*Uzwaad Fortnightly Marks 10 Years of Service to Udupi Diocese*

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Reported by: P. Archibald Furtado.

Photographs: Richard DSouza.

Udupi: 28th January 2024, The Milagres College in Kallianpur witnessed a historic event as Uzwaad, the official mouthpiece of the newly formed Diocese of Udupi, celebrated its Decennial Celebrations with grandeur and solemnity.

The meticulously organized stage program commenced with a soulful prayer by the choir group of Mt Rosary Church, Santhekatte – Kallianpur. This was followed by a captivating dance performance that welcomed the esteemed gathering, setting the tone for the memorable occasion.

Uzwaad, initially a monthly magazine, transitioned into a fortnightly publication, earning acclaim for its rapid progress in the formative years. Despite the challenges posed by the digital media landscape, it has retained a loyal readership base, thanks to its rich content, quality, and diverse offerings. The three Editors, past and present, have played instrumental roles, supported by the Diocese, readers, subscribers, writers, and advertisers. The publication has also been instrumental in nurturing budding writers and reporters through workshops and other initiatives.

Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, representing the Deepa Trust, provided a brief overview of the publication’s journey and extended congratulations to the editors, writers, and trustees. He emphasized Uzwaad’s resilience in the face of challenges and urged everyone to reflect on its history, review achievements, and chart a path forward. Special acknowledgment was given to the Founder Editor, Rev. Fr. Chethan Capuchin, for laying a strong foundation and vision, which subsequent editors have diligently upheld.

Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General and Chairman of the Deepa Trust, warmly welcomed the attendees, while Alwyn Danthy Pernal skillfully compered the program.

Dr. Jerald Pinto, esteemed writer and former Principal of Milagres College, was honored with a traditional shawl. He expressed joy at witnessing Uzwaad’s growth into the premier Konkani Fortnightly of Udupi, boasting around 11,000 subscribers worldwide. He credited Fr. Chethan for his leadership, Fr Royson especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed confidence in the new editor, Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, wishing him success in his endeavours.

Fr. Chethan Lobo, Capuchin, the former editor, reminisced about his tenure and highlighted the editorial freedom granted by the Deepa Trust, crucial for maintaining the publication’s quality. He also emphasized the importance of readership in preserving cultural heritage, lamenting the decline in reading habits.

James Mendonca, President of Mangalore Konkans, Dubai, delivered the chief guest address, lauding Fr. Chethan’s vision and Uzwaad’s consistent quality. He praised Daiji Dubai for its support in organizing literary competitions, nurturing emerging writers.

Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, in his presidential address, traced Uzwaad’s journey from a monthly to a fortnightly publication. He acknowledged the contributions of past and present editors and urged everyone to embrace Uzwaad’s motto of preserving and promoting Konkani culture.

Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, the current editor, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their support over the past decade. Nanu Marol was honoured on behalf of Daiji Dubai for their significant contributions. Wilfred Padil, the designer, and other dignitaries behind Uzwaad were also recognized. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions held during the celebrations.

The evening concluded with a mesmerizing Konkani play, ‘Dadlya Bhitar Tu Sadenv’, presented by the Astitva team from Mangalore, leaving the audience enthralled. Refreshments were served to all present, marking the end of a memorable milestone in Uzwaad’s journey.