Udupi: Michael D’Souza and Family Charities (MDS Charities) conducted ‘Umed 2026’, a major orientation and educational support programme for student beneficiaries, on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Mother of Sorrows Church Hall, Udupi. The initiative focuses on empowering aspiring, needy, and deserving youth of the community to pursue professional and higher education.
Key Financial Allocations & Programme Reach
In his keynote address, Prof. CA Lionel Aranha, Advisor for MDS Charities, presented an extensive overview of 13 years of educational and social support extended by MDS Charities.
- Educare 2026 (Udupi Diocese): For the academic year 2026, MDS Charities has sanctioned ₹1.65 Crore as educational support for 172 students in the Udupi Diocese.
- Educare Support (2013–2025): Between 2013 and 2025, educational assistance under the Educare scheme reached 3,838 students across the region, comprising 3,098 students from the Mangalore Diocese and 740 from the Udupi Diocese.
- Housing Assistance: Extending support beyond education, MDS Charities has provided housing assistance amounting to ₹79 Lakh to the Udupi Diocese.
- Third Child Sponsorship: Under family care initiatives, financial support amounting to ₹14.80 Lakh has been disbursed to eligible families in the Udupi Diocese.
- MDS Alumni Network: Plans were unveiled to establish an MDS Charities Alumni Network under the motto “One Life Touching Another.” The network aims to maintain long-term engagement with beneficiaries through career guidance, employment support, mentorship, and encouraging former beneficiaries, in time, to help others.
Reassuring the gathering, Prof. Aranha stated, “We are here to help you; we are always there for you.”
Invocation & Orientation Session
The programme began with a prayer led by Very Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church and PRO of the Diocese of Udupi. Delivering the motivational and orientation address, Very Rev. Fr Dr Praveen Leo Lasrado, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE), Mangalore Diocese, emphasized that educational support is a “Gift, Responsibility, and Mission.” He conducted interactive sessions encouraging students to invest in knowledge, character, and service while finding a higher purpose in life.
Beneficiary Testimonies & Guest Addresses
Student beneficiaries Joys Sharal D’Souza (Pangla) and Asha Veena Dias (Byndoor), along with parent Vincent D’Souza, expressed deep gratitude, highlighting the importance of hard work, family values, and faith. Addressing the gathering, Very Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa commended philanthropist Michael D’Souza for his selfless spirit of sharing generously with others. H. M. Pernal, Editor of Kittall.com, presented an overview of the ‘Umed’ initiative.
Presidential Address
In his presidential address, Most Rev. Dr Leslie C D’Souza, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, praised Michael D’Souza and his family for seeing the face of God in the needy. Exhorting the youth to avoid selfishness and stay united with their families and the Church, the Bishop noted, “What matters most is what you contribute back to society once you reach a professional standing, rather than merely what you have received.”
Presence of Dignitaries & Eucharistic Celebration
Dignitaries present on the dais included Most Rev. Dr Leslie C D’Souza, Bishop of Udupi; Very Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church; Maxim D’Souza, Vice President of PPC, Mother of Sorrows Church; and Prof. CA Lionel Aranha, Advisor for MDS Charities. Other dignitaries and guests present at the programme included Rev. Msgr. Francis Xavier Lewis, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese; Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre, Mangaluru; Rev. Fr Leo Praveen D’Souza, Director of BEC, Udupi; Stephen Pinto; Oswald D’Souza; and Shubha Rodrigues.
Reena D’Costa proposed the vote of thanks, while H. M. Pernal compered the event. Student agreement formalities were coordinated by Veena and Theju. The programme culminated with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Leslie C D’Souza on theFeast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, followed by lunch.