9th Anniversary of ‘Naman Ballok Jesu’ celebrated
News & Pics: Regan & Alwyn
Mangaluru, Dec 5: ‘Fake news cannot be good news. But unfortunately fake news has become part of life now. This is a silent terrorism as it evokes lot of fear among the people. Fake news is the new face of terrorism which instills fear and confusion in the common man. WhatsApp is the common platform where fake messages are forwarded without a second thought,” said Fr Chetan Lobo, the Editor of ‘Uzvaad’ Konkani magazine on the occasion of 9th anniversary programme of ‘Naman Ballok Jesu’ popular Konkani monthly.
Fr Chetan Lobo was the chief guest for the occasion and was addressing the audience on the topic, ‘Fake News and the common man’.
The 9th anniversary of the magazine was celebrated on December 3 at Carmel Hills Bikarnakatta in city. It began with a prayer song by the OCDS Bajjodi unit. Fr Jocy Siddakatte, the editor of the magazine welcomed the guests and said that this celebration is of readers and writers.
Hemacharya, the editor of Daijiworld Weekly, speaking on ‘Individual freedom and the youth’ said that “Christians have a great name as peace lovers. But this has caused a great harm to the Christian community by not speaking and fighting for our rights. We need to come out of this illusion. Priests and religious should participate in the social causes without any fear,”
Wilfred Rodrigues, the superior of the monastery distributed the prizes of ‘Naman Ballok Jesu-Akaar Innovations’ Prakruti Kalakruti competition. A Konkani book “Amshe Tikshe Lonche” by Herolpius was released on this occasion.
‘Katha Rang’ played by dramatist Christopher Neenasam and team was staged on the occassion. Batti Kelarai’s ‘Ambadyachi Soshi’, Rony Arun’s ‘Bidar’ short stories , along with two poems of Cha. Fra De Costa were used for ‘Katha Rang’
Naman Ballok Jesu- Amulya Akash sponsored youth talent award was given to Frivita D’Souza (dramatist) and Nivita Cardoza (sports-Karate). The award included Rs 20,000 cash, a certificate of honour and a memento.
‘Naman Ballok Jesu-Godwin Sushma Rasquinha family ‘Person of the Year’ was awarded to Jeeth Milan Roche. This included Rs 30,000 cash, certificate of honour and a memento. Speaking on the occasion Roche said that, the church is doing an amazing work for the poor and the needy. But it needs to do much for the protection of the environment. He advised to have a ‘green week’ to plant trees and encourage people Christians to have love for the nature.
The president Fr Pius James D’ Souza, Vice Provincial of Carmelites and Religious Vicar of Mangaluru, moved the clock from 9 to 10, inaugurating the Decennial Year of the magazine. He appreciated the winners and advised the magazine board not to entertain fake news, but to bring to light what is true and authentic in nature.
The stage was also adorned by Mevis Rodrigues, Sushma Rasquinha, Daya Victor Lobo and Fr Wilfred Rodrigues. Fr Ivan D’Souza, the sub-editor expressed vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Alwyn Danti Pernal.