Commencement of Extension Work for Second and Third Floors of Manasa Autism Centre, Pamboor
Udupi: The foundation stone for the extension of the second and third floors of the Manasa Autism Centre, Pamboor, was blessed and laid on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of the Udupi Diocese and Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Thottam, led the prayer service and blessed the foundation stone. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Diocese, laid the foundation stone along with John Martis, President of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre.
A brief stage programme followed at the Autism Centre under the chairmanship of John Martis. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa and Dr. Gerald Pinto, Secretary of Manasa Trust, were present on the dais.
Welcoming the gathering, John Martis traced the growth of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, a joint project of the Catholic Sabha of the dioceses of Mangalore and Udupi, originally inaugurated on November 14, 1997. The institution has been rendering dedicated service in training and rehabilitating specially abled children.
He said the Manasa Autism Centre was started on Founders’ Day in 2017 with just seven students to support children affected by autism. Owing to growing demand, the foundation stone for a separate building was laid in 2018, though construction was delayed due to the COVID pandemic and completed in 2022.
The Silver Jubilee Autism Centre building, comprising ground and first floors, was inaugurated on May 31, 2022, by then Bishop of Udupi Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo. At that time, the centre had 21 students in three classes.
At present, the centre has grown to 53 students across eight classes, including an Early Intervention Unit for children aged 3 to 6 years, and is expected to cross 100 students in the near future. To meet this growing need, two additional floors will be constructed, including more classrooms, training rooms and a 200-seat auditorium on the top floor.
Noted philanthropist Michael D’Souza has come forward as the chief sponsor for the project. John Martis expressed hope that contractor Deepak Fernandes would complete the construction by October 2027 so it can be inaugurated during the institution’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves lauded the Catholic Sabha of Mangalore and Udupi for their collaborative initiative in supporting children with special needs. He appreciated the dedication of teachers and trainers and thanked Fr. Denis D’Sa for introducing philanthropist Michael D’Souza to the institution.
In his address, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa referred to the film Taare Zameen Par, noting how it helped society better understand children with learning and developmental challenges. He said institutions like the Manasa Autism Centre play a vital role in improving the lives and social acceptance of children with autism. He also appreciated Michael D’Souza for his generous support to various social causes.
Among those present were trustees Dr. Edward Lobo, Henry Menezes, Dr. Gerald Pinto, Mary D’Souza and Joseph Noronha. Also present were Melwyn Aranha, Juliet D’Souza, Gerald Rodrigues, Asumpta D’Souza, Holy Spirit Sisters, PTA President Seema Shetty, Vice President Rohith Kundar, along with teaching and non-teaching staff of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre and Manasa Autism Centre.
Dr. Gerald Pinto proposed the vote of thanks, while Ms. Leesha D. Leona compered the programme.