Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 8: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a programme was organized by CODP on March 8 to felicitate the newly elected gram panchayat members from CODP promoted SHGs (Self Help Groups).
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangaluru diocese; Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP; Fr Vincent D'Souza, designate director of CODP; Padmanaba Ullal, retired government engineer and social worker; Linet Castelino, retired police inspector; Shameena Iqbal, president of Manjeshwar block panchayat; Mary Fernandes, president of Fajir gram panchayat; Raziya, president of Balepuni gram panchayat; Wilfred D'Souza, president of Munnar gram panchayat were present on the dais.
Fr Oswald Monteiro welcomed the gathering and expressed his happiness to the 29 members of CODPs SHGs who won the gram panchayat elections as CODP focuses on women empowerment and also promotes leadership qualities among SHG members. He further said CODP provided awareness and promotes natural resource management, Sparsha-campaign against cancer etc. He motivated the elected members to do social service without any discrimination and reach out to every individual.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, president of CODP felicitated the GP members and delivered the presidential address. He wished all the women on the occasion of International Women’s Day. He said that a woman who rocks the cradle, can also rule the world. Both men and women are equal and hence should not be differentiated. He advised the elected gram panachat members to develop their areas and also help the people of the area to solve their problems.
Padmanabha Ullal being the resource person, explained about the Panchayat Raj system. People living in villages face many problems namely, water shortage, no proper roads, not able to avail various government facilities etc. He said that if there was any leakage in the water pipeline, citizens should inform the concerned department or local area in-charge so that it could be rectified immediately. He advised the elected members to form local area Whatsapp groups so that people can inform about local area problems which can be addressed by the president, panchayat member.
Linet Castelino, the chief guest of the programme, spoke about the various laws and sections of the IPC relating to the protection of women. She also informed women to be aware of ATM scams, chain robbers and thereby take necessary precautions. If any family demands dowry from a girl, they can approach the law and get justice as per the Dowry Prohibition Act. Moreover, she informed the gathering that counseling services are provided at the police station and also the procedure to file the FIR.
Naseema, elected GP member of Talapady and member of CODPs Pragathi SHG shared her experience about her association with CODP since the last 20 years. She explained how her life changed after joining the CODPs SHG and because of the motivation of CODP and staff Vani she began social service. Thereafter, she started providing counseling services to broken families and was able to solve around 60 cases.
Fr Francis Xavier Gomes, retired principal of St Philomena College Puttur, shared success tips at area level which can promote good governance.
On behalf of Sparsha-campaign against cancer, a charity drive was initiated to support poor cancer patients.
Lydia Moras and Rita D'Souza, coordinators of CODP compered the programme and Fr Vincent D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks.