Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 8: Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, witnessed a significant leadership transition as Fr Sudeep Paul, MSFS, formally handed over the responsibilities of director to Fr Roshan Rosario, OFM, during a farewell and welcome ceremony held on Thursday, June 4. The programme was attended by Church leaders, dignitaries, representatives of various organisations, well-wishers, students and staff members.
The programme commenced with a prayer hymn by the Fr Walter Albuquerque Memorial Choir, followed by a welcome dance presented by Remona Pereira. The dignitaries were then escorted to the dais. The event was compered by Sunil Bajal, while Roy Castelino, trustee of Sandesha Foundation, delivered the welcome address. The gathering also witnessed the ceremonial lighting of the lamp before the formal handover of charge.
Among those present on the dais were Dr Henry D'Souza, bishop of Bellary and chairman of Sandesha Foundation; Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore and vice chairman of the Commission for Social Communications, KRCBC; Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop emeritus of Udupi and trustee of Sandesha Foundation; Fr Robin Victor D'Souza, provincial superior; Stany Lobo, convenor of the programme; Stany Alvares, president of Konkani Sahitya Academy; Fr Sudeep Paul, MSFS, outgoing director; and Fr Roshan Rosario, OFM, incoming director.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Henry D'Souza described the occasion as both emotional and significant, noting that saying goodbye is always difficult. He praised Fr Sudeep Paul for his outstanding service as director, highlighting his strengths in communication, motivation, encouragement, and his calm and observant nature. Bishop Henry acknowledged Fr Sudeep's achievements and contributions during his tenure, thanked him for his dedicated service, and wished him success in his future mission. He also extended his best wishes to the incoming director, Fr Roshan Rosario.
The outgoing director, Fr Sudeep Paul, was honoured during the programme. Concepta Fernandes (Alva) read out the citation highlighting his contributions and achievements during his tenure. Following the honouring ceremony, several organisations and associations, including Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike, Konkani Sahitya Academy, Konkani students of St Aloysius Deemed to be University, the Fr Walter Albuquerque Memorial Choir and many others, offered floral greetings and felicitations.
In his response, Fr Sudeep Paul thanked God Almighty for guiding and strengthening him throughout his four-year tenure. Reflecting on his journey, he said that the support of well-wishers, students, employees and collaborators had been instrumental in achieving the Foundation's goals. He recalled various initiatives ranging from renovations to encouraging students and promoting culture and education. Looking back on the achievements and relationships built over the years, he remarked that Sandesha Foundation stands as a testament to what unity and collective effort can accomplish. He expressed gratitude to Dr Henry D'Souza, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha and Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo for their mentorship and guidance. He also thanked everyone who had contributed to the Foundation's growth and congratulated Fr Roshan Rosario on his appointment as director.
The incoming director, Fr Roshan Rosario, was welcomed through a felicitation ceremony. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha introduced Fr Roshan to the gathering and highlighted several achievements from his priestly ministry. Referring to Sandesha Foundation as an institution with a rich legacy, bishop Peter Paul expressed confidence that it would continue to grow under the new leadership and wished Fr Roshan success in his new responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Roshan Rosario said that he was ready to take on the responsibility entrusted to him and called upon everyone to work together for the betterment of Sandesha Foundation. He thanked Fr Sudeep Paul for his dedicated service and assured the gathering that he would continue the good work undertaken by his predecessor.
The programme also included the felicitation of Riyana Bangera Soans in recognition of her dedicated service to Sandesha Foundation.
Fr Robin Victor D'Souza, provincial superior, stated that every institution grows through dedication and commitment. He thanked Fr Sudeep Paul for his valuable service and welcomed Fr Roshan Rosario as the new director. Appreciating Fr Roshan's service at St Anthony's PU College, he expressed confidence that Sandesha Foundation would continue to flourish under his leadership.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Stany Alvares, president of Konkani Sahitya Academy, who thanked everyone involved in organising the event and acknowledged the presence of the distinguished guests. He also conveyed his best wishes to the incoming director.
The programme concluded with the Sandesha anthem and a fellowship meal, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education.