Bishop Dr Peter Releases ‘Parisara Devara Vara’ Book during Convention on Environment Protection
Mangaluru: Around 500 people converged at Sannapadav Fajir to participate in a Rally jointly organized by CODP® Mangaluru and CEI, in collaboration with Our Lady of Mercy Church, Fajir and Laudato Si Committee of Mangaluru Diocese, on the occasion of Conservation of Environment on January 25.
President of Sneha Mahasangha Laveena Danthi welcomed the participants at the procession venue.
The Rally was flagged off by an eminent environmentalist Jeeth Milan Roche. In his inaugural message, Jeeth Milan said, “We are responsible for the degradation of our environment and hence it is our duty to protect and conserve the same”.
The people of Fajir marched in a procession accompanied by the local village band from Sannapadavu and culminated at Our Lady of Mercy Church Hall, Fajir.
Vicar Forane of Permannur Deanery Fr John Baptist Saldanha inaugurated the eco-bricks benches in Fajir and a sapling was planted by the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.
A street play was enacted by parishioners of Fajir Church conveying the message of Environment protection.
The stage programme commenced with a prayer song by members of the Choir group, Fajir. Parish Priest of Fajir church Fr Sunil Veigas welcomed the gathering.
Director of CODP Fr Oswald Monteiro in his introductory speech explained about CODP’s environment protection activities. “If each one of us takes even a small step in this direction, then future generations will inherit a cleaner, greener and healthier planet,” he said.
In his keynote address, Director of Nirmithi Kendra NITK, Surathkal Kalbavi Rajendra Rao, spoke on “Jal, Jameen, Jangal” (Water-Soil-Forest). He stressed the need to reduce the use of plastic and thereby avoid an imminent environmental disaster. He presented practical ways to protect the environment.
President of Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat Mohammad Monu, spoke about the Rally and appreciated the organizers.
During the programme, the following persons were felicitated for their unstinted service to society; Jeeth Milan Roche, Environmentalist Mangaluru, Sheena Shetty, Cleanliness Ambassador and Martin Monthu DSouza who risked his life to save 4 college students from drowning.
Addressing the gathering Fr John Baptist Saldanha said that it was a matter of pride and honour to have hosted this Rally in Permannur Deanery. He added that it is not enough if we just plant a sapling, we should also nurture it.
Bishop of Mangalore Diocese and President of the programme Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, released the book titled “Parisara Devara Vara” (Nature is a Gift of God) written by Fr Valerian Fernandes, the Editor of Raknno weekly.
Addressing the gathering Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said, “Nature is a Gift of God, when we take care of Nature it is our gift to God, just as we protect human life, we should also protect plant life”.
All the participants took part in an oath-taking ceremony led by Fr Vincent D Souza, Designate Director of CODP. Thereafter, folk dance was presented by Stree Sanghatana followed by mime show by ICYM youth.
The formal stage programme concluded with Vote of Thanks by Victor Monteiro, Secretary of Fajir Church.
Fr Richard D Souza, Director of Canara Communication Centre and Laudato Si Convener and Rita D Souza, Co-ordinator from CODP compered the programme.
John Fernandes, Secretary of St Thomas SHG, Panela compered the programme at the procession venue.