Sampada Udupi, the Udupi Diocesan socio-economic organization founded on 07 June 2014, completed ten years of service to society in the Udupi Diocese. The Decennial Celebration was held on 07 June 2024 at 3 pm at Amulya Hall, ‘Anugraha’ Udupi Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, Santhekatte.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese and Managing Trustee of Sampada Udupi, presided over the Decennial Programme. Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Secretary of CODP, Mangalore, was the Chief Guest. Other guests included Mrs Usha Vasanth, Baidashree Self Help Group (SHG), Thonse; Mrs Treeza Cardoza, Kanti SHG, Belman; Mrs Sunayna of Shine SHG, Bailoor; and Mr Victor D’Souza of Udaya SHG, Karkala.
The event began with a brief prayer service featuring passages from the Holy Books Bhagavad Gita, Quran, and Bible read by the staff members of Sampada. Following a brief introduction and welcome address by Rev. Fr Reginald Pinto, Executive Director of Sampada Udupi. Mrs Irene presented a brief history of Sampada, covering its origins ten years ago, its mission, vision, aims, and objectives, as well as its activities in various fields such as education, health, political awareness, environmental protection, women empowerment, water conservation, formation of Self Help Groups for women and men, establishment of an all-women’s bank, organic farming, etc.
The Decennial Celebration was marked by the felicitation of various individuals associated with the organization, who were honoured with shawls, saplings, mementos, and certificates. First, the guests on the dais were introduced and honoured. Then, past and present Trustees and Members of the Board of Directors were felicitated. Presidents and secretaries of various major organizations founded under the patronage of Sampada were homered next, followed by the staff members of Sampada. During the program, guests Mrs Treeza Cardoza, Mrs Sunayna, Mr Victor D’Souza, and Mrs Usha Vasanth briefly addressed the gathering, sharing their experiences in SHGs.
A significant part of the Decennial Celebration was identifying and honouring 24 achievers from various parts of the Udupi District, including 19 women, four of whom are physically challenged, and five men. Two student achievers who were beneficiaries of financial assistance from ICDP were also felicitated on this occasion.
To commemorate the Decennial Celebration, Sampada Udupi released a Souvenir, which was launched by Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza. In his message following the release, Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza greatly appreciated the work done by Sampada Udupi over the past ten years. He praised the initiative taken by Sampada to empower women through Self Help Groups, noting that women are the backbone of family and society. He also commended Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto for leading Sampada in an exemplary manner over the past decade.
Rev. Fr Reginald Pinto and other dignitaries on the dais homered Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Managing Trustee of Sampada Udupi. In his address, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo explained that 'Sampada' is derived from Sanskrit, meaning peace and prosperity for all. He stated that Sampada Udupi was established to serve the people of the Udupi Diocese in educational, health, political, social, economic, and cultural matters. The main aim was to uplift the poor and marginalized sections of society by providing education, training, and awareness of various government facilities and schemes. Over the past ten years, significant work has been done in providing financial assistance through interest-free loans for needy students pursuing higher education. Great efforts have gone into empowering women through SHGs. Financial help has been provided to meet medical expenses and to build or repair houses. Many women have availed both government loans and SHG loans to start small businesses, supporting their families. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo greatly appreciated the leadership of Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto over the past ten years and homered him on behalf of the Udupi Diocese.
Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese; V. Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca, Rector of Milagres Cathedral; Rev. Fr Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi Deanery; Rev. Fr Vincent Crasta, Secretary of CESU; Rev. Fr Wilson D’Souza; Rev. Fr Alwyn Sequeira, Editor of Uzvaad; Rev. Fr Stephen Fernandes, Director of the Youth Commission; and Mr Leslie Arouza, Director of the Family Commission, were present.
Ms Janet proposed the vote of thanks and Mr Stanley Fernandes compered the programme.