Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 16: Michael D’Souza and Family Charities (MDS Charities) organised 'Umed 2026', a major orientation and educational support programme, on Sunday, August 16, at the Bejai Church Hall, Mangaluru. The initiative focuses on empowering aspiring, needy, and deserving youth of the community to pursue professional and higher education.
Presiding over the event, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of the diocese of Mangalore, described philanthropist Michael D’Souza and his family as a "gift of God to the community."
Highlighting the trust's core mission—"Care, support, and empower"—the bishop noted that D’Souza’s benevolence addresses immediate requirements through home care, medicare, and family care, while securing tomorrow through Educare. He commended D'Souza for empowering the diocese through several initiatives and donations in the past, emphasizing that he is irreplaceable. He further remarked that D'Souza has touched the past, present, and future, urging beneficiaries to remain grateful, remember the support received, and strive to leave their own positive mark on society.
The programme commenced with a prayer led by Fr Stany Pereira, parish priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai, who invoked the presence and blessings of God upon the gathering.
Stephen Pinto, advisor for MDS Charities, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. Delivering the keynote address, Prof CA Lionel Aranha, advisor for MDS Charities, presented a detailed 13-year overview of the foundation's extensive community reach:
• Educare support (2013–2025): MDS Charities has extended educational assistance to 3,838 students across Mangalore (3,098 students and Udupi (740 students).
• Educare 2026 (Mangalore diocese): For the academic year 2026, a total of Rs 4.84 crore (Rs 4,84,64,000) has been sanctioned for 505 students (343 renewals amounting to Rs 3.33 crore and 162 new applicants amounting to Rs 1.50 crore).
• Housing assistance: Under housing welfare schemes, the trust has supported 520 families with total aid amounting to Rs 7.25 crore (Rs 7,25,07,000), covering 314 new houses (Rs 4.93 crore), 206 house repairs (Rs 2.04 crore), and Rs 27.35 lac disbursed prior to July 2023.
• Third child sponsorship: Under family care initiatives, financial support amounting to Rs 73.19 lac has been provided to 691 children (253 students in 2025 worth Rs 25.77 lac, and 438 students in 2026 worth Rs 47.42 lac).
Prof CA Lionel Aranha also outlined future proposals, including plans to establish an MDS Charities Alumni network under the motto "one life touching another" to encourage ongoing networking, mentorship, and mutual support.
Chief guest Fr Faustine L Lobo, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, exhorted students to study diligently, cultivate essential skills, and return the good by supporting others in need. Resource person Richard Alvares, Cordel, conducted an interactive session addressing students and parents on youth empowerment, emphasizing three core pillars: Investment (investing time wisely), Innovation (exploring new ideas and capabilities), and Inspiration (seeking drive to excel).
During the event, several student beneficiaries shared emotional and impactful testimonies, acknowledging the crucial financial support provided by MDS Charities. Sahitya Akademi Awardee (2025) H M Pernal compered the event, while Reena D'Costa proposed the vote of thanks.
Guests of honour present included Nirmal D’Souza, vice president of Bejai Parish Pastoral Council; Fr Rajesh Rosario, rector of St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary; and Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, director of St Joseph’s Engineering College. Many priests, religious sisters, representatives of beneficiary institutions and organizations, well-wishers, advisory members, and team members were also present.
The programme concluded with the Eucharistic celebration offered by the bishop at Bejai Church followed by lunch and the completion of official formalities.