Mangalore: The first anniversary celebration of the ‘You Matter Counselling & Training Centre’ was initiated on Sunday 5th March 2023 with Walkathon from St. Agnes College to Kadri Park. The event was flagged off at 3.30 pm by Rev. Fr. Melvin Pinto SJ, Rector, St Aloysius institutions. Sr Dr Venessa, principal, St Agnes College addressed the gathering emphasizing the importance of counselling in our day-to-day life.
Walkathon was led by ' You Matter’ trustees, Lugina Miranda, Dr. Meena Lobo, Chitralekha Gupta, Precilla D’silva, and Steevan D’souza. They were joined by members of Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, large number of students and faculty members from various colleges and the general public.
The week-long Counselling & Awareness Program was inaugurated in Kadri Park at 5.00 pmby Chief Guest, Vinaya Bhat P. J., General Manager, Karnataka Bank Ltd. and Guests of Honor, Walter Nandalike, Founder & Managing Director, Daijiworld Media Pvt. Ltd., Dr. C. P. Habeeb Rahman, Chairman & Managing Director, Unity Care & Health Services Pvt. Ltd and Rev Fr Melwin Pinto S.J, Rector, St Aloysius institutions.
Madhura rendered the invocation, the dignitaries made a symbolic gesture of watering a plant to highlight the need for nurturing mental and emotional well-being. A 13-member student drama troupe from St. Aloysius College presented a street play with a powerful social message to the need for counselling in the present context. The program was compered by Chitralekha Gupta, counsellor, and special educator, while Precilla D’silva, trustee and counsellor, delivered the vote of thanks.