Mangalore Diocese News

By Natasha Mascarenhas

Arva - Bantwal, July 27 : "Just as blood is essential to the body, water is essential to the Earth".
To raise awareness among the parishioners, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Arva unit, along with YCS and the Environmental Commission, organized "Jalabandhan" rainwater harvesting programme on Sunday, 21 July 2024, soon after the first Mass at St Peter Claver Church, Arva.

The program began with a short stage presentation by invoking God's blessings through a prayer song led by the parish youth. The dignitaries present on the dais included Fr. Elias D'Souza, parish priest; Dr. U. P. Shivananda, Associate Director of Suddibidugade, Belthangady; Mr. Vincent Lobo, DGM of Siri Ltd; Mr. Steevan Mathew Pais and Mrs. Monica D'Souza, Vice President and Secretary of the pastoral council; Mrs. Jyothi Monteiro, Coordinator of all commissions; Mrs. Ashmitha D'Souza and Mr. Avinash Lobo, Animators of ICYM and YCS Arva unit; and Mr. Anson Fernandes and Mr. Naveen Pinto, presidents of ICYM and YCS Arva units.

Mr. Anson Fernandes welcomed the gathering. The program was inaugurated by pouring water into a bowl containing mud. The bowl and mud symbolized the Earth, while the dissolution of the mud upon adding water symbolized the concept of rainwater harvesting. Fr. Elias spoke about the importance of water and its conservation. Mr. Naveen Pinto, president of YCS Arva unit, delivered the vote of thanks.

After the stage program, breakfast was served. This was followed by the introduction of the resource person by Mr. Avinash Lobo. Mr. Vincent Lobo briefly highlighted the methods involved in rainwater harvesting. Dr. U. P. Shivananda's insightful presentation educated the attendees on effective rainwater harvesting techniques and their benefits. A practical demonstration was conducted, which helped the parishioners understand the process better. This informative session inspired many parishioners to implement rainwater harvesting in their own homes.

Ms. Natasha Mascarenhas and Ms. Princia Fernandes compered the program.