated her quest for higher learning and how she chose the nursing field in which she not only did graduation but also acquired Post Graduate degrees such as M.Sc., M.Phil and Ph.D. She recalled the support given by her husband, Mr. Valerian Lobo in her quest for higher studies. Presently, she is the Dean of the Manipal College of Nursing. She made an appeal to the women that they should pursue the hobbies with sincerity and dedication. She further said that they should encourage and support their children to study and earn degree of higher education so that they can achieve success in their lives.

 

In his message, Fr. George D’Souza endorsed all the views expressed by Mrs. Saujanya Shetty. He appreciated the role of women in their families and community. He said that husband and wife should live in harmony in the family. They should complement each other rather than competing with each other.

 

 

Mrs. Gladys Rebello-Vice President of the Stree Sanghattan proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Hilda D’Souza compered the programme.

 

Following the stage function, women presented three skits and one dance as part of the entertainment programme.

 

Fr. Pradeep Cardoza presented prizes to two spot game winners and recited the grace before the meal.

 

On Saturday, 16 March 2024, Fr. Pradeep Cardoza had offered the Thanksgiving Mass on behalf of the Stree Sanghattan, Moodubelle. In his homily, Fr. Pradeep Cardoza had highlighted the role of women in the family and society. Following the end of the Mass a group pictures of the members of the Stree sanghattan and office bearers were taken.