Manipal: NSS Camp of St. Lawrence College, Moodubelle inaugurated at Karanta Kalagrama

By Eugene DSouza
Pics by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Manipal,17 Nov 2013: Seven days long Annual Special Camp of National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of  St. Lawrence College, Moodubelle was inaugurated on Sunday, 17 November 2013 at 3.30 pm in the picturesque Karanta Kalagrama, Pragati Nagara, Manipal. 45 NSS volunteers and three staff members are participating in this camp that will conclude on Saturday, 23 November 2013.

 
The inaugural function was presided over by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes-Correspondent of St. Lawrence Educational Institutions. MJF Ln (Prof.) Wilfred R. D’Souza, former Head of the Department of Commerce, Milagres College, Kallianpur and former Lion District Governor was the chief guest. Guests of honour included Commodore Jerome Castelino-Dean of St. Lawrence College and Gilbert Fernandes-Office in charge of St. Mary’s College, Shirva. Mrs. Sarita D’Souza-Principal of St. Lawrence College, Moodubelle, Mrs. Kusuma Makwaan-NSS Programme Officer, Ravi Kumar and Rakshitha-NSS Unit leaders were also on the dais. Theprogramme was also attended by Fr. Paul Sequeira-Principal of St. Lawrence PU College, Fr. Raj-Principal of St. Lawrence English medium High School , Alphonse K. Alva-Vice President of the Parish pastoral Council and Elias Lobo-Secretary of the Lions Club of Moodubelle.

 

                                                                        Karanta Kalagrama, Pragatinagara, Manipal
 
Following the prayer sung by the NSS volunteers and welcome address by Mrs. Kusuma Makwaan, the Special Annual NSS Camp was formally inaugurated by MJF Ln. (Prof.) Wilfred R. D’Souza by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.

 
Mrs. Sarita D’Souza and Commodore Jerome Castelino in their brief messages wished well to the campers. MJF Ln (Prof.) Wilfred R. D’Souza pointed out the importance of social work by citing examples from his own childhood when the educational institutions were built in Moodubelle saying that people used to contribute their labour for  six days of the week for many weeks till the work was completed.  Recalling the famous quotation from John F. Kennedy, the former President of USA, Prof. Wilfred  told the NSS volunteers  not to ask what their parents, educational institutions and nation can do for them but to ask what the students  can do to their parents, their institutions and the nation. He also narrated an episode from the life of Mother Theresa to show how helping others gives great joy and happiness to the individual. 

 
Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, in his presidential message asked the students to develop their talents by taking the opportunity of the seven days long camp. He also asked the students to develop a sense of patriotism, service mind and leadership qualities.

 
Sarita Moolya of Second Year B.Com. compeered the programme and Ravi Kumar proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural function ended by the students signing the NSS Song.