Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 11: The St Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike, Mangaluru, organized a district-level programme at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall on Thursday to commemorate the 28th Memorial Day of St Mother Teresa with the theme 'Threats to coexistence: Challenges before democracy'.

The event began with a welcome by Santosh D’Souza Bajpe, president of Catholic Sabha, who also led the gathering in singing the state anthem. Floral tributes were offered to St Mother Teresa on the occasion.

Delivering the keynote, Prof Purushothama Bilimale spoke on the theme “Threats to coexistence: Challenges before democracy.” He emphasized that values such as peace and harmony are gradually diminishing and warned against political attempts to divide people. “Our differences should be our strength, not a reason for division,” he stressed, citing historical examples of rulers who contributed positively to India’s diverse culture.

Dr K Shareefa reflected on the inspiring life of St Mother Teresa, recalling how she, as a strong woman of her time, left behind everything to serve humanity. Through her congregation, she spread the message of kindness and peace, and continues to inspire people to do good.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangalore, noted that Mother Teresa found happiness in serving the poor despite hardships. “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is unknown, but today is in our hands. Let us take a step today towards unity and peace,” he urged.

On this occasion, Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram awardee K Kariya Mangala Jyothi was felicitated for being a strong voice of the needy and for his longstanding support to the Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike.

Roy Castelino, president of the Vedike, in his address, reminded the gathering of Mother Teresa’s spirit of selfless service: “One should help others, even those who wrong us, without expecting anything in return.”

Eminent dignitaries present included Stany Alvares, president of Konkani Sahitya Academy; Msgr Fr Maxim Noronha, vicar general of Mangalore diocese; Munir Katipalla; Fr Rupesh Madtha; Stany Lobo; Dr Krishnappa Konchady; K Kariya Mangala Jyothi; Dolphy D’Souza; Dr Sumathi S Hegde; and Fr JB Saldanha, PRO of Mangalore diocese

Adding to the programmes significance, an exhibition of books related to the life and works of St Mother Teresa was also held, drawing the attention of participants and spreading her timeless message further.

St Mother Teresa, remembered as the “Mother of Humanity,” dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick, and marginalized. Born in Skopje, Macedonia, she came to India at the age of 21 and later founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, which today has over 4,500 sisters serving in 135 countries. Her selfless service earned her the Nobel Peace Prize, and she was canonized as a saint in 2016.

Inspired by her ideals, the St Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike was established eight years ago as a secular platform to spread progressive thought and harmony. The Vedike has since organized programs like Samarasya Deepavali, Harmony Christmas, Harmony Iftar, and Unity Dasara, promoting the vision that every festival should become a celebration for all. It has also conducted Chinnara Kalarave workshops for children and consistently worked with like-minded organizations on issues of peace and livelihood.

Through such initiatives and commemorations, the Vedike continues to carry forward the legacy of Mother Teresa by fostering unity, compassion, and service across the coastal region.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Manjula Nayak, while Sunil Kumar Bajal served as the master of ceremonies. Students from several schools and colleges also took part in the event.