Mangaluru: Mr Michael D’Souza and Family Charities (MDS Charities) organised ‘Umed 2026’, an orientation and educational support programme aimed at empowering aspiring, needy and deserving youth to pursue professional and higher education.
The programme was held on Sunday at Bejai Church Hall, Mangaluru, bringing together students, parents, beneficiaries, community leaders and representatives of educational and social institutions.
Bishop praises MDS Charities’ commitment to the community
Presiding over the programme, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, described philanthropist Mr Michael D’Souza and his family as a “gift of God to the community”.
Highlighting the trust’s core mission of “Care, Support, and Empower”, the Bishop said MDS Charities addresses immediate needs through initiatives such as home care, medicare and family care, while its Educare initiatives focus on securing opportunities for the future.
He commended Mr D’Souza for his various initiatives and contributions to the Diocese and community. The Bishop also urged beneficiaries to remain grateful for the assistance they have received and, in turn, strive to make a positive contribution to society.
MDS Charities outlines 13 years of educational support
The programme commenced with a prayer led by Rev. Fr Stany Pereira, Parish Priest, St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai. Mr Stephen Pinto, Advisor, MDS Charities, welcomed the gathering.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. CA Lionel Aranha, Advisor, MDS Charities, presented an overview of the foundation’s community initiatives over the past 13 years.
Under its Educare Support programme between 2013 and 2025, MDS Charities has provided educational assistance to 3,838 students, including 3,098 students from Mangalore and 740 students from Udupi.
For the academic year 2026, the foundation has sanctioned ₹4.84 crore for 505 students under Educare in the Mangalore Diocese. This includes 343 renewal applications amounting to ₹3.33 crore and 162 new applications amounting to ₹1.50 crore.
Housing assistance extended to 520 families
Prof. Lionel Aranha also highlighted the foundation’s contribution towards housing welfare.
MDS Charities has supported 520 families with ₹7.25 crore in housing assistance. The support includes assistance for 314 new houses amounting to ₹4.93 crore and 206 house repairs amounting to ₹2.04 crore. A further ₹27.35 lakh was disbursed prior to July 2023.
The foundation has also extended support under its Third Child Sponsorship initiative. Financial assistance of ₹73.19 lakh has been provided to 691 children. This includes support to 253 students in 2025 amounting to ₹25.77 lakh and 438 students in 2026 amounting to ₹47.42 lakh.
Alumni network proposed to strengthen support
Looking towards the future, Prof. Lionel Aranha outlined a proposal to establish an MDS Charities Alumni network under the motto “one life touching another”.
The proposed network is aimed at encouraging continued interaction, mentorship, networking and mutual support among beneficiaries and alumni of the foundation’s programmes.
Students encouraged to invest in themselves
Rev. Fr Faustine L. Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, who was the Chief Guest, encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
He urged the beneficiaries to study diligently, develop essential skills and eventually give back to society by extending support to others who may be in need.
The message highlighted the importance of transforming educational assistance into long-term personal and social development.
Interactive session focuses on three pillars
Resource person Mr Richard Alvares, Cordel, conducted an interactive session for students and parents on youth empowerment.
He focused on three key pillars — Investment, Innovation and Inspiration.
Investment emphasised the importance of using time wisely, while Innovation encouraged students to explore new ideas and capabilities. Inspiration focused on developing the motivation and determination required to pursue excellence.
The interactive session provided students and parents with an opportunity to reflect on personal development, education and future aspirations.
Beneficiaries share their experiences
Several student beneficiaries shared their experiences during the programme and spoke about the financial assistance received from MDS Charities.
Their testimonies highlighted the importance of educational support for students pursuing higher and professional education, particularly those who require financial assistance to continue their studies.
The experiences also reflected the broader objective of MDS Charities to provide young people with opportunities to pursue their educational aspirations.
Dignitaries attend Umed 2026
The programme was attended by Mr Nirmal D’Souza, Vice-President, Bejai Parish Pastoral Council; Very Rev. Rajesh Rosario, Rector, St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary; and Rev. Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, Director, St Joseph’s Engineering College, as Guests of Honour.
Several priests, religious sisters, representatives of beneficiary institutions and organisations, well-wishers, advisory members and members of the MDS Charities team were also present.
Sahitya Akademi Awardee (2025) Mr H. M. Pernal compered the programme, while Ms Reena D’Costa proposed the vote of thanks.
‘Umed 2026’ reinforces vision of empowerment
The programme concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration offered by Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha at Bejai Church, followed by lunch and the completion of official formalities.
Through ‘Umed 2026’, MDS Charities reaffirmed its focus on education as a means of empowering young people and creating opportunities for a better future. The initiative reflects the foundation’s broader approach of combining financial assistance with guidance, encouragement and community support.
By helping deserving students pursue higher education and encouraging them to eventually support others, the programme seeks to create a cycle of empowerment that extends beyond individual beneficiaries and contributes to the wider community.