Noorondu Nenapu - Memories are Forever marks three events

Mangaluru: ‘Noorondu Nenapu – Memories are Forever’, a unique programme combining three events was organised on Sunday, 15 May 2022 at Fr. L.F. Rasquinha Hall, St. Aloysius College, Mangalore. The programme included the release of ‘Beedi Deepada Belaku’, a book of reminiscences of N. G. Mohan, the dedication of The Anirudh Charitable Trust in memory of late youth Anirudh Mohan and felicitation of centenarian Smt. U. Vasanthi, a retired teacher of Besant Institutions, Mangalore.

The programme was hosted by N. G. Mohan, eminent social worker, former District Chief Commissioner for Bharath Scouts and Guides, former secretary of Dakshina Kannada Red Cross Society, former Member of Governing Council of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama and former convener of Karavali Utsav.

Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province and Former Rector, St Aloysius College inaugurated and blessed the event with the lighting of the lamp. He described N. G. Mohan as a model alumnus of St. Aloysius College as he has dedicated his life to helping others. “He has inspired all of us to become givers in life,” he said.

‘Meeting point’ is essential for society to thrive: Prof. B. A. Viveka Rai

‘Beedi Deepada Belaku’, a book of reminiscences of N. G. Mohan, was released by Prof. B. A. Viveka Rai, Former Vice-Chancellor, Kannada University, Hampi and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysore. This Kannada book narrates the important and interesting incidents and anecdotes of N. G. Mohan’s life of 75 years. It celebrates his childhood memories and his lifelong relationship with eleven of his closest childhood friends.

In his address, Prof. B. A. Viveka Rai observed that ‘Beedi Deepada Belaku’ is a metaphor for a ‘rendezvous’ or meeting point for people under the street light. “Meeting point is a platform which rises above our differences like caste, creed or background. We need a meeting point in all aspects of life. Only then society can thrive. This book is a manifesto for keeping good relations,” he said.

On the same occasion another book ‘Idam Shareeram’, which is a compilation of tributes by Chetana, a staff member of N. G. Mohan, was presented to him as a gift on this special occasion.

We are inseparable from society. It is everyone’s duty to help the needy: Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi

The Anirudh Charitable Trust was dedicated with the digital launch of its logo by veteran scholar and litterateur Dr Amrith Someshwar. The trust is established in memory of Anirudh Mohan, the late son of N. G. Mohan and his wife Sujatha Mohan. He passed away on May 28, 2013, at the tender age of 28 due to cardiac arrest. The trust aims to provide financial assistance to poor people needing cancer treatment, dialysis and other costly treatments which can financially ruin their families. The trust will also help in the education of poor children and the rehabilitation of orphans and destitutes.

Presiding over the function, Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya Deemed to be University observed: “Every individual is an inseparable part of society. Hence it is everyone’s duty to help others in need.”

Centenarian Teacher U. Vasanthi felicitated

Vasanthi, a retired teacher of Besant Institutions was felicitated on completing 100 years. She is the wife of Late Narayana U., mother of N. G. Mohan and the grandmother of late Anirudh Mohan. Her nephew U. Yashodar, Chairman of Surfa Coats India Private Limited, Bangalore and her former student Jayanthi paid rich tributes to U. Vasanthi. “As our teacher, U. Vasanthi loved and encouraged us. She was highly disciplined, completely dedicated and involved in every aspect of our upbringing. She continues to influence us even today,” Jayanthi said. The felicitation was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.