Mangaluru: It happens very rarely, like two members from the same family, or for that matter two brothers, invited to be dignitaries on the dais during a function- at the valedictory function of Milagres PUC National Service Scheme (NSS) held on 14 January 2015 at Milagres College Hall, two brothers namely Joe D’Souza- a Electrical Engineer retired after 40 years of service in USA (now involved in various social service activities in Mangaluru and a regular donor towards Milagres NSS camps), and his younger brother Alfie D’souza, who is presently in Mangaluru after working as lab-tech for 22 years in US, and is also a journo with mangalorean.com, were invited as guests of honour for their selfless contribution towards the projects/programmes of Milagres PUC NSS team.
The valedictory function began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer rendered by the NSS girls, followed by welcome address by Mohanakrishna Nambiar- Programme Officer of NSS. While welcoming and introducing the chief guest of the occasion Dr Kishore kumar- District AIDS Control Center (District AIDS Prevention Cell D.K Mangaluru), MK Nambiar also thanked Joe D’Souza for his financial support and encouragement during NSS camps, and Alfie for his support through elaborate coverage on all the NSS projects, and spreading the good work of NSS volunteers throughout the nation/world through publicity on Mangalore’s most loved website, mangalorean.com.
The NSS Annual report was read by Watson Crasta, followed by awarding of certificates to the best NSS volunteers during the year for their dedication and commitment in the NSS projects. The chief guest Dr Kishore in his speech briefed about blood donation and its usefulness. He said, “The gift of blood is the gift of life. There is no substitute for human blood. Every two seconds someone needs blood. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives. More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood”.
He further said, ” Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors. Type O-negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in great demand and often in short supply. Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types. AB plasma is also usually in short supply. Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments.
Every blood donor is given a mini-physical, checking the donor’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin to ensure it is safe for the donor to give blood. The number one reason donors say they give blood is because they “want to help others.” Two most common reasons cited by people who don’t give blood are: “Never thought about it” and “I don’t like needles.” One donation can help save the lives of up to three people. If you began donating blood at age 18 and donated every 90 days until you reached 60, you would have donated 30 gallons of blood, potentially helping save more than 500 lives!” Dr Kishore urged the NSS students to come forward and donate blood when there are blood camps, thereby save lives.
NRI Joe D’souza addressing the NSS volunteers advised them to be alert and look around for any safety hazards that may hurt or kill a human being. He said, “If you see any open drainage, bring it to the notice of the concerned authorities. If you see a hanging electricity wire or damaged switch bow, alert the officials at MESCOM, if you come across reckless bus drivers, note down the bus number and inform the traffic police, etc etc. Your involvement and participation can bring a change in the society. Just by complaining over issues won’t serve the problem – you need to act fast, come forward with suitable solutions to rectify the problems. NSS is a great organization, and you should be proud to be its members to serve the community through your love and service to the society. You are all doing a great job- may God bless you all”.
Journo Alfie D’Souza narrating about his experience as to how people ignore and never acknowledge the the service and contribution made by media people urged the NSS students to appreciate and be grateful to their teachers, management staff and others when they do good towards you. Alfie said, ” Learning to be thankful and regularly expressing gratitude is an important part of being happy. Being thankful gives us an appreciate for what we have. Even when you don’t feel like you have much to be thankful for, realize that there’s someone out there in this world of 6 billion plus people who would look at your life and trade places with you in a heartbeat”.
He further said, “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. As JF Kennedy said,’As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them’. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude. To live a life fulfilled reflect on the things you have with gratitude. If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. The smallest thanks is always worth more than the effort it takes to give it.” Alfie D’Souza thanked John Pais-Principal of Milagres PUC and MK Nambiar for recognizing his contribution made towards NSS, and honoring him with a appreciation memento and also for inviting him and his brother as guests of honor during the valedictory function.
Principal John Pais addressing the students praised them for their selfless contribution made to the community through NSS projects, and wished them luck in their future endeavours. He further said that NSS is a noble experiment in academic extension. It inculcates the spirit of voluntary work among students and teachers through sustained community interaction. It brings our academic institutions closer to the society. It is a link between the campus and community, the college and village, knowledge and action. The overall aim of NSS is the Personality Development of students through community service. It gives an extension dimension to Higher Education system and orients the student youth to community service. Principal Pais urged the students to make the best use of NSS experience in their future career and life.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Deeksha, while the programme was compered by Mohammed Thasreef. NSS student leaders Watson Crasta and Prajna were also on the dais.
