Empowering Dreams: MDS Charities Hosts ‘Umeed 2026’ in Udupi to Support Higher Education for Youth
Udupi: Although we may not see God with our eyes, He comes to us in the form of people who extend a helping hand during difficult times. God can be seen in every person who wishes well for others and helps those in need, said Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi.
He was speaking after inaugurating Umeed 2026, a guidance workshop organised by MDS Charities at Ave Maria Hall, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Udupi, on Monday. The workshop aimed to support needy, deserving, and aspiring youth in the community in pursuing professional and higher education.
Talent is not merely something one is born with; it can be developed and enhanced through continuous practice. For this, the patience and support of parents are essential. If children’s talents are identified, nurtured and encouraged from an early age, they can grow into responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully to the nation, he said.
Referring to the core mission of the MDS Trust — “Care, Support and Empowerment” — the Bishop appreciated the service-mindedness and humanitarian spirit of Michael D’Souza. He praised D’Souza for empowering members of the community and the diocese by extending a helping hand to those in need.
The Bishop urged the beneficiaries to always remember, with gratitude, the support they have received and to strive to make their own positive contribution to society.
Speaking as the chief guest, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Udupi, said that life is a precious gift. When we share the blessings and resources given to us by God with others on life’s journey, we become worthy of His grace. In this regard, the service rendered by Michael D’Souza is commendable, he said.
He urged the students to make the best use of the financial assistance provided for their education, strive for excellence in life and cultivate the habit of helping others.
In his keynote address, advisor for MDS Charities CA Lionel Aranha presented an extensive overview of 13 years of educational and social support extended by the charity.
Educare 2026 (Udupi diocese): For the academic year 2026, MDS Charities has sanctioned Rs 1.65 crore as educational support for 172 students in the Udupi diocese.
Educare support (2013–2025): Between 2013 and 2025, educational assistance under the Educare scheme reached 3,838 students across the region, comprising 3,098 students from the Mangaluru diocese and 740 from the Udupi diocese.
Housing assistance: Extending support beyond education, MDS Charities has provided housing assistance amounting to Rs 79 lakh to the Udupi diocese.
Third child sponsorship: Under family care initiatives, financial support amounting to Rs 14.80 lakh has been disbursed to eligible families in the Udupi diocese.
MDS alumni network: Plans were unveiled to establish an MDS Charities alumni network under the motto “One Life Touching Another.” The network aims to maintain long-term engagement with beneficiaries through career guidance, employment support, mentorship, and encouraging former beneficiaries to eventually help others.
Reassuring the gathering, Aranha stated that the organization is always ready to support and guide the students.
This year, the Trust will extend financial assistance to 172 students from the Diocese of Udupi to help them pursue professional and higher education.
During the programme, several student beneficiaries shared their experiences and expressed their gratitude for the significant financial assistance provided by MDS Charities.
Before the main programme, Rev. Praveen Leo Lasrado, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education of the Diocese of Mangaluru, delivered an orientation talk to the students.
Maxim D’Souza, Vice-President of the Pastoral Council of Udupi Church; Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Praveen Leo D’Souza; Trust members Oswald Rodrigues, Shubha Rodrigues and Stephen Pinto; and others were present.
Poet H. M. Pernal welcomed the gathering and compered the programme. Reena D’Costa proposed the vote of thanks.