Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Oct 9: Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza inaugurated and blessed the premises of community empowerment centre of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh here at Milagres in city on Sunday, October 9.

A formal function was held at Milagres college auditorium after the inauguration.

Addressing the gathering MLA Mangaluru South, J R Lobo said "From the past 37 years Catholic Sabha has served the society selflessly. One of their main aims was to create political awareness and over the years they have been successful in this. Today Catholic Sabha has taken up another step by establishing empowerment centre. It is a medium in order to enable the beneficiaries to get the benefits from the government by providing ample information about the schemes and other facilities of government."

"There are many benefits which are provided to the minorities by the government. But due to lack of knowledge, these benefits are not availed by our people. Very few people opt for government sector. Thus the empowerment center should create awareness about these too. This center should run professionally. Even though the office bearers change in every two years this center should continue its service. I congratulate the entire team and wish them the best in their mission." Bishop added.
Chief whip of legislative council Ivan D'souza was felicitated at the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Ivan said "I was also the president of Catholic Sabha. I thank all the office bearers for felicitating me today. Establishing empowerment center is my dream and since I became the MLC, I have spoken about the same in the Council. In this regard I started awareness campaign and have completed 13 districts. Very few people know about the benefits given by the government. So there is a need to create awareness and such centres will be helpful in this regard. I congratulate and wish all the very best to all office bearers of Catholic Sabha."

Various benefits were distributed to many beneficiaries.

Catholic Sabha president Anil Lobo, parish priest of Milagres church Fr Valerian D'Souza, spiritual director Fr Mathew Vas, Konkani Sahithya Academy president Roy Castelino and others were present at the occasion.