Embracing Unity: The Essential Essence for Societal Well-being, Professed by Dr. K. Phaniraj

In the heart of Mangaluru, literary luminary Dr. K. Phaniraj expounded on the vital need for a sense of alliance to nurture societal harmony. Speaking at the inauguration of the symposium themed ‘Cells of Love in Diverse India,’ hosted by the Saint Mother Teresa Forum on the 26th Commemoration Day of Saint Mother Teresa at the City Hall, he underscored the significance of unity.
“Hate is a simplistic sentiment, while love embodies a profound complexity. It is effortless to manipulate for power and wealth, with no shortage of enablers. In such a landscape, the true essence of love is genuinely spiritual,” he shared. India, unfortunately, has witnessed the scars of communal strife, characterized by violence, hatred, and unforgivable acts such as rape. Dr. Phaniraj emphasized that for social democracy to thrive, the spirit of brotherhood must be as fundamental as our daily sustenance—imbued within us like the very air we breathe.
“Equality cannot merely be safeguarded through legislation; it must be ingrained in our societal fabric. If equality and fraternity are to endure, equitable resource distribution is imperative,” Prof. Phaniraj stated. He attributed conflicts to those who undermine the sense of camaraderie, eroding the foundation of alliance.
Understanding the Constitution’s Fundamental Principle: Unity
Echoing this sentiment, retired NSS officer Dr. Gananath Shetty stressed the essence of an inner revolution rooted in understanding reality. He illuminated Gandhiji’s belief that genuine revolution originates from our innermost being and hinges upon our thought processes. The ethos of India’s Constitution—equality, liberty, fraternity, and social justice—was emphasized as a bedrock, urging for mutual respect and acknowledgment of each individual’s rights and freedoms.
“Today, our society often places more importance on rituals than on the teachings of love. Humanity is a cell of love that requires nurturing,” Dr. Shetty added. Drawing inspiration from the selfless life of Mother Teresa, he highlighted the importance of service, compassion, and seeing the divine in all.
Roy Castellino, President of the Saint Mother Teresa Forum, emphasized the role of youth, the future torchbearers of India. He paid homage to Mother Teresa, a beacon of humanity, and underscored the need for emulating her spirit of love and service. The Saint Mother Teresa Forum, he mentioned, was established to disseminate love and compassion inspired by her teachings.
Acknowledging the Contributions: A Celebration of Love and Compassion
Distinguished attendees, including former Mayor of Mangalore K. Ashraf and retired principal Dr. Vasant Kumar, added their perspectives, underscoring the enduring impact of Saint Mother Teresa’s legacy. They celebrated her unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized and the destitute, embodying love in its purest form.
In this gathering of compassionate souls, it became evident that desire, often the root of suffering, manifests not only in material wants but also in selfishness, hatred, and communalism. Dr. Shetty urged a transcendence of these base desires, envisioning a world where humanity rises above the mundane, as envisioned by the revered poet Kuvempu.

In essence, the symposium reiterated the timeless wisdom—love, compassion, and unity are the pillars upon which a harmonious society stands, steering humanity toward a more enlightened and altruistic future. With the teachings of Mother Teresa as their guide, those present pledged to propagate love as the fundamental force that binds and uplifts society.

Earlier News

Saint Mother Teresa Memorial Day Symposium to Commemorate 26th Anniversary

Saint Mother Teresa Memorial Day

As part of the 26th death anniversary celebrations of Mother Teresa, the epitome of humanity, a district level Seminar on the theme “Vaividhya Bharatadalli preethiya selegalu “ will be held on September 21st from 10 am to 1 pm in Kudmul Ranga Rao/Town hall in the city.

The symposium will be inaugurated by Mr Dinesh Amin Mattu, a senior journalist and former media advisor to the Chief Minister of Karnataka , and the theme will be presented by eminent writer and Litterateur Dr. K. Sherifa. Mr K Ashraf, the former Mayor of Mangalore City Corporation will respond to the talk .

The programme will be presided by Roy Castelino the President of the forum.

Ektara singing by Nada Maninalkoor Balaga and Janapreeti Balaga at 9.30 am will precede the talk.

Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike a association of secular and like minded people was founded in year 2017 with the motto “Let’s spread love to all” based on the ideals of the great Saint of our times Mother Teresa of Kolkata who won the hearts of millions of people around the world through her selfless love and service.

Saint Mother Teresa Forum, Mangalore

Mr. Roy Castellino
President, Saint Mother Teresa Forum

Roy Castellino (President)
Sunil Kumar Bajal (Principal Secretary)

Manjula Naik (Joint Secretary, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Dolphy D’Souza (Treasurer, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Alvin D’Souza (Honorary Advisor, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Munir Katipalla (Honorary Advisor, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Stany D Cunha (Moderator, Media Committee)

A Legacy of Compassion: The Life of Mother Teresa

In the heart of the bustling streets of Kolkata, India, a diminutive figure clad in a white sari moved with purpose, tending to the destitute and forgotten. This remarkable woman was none other than Saint Mother Teresa, whose life and work continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.

Born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, on August 26, 1910, Mother Teresa’s journey toward sainthood began in the most humble of circumstances. At the tender age of 18, she left her family to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she adopted the name Sister Mary Teresa. Little did the world know that this young nun would go on to transform the lives of thousands.

Mother Teresa’s calling came during a train ride to Darjeeling in 1946 when she received what she described as a “call within a call” from God. She felt a deep and compelling urge to serve the poorest of the poor in the slums of Kolkata. With unwavering faith, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an organization dedicated to caring for those suffering from poverty, disease, and despair.

One of her most well-known endeavors was the establishment of the Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart) home for the dying. Here, the destitute and abandoned found not only a place to spend their last moments but also the solace of compassionate care. Mother Teresa’s personal involvement was legendary – she would often cradle the dying in her arms, providing them comfort and dignity in their final hours.

Her selflessness extended far beyond the walls of the hospice. She tirelessly walked the streets of Kolkata, seeking out the forgotten and marginalized, providing food, shelter, and love to those who had none. Her work earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, an acknowledgment of her unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering.

Mother Teresa’s influence transcended boundaries and religious affiliations. Her message of love, compassion, and service resonated with people of all backgrounds. She once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one,” a testament to her belief in the power of individual acts of kindness.

Even after her passing on September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa’s legacy endures. Her canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016 was a testament to the profound impact she had on the world. Her spirit lives on in the Saint Mother Teresa Forum, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting her values and ideals.

As we gather to commemorate Saint Mother Teresa Memorial Day, let us remember the life of this extraordinary woman, whose boundless love and unwavering dedication continue to inspire us to spread peace and love in our diverse world.

Mangalore, September 18, 2023 – The Bethany Educational Society® (BES), a shining beacon of transformative education, is poised to commemorate a momentous milestone – its closing celebration of the Platinum Jubilee, on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Established on September 4, 1948, under the visionary leadership and patronage of Servant of God Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas, and guided by its first President, Mother Petra BS, alongside the First Council of Management, BES has played a vital role in shaping education and social progress in Mangalore and beyond to rural areas in 26 States.

A Vision Forged in Challenging Times: In 1921, the Servant of God, Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas, Founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Bethany Congregation so called and the Bethany Educational Society, set out on a mission to combat the scourges of poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, and ignorance that afflicted society specially the girls and women.

Four outstanding lady teachers, the pioneering members of Bethany Congregation, distinguished for their piety and dedication – Sr. Martha BS, Sr. Clare BS, Sr. Lourdes BS, and Sr. Gertrude BS of St. Sebastian School, Bendur, Mangalore, joined him in this noble endeavor of educational ministry.

The Goal of Transformative Education: The goal of BES has remained steady through the decades: “Transformative Education for Fullness of Life for all, especially the underprivileged and girl children as in the Gospel of John 10:10.” This resolute commitment has been the driving force behind its growth and enduring impact.

Platinum Jubilee Celebration: The culminating event of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of BES will commence with a Thanksgiving Eucharist at 3:30 pm at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, Mangalore, presided over by Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore.

Distinguished guests, including
Archbishop Most Rev Peter Machado from Bangalore,
Most Rev Jerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi,
Most Rev Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly,
Most Rev Ignatius Mascarenhas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh,
priests, religious leaders, staff, students, parents, alumni, and well-wishers, will converge to participate in this grace-filled occasion.

The cultural program, scheduled for 5:30 pm at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendur, Mangalore, will feature
Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, as the Chief Guest.
Esteemed Guests of Honour include
Shri U T Khadar, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly,
Shri Vedavysa Kamath, MLA of Mangalore City South, and Shri Dayanand R Naik, DDPI (Admin) Dakshina Kannada.

Students from various BES institutions will display creatively the vision for the Platinum Jubilee year ‘Transformative Education for fulness of life and human fraternity, emphasizing the 4 priorities:
Upholding justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Promotion of Peace and Harmony
Caring for Mother Earth
Education for Excellence & Self Reliance

Honoring Collaborators: This celebration serves as a profound opportunity to express gratitude to all collaborators who have been integral to BES’s mission over the past seven and a half decades.

Leadership and Values: The governance of The Bethany Educational Society is vested in a Council of Management, presided over by the Superior General of the Congregation, currently, Sr Rose Celine BS, serves as the President of BES, Sr Shanti Priya BS as the Vice-President, and Sr Sandhya BS as the Secretary. The Council of Management comprises of 10 members, including General Councillors.
Impact across India: BES has expanded its footprints across India, disseminating the principles of transformative education and upholding core values that encompass
God Experience,
Compassionate love for all especially the poor and the marginalised
Communion, Collaboration, Team Spirit,
Excellence in Developing each one’s unique Potentialities,
Truth, Love, Justice, Peace,
Simplicity of Lifestyle, Dignity of Labour, and
Respect for Life, Nature, Cultures, Religions, and Love for the Nation.

Championing Social Causes: The teenagers as Bethany Champions, nurtured within BES institutions, have emerged as torchbearers of civil and political leadership.

Extensive Outreach: Currently, BES manages 135 institutions, spanning primary, secondary, junior colleges, and two-degree colleges, along with 33 hostels and numerous non-formal Centres, teacher training college, and vocational education centers in rural areas.

These institutions are spread across 26 states and 53 dioceses of India, benefitting over 82,000 students through a diverse range of educational ventures. BES remains dedicated to shaping a brighter future. The alumni of BES have made a remarkable contribution in building of the society in all spheres.

Collaboration with other Managements: A cornerstone of our strength lies in our partnership, in 65 schools and hostels of diocesan and other managements, where a large number of Bethany Sisters and teachers serve, guiding them towards impressive achievements with value-based education.

Mission of Social Liberation: Bethany Sisters, through Bethany Social Work Centers, address the needs of women, youth, children, migrants, trafficked and those marginalized by society.

Their mission of social liberation remains a top priority, fostering self-reliance, skill-based education, industrial training and sustainable livelihoods through various initiatives.

Empowering Women Nationally and Internationally: With 56 social service centers across India, the Bethany Congregation has touched the lives of 4,20,000 women, youth, and children across 940 town and grama panchayats in 26 states.

The empowerment of women has been at the forefront of their journey since 1921, with an unwavering commitment to progress.

Sisters of the Bethany Congregation are also involved in educational missions in North West Africa, Tanzania, and Nepal.

To mark the Jubilee year a project has been launched to educate 75 girls with professional training. Besides annually thousands of poor students are provided educational scholarship to pursue and further their education.

As The Bethany Educational Society® Mangalore concludes its Platinum Jubilee, we carry forward a legacy of transformative education and an unflagging dedication to social harmony and peace.

We look forward to the promotion of a unified human community with a firm commitment to those millions of children, who are deprived of their human right of a basic quality education, especially in rural areas.

The inauguration of the Student Council for the Postgraduate Departments of the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, marked a significant event on September 12, 2023. The ceremony, which included the swearing-in of the newly elected council members, took place at the college auditorium. Distinguished guests, including the President of the institute Prof. Vida Sequeira, Secretary Prof. Evelyn Benis, Vice Principal Dr. Jenis Mary, Welfare Officers Dr. Wilsy Francis, Prof. Roshan D Souza, and Prof. Jinsa Joseph, along with Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students of the college, graced the occasion with their presence.

Ceremony Highlights:

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a soulful invocation by the college choir, seeking the blessings of the Almighty. Following this, the dignitaries performed the symbolic lighting of the lamp, signifying the enlightenment of knowledge and leadership.

Oath of Office:

The newly elected Student Council members were then called upon to take their solemn oath, administered by the esteemed Chief Guest, Prof. Vida Sequiera, President of the Institute of Social Service. In this oath, they pledged their commitment to uphold the values of the college and to serve their fellow students diligently.

Address by Dr. Jenis Mary, Vice Principal:

Dr. Jenis Mary, the Vice Principal of the college, delivered an inspiring address. She congratulated the newly elected Student Council members and encouraged them to be proactive in addressing the needs and concerns of their peers. Dr. Jenis emphasized the vital role of teamwork, effective communication, and strong leadership in achieving their goals. She urged them to collaborate closely with the faculty to create a positive and inclusive college environment.

Addressing the challenges that students may face during their college journey, Dr. Jenis assured them of the unwavering support of student welfare officers and mentors in times of difficulty. She highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere to ensure every student’s success.

Vision for the Future:

The newly elected Postgraduate Convenor, Ms. Sona Prakash, shared her vision for the upcoming academic year. She called upon her fellow council members to work cohesively towards achieving their goals for the betterment of the college community.

Vote of Thanks:

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the Postgraduate General Secretary, Ms. Delillah Goveas. She expressed gratitude to all attendees and acknowledged the presence of a delegation from Volda University, who witnessed the event.

Closing Remarks:

In addition to the speeches mentioned above, Dr. Sebastin K V, the Dean of Academics, provided closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence for the student council members. He urged them to balance their duties with a commitment to their studies.

the inauguration ceremony of the Student Council at the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, served as an auspicious beginning to the academic year 2023-24. The event inspired hope, leadership, and a sense of responsibility among the newly elected council members, who are poised to make a positive impact on the college community throughout their tenure.

Endowment Lecture 2023 | “Relevance of ITI Education in the Digital World.” | Dr. John Edward D’Silva, former Professor at St. Aloysius College |

Xavier Educational Trust Successfully Concludes Thanksgiving Service and Endowment Lecture

Mangalore, September 10, 2023

The Xavier Educational Trust celebrated a successful conclusion to its special event, which included a Thanksgiving Service and an insightful Endowment Lecture titled “Relevance of ITI Education in the Digital World.”

Held today at St. Aloysius (Gelge) Hall in Mangalore, the event attracted a diverse audience interested in the evolving importance of ITI (Industrial Training Institute) education in the digital era.

Dr. John Edward D’Silva, former Professor at St. Aloysius College in Mangalore and an esteemed academic in the field of education, delivered the keynote address during the Endowment Lecture. Dr. D’Silva’s expertise shed light on the critical role ITI education plays in preparing individuals for the challenges of the modern digital world.

The event was organized by the Late Rose & Sebastian Vas Memorial Charitable Fund, affiliated with the Xavier Educational Trust. Notable figures in the trust’s leadership, including J.J.V. Fernandes, Chairman, F.M. Lobo, Secretary, and Ligoury Fernandes, Treasurer, played instrumental roles in orchestrating the event’s success.

The Xavier Educational Trust has a longstanding commitment to providing quality education and promoting intellectual discourse. This event was a testament to the trust’s dedication to fostering knowledge and innovation within the community.

For those who attended the event or wish to learn more, the organizers can still be reached for inquiries and follow-up at the following phone numbers: 9448770238, 9341122044, and 9945469093.

The Xavier Educational Trust expresses its gratitude to all participants and attendees for making the Thanksgiving Service and Endowment Lecture a meaningful and engaging experience. Such events continue to enrich the educational calendar of Mangalore, contributing to the region’s intellectual growth and progress.