Events

Report of the Seminar organized by GOA SUDHAROP in association with V.V.M’S
R.M. SALGAOCAR Higher Secondary School on August 13, 2010 in connection with
Goa Sudharop's 2010 theme "YEAR OF THE GOAN VOLUNTEER SPIRIT".

The seminar was held at Kare law College Hall and attended by 210 students
which included those from various Higher Secondary Schools such as Carmel
HSS, R.M. Salgaocar HSS and Multipurpose HSS with their teachers.

The seminar began at 8.45 a.m. with the inaugural function. Principal Shri.
Vinod V.Powar of R.M. Salgaocar HSS, welcomed the gathering. The executive
Director, of Goa Sudharop, Mr.Ibonio D’Souza introduced the gathering about
the mission of Goa Sudharop.

The Chief Guest for the seminar was Rev. Father Kyriel D’Souza, an eminent
spiritual personality and an academician Rev. Father Kyriel D’Souza
addressed the gathering and also enlightened the students on the topic “Put
your best foot forward”. He encouraged students not to get discouraged when
problems come their way, but face them bravely. Next there was an
interesting talk “Serve and Deserve” by Brahmachari Acharya Prahlad
Chaitanyaji of Chinmay Mission who expressed the importance of voluntary
service.

After a refreshing tea break Mr. Pravin Sabnis of Unlearning Unlimited spoke
on “Volunteering to make a difference” explaining that each one of us has
the power to make positive things happen in our lives.

“Caring for Mother Nature” was another interesting topic presented by Mr.
Savio Fernandes of Dual Angle and a nature lover. He stressed upon our
concern, attention, reaction and empathy (CARE) towards mother nature and
how little we are doing about it.

The program ended with distribution of certificates to the participating
students and teachers and mementos to the faculty members. A special prize
was given to the best volunteer by Mr. Ibonio D’Souza.

The whole seminar was co-ordinated by NSS Programme Officer of RMSHSS, Mrs.
Rekha Mohan Rao along with other NSS Programme Officers and students.
Students were provided much information on volunteerism and a lunch packet.

Thank you to all who made this event a great success.

Goa Sudharop organised a tree plantation programme on Independence Day, 15th August, 2010, in association with the NSS Unit of VVM's Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, in college campus, with a total number of 500 students present.

The programme was held after the flag hoisting. In all 15 trees were planted with tree guard cages bearing GS name as donors, which will be maintained  for two years, by our environmental conservation partners: Nisarga Nature Club.

The NSS volunteers planted the trees in the presence of Goa Sudharop's Executive Director (Goa), Principal: Dr. I.Bhanu Murthy and Dr. Manasvi Kamat, and NSS Programme Officers.  At the end of the programme all were served light snacks, and thanked forthe gesture of the volunteer spirit so enthusiastically displayed.

Over 70 college students from Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, Margao, visited senior citizens at the Govt. Old Aged Home, Margao, Goa to participate in Goa Sudharop's programme "Visit the Elders Day" on Sept 3, 2010. Senior citizens were made to feel wanted and flashed spontaneous smiles. They profusely thanked the young volunteers for their warm gesture of interacting with them.

There were skits in Konkani on various themes. In addition, singing too in which some seniors excitedly joined in. At the end the students were urged to experience more of such encounters and to volunteer in the community as such human concern can make them more sensitive, responsible and truly successful and happy individuals in life. Care packets were also distributed to the seniors.

Goa Sudharop Community Development Inc. USA in association with C.E.S. College of Arts and Commerce, Cuncolim, Salcete, Goa, organised a one-day seminar on 4th September 2010, on the topic “Goan Volunteer Spirit”. The seminar was hosted by the Personality Development School of the college in the audio-visual hall of the college. In all, around 200 students participated in the Seminar.

Smt. Pooja Prabhudessai compered the function and, in her introduction, stated that human values seem to be getting eroded and the world was slowly becoming inhuman. Consequently, the need of the hour is to inculcate and build a community volunteer spirit among the new generation.

The program, attended by students of Sharada Mandir School, Panaji and students from the Institute of Instruction, Panaji, began with a brief introduction by Principal Nirmala Rebello. Following this, Mr. Ibonio D’Souza, Executive Director of Goa Sudharop gave a welcome address wherein he emphasized that “citizens should work unitedly to create a sensitive and caring society. Since society is made up of you and me, each citizen must make his or her own individual contribution towards this national goal”.

Mr. Oscar Gonsalves, Administrator, Sharada Mandir also spoke briefly about the computer project initiated by Goa Sudharop some years ago. At the time only very few schools including Sharada Mandir, had their own computer systems. Goa Sudharop members from abroad collected surplus and used computers in good condition and supplied them to several schools in Goa. The project was a huge success as students and teachers alike were able to use and familiarize themselves with computers.