Udupi: Michael D’Souza and Family Charities (MDS Charities) has sanctioned ₹1.65 crore in educational assistance for 172 students in the Udupi diocese for the 2026 academic year, reaffirming its focus on supporting deserving students pursuing professional and higher education.
The announcement was made during ‘Umed 2026’, an orientation and educational support programme organised for student beneficiaries at the Mother of Sorrows Church hall in Udupi on September 14. The initiative aims to support aspiring and financially needy youth in accessing higher and professional education.
₹1.65 crore support for 172 students
Under the Educare 2026 initiative, MDS Charities has sanctioned ₹1.65 crore to support 172 students from the Udupi diocese.
The assistance is intended to help deserving students pursue higher and professional education, reducing the financial burden on families and enabling young people to continue their studies.
Advisor to MDS Charities, CA Lionel Aranha, presented an overview of the organisation’s educational and social support initiatives during the programme. He highlighted the charity’s work over the past 13 years and its continued commitment to supporting students and families in need.
Educare has supported 3,838 students
MDS Charities has extended educational assistance to thousands of students through its Educare scheme since 2013.
Between 2013 and 2025, the programme supported 3,838 students across the region. This included 3,098 students from the Mangaluru diocese and 740 students from the Udupi diocese.
The figures underline the scale of the charity’s long-term commitment to education and its efforts to ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent deserving students from pursuing their academic ambitions.
The organisation’s support extends beyond tuition and educational expenses, with assistance also provided to families facing other financial challenges.
Housing and family support initiatives
MDS Charities has also provided housing assistance worth ₹79 lakh to beneficiaries in the Udupi diocese.
In addition, the charity has disbursed ₹14.80 lakh in financial support to eligible families under its third-child sponsorship initiative.
These programmes reflect the organisation’s broader approach to social support, covering education, housing and family welfare rather than focusing solely on scholarships.
Alumni network planned for beneficiaries
During the programme, MDS Charities also announced plans to establish an alumni network for former beneficiaries.
The proposed network will operate under the motto “One Life Touching Another” and aims to maintain a long-term relationship with students after they complete their education.
The network is expected to provide career guidance, employment support and mentorship to beneficiaries. It will also encourage former recipients of assistance to eventually support others in need, creating a cycle of community assistance and social responsibility.
Students encouraged to give back
The orientation programme also focused on personal development and social responsibility.
Fr Dr Praveen Leo Lasrado, secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE), Mangaluru diocese, delivered the motivational and orientation address. He described educational support as a gift, responsibility and mission and encouraged students to invest in knowledge, character and service.
He also conducted interactive sessions aimed at encouraging the beneficiaries to identify a higher purpose in life while making the most of the opportunities provided to them.
Student beneficiaries Joys Sharal D’Souza from Pangla and Asha Veena Dias from Byndoor, along with parent Vincent D’Souza, expressed gratitude for the assistance. They highlighted the importance of hard work, family values and faith in their educational journey.
Bishop praises MDS Charities’ service
Bishop of Udupi Diocese Dr Leslie C D’Souza presided over the programme and praised Michael D’Souza and his family for extending support to people in need.
Addressing the students, the bishop encouraged them to remain connected with their families and the Church and to avoid selfishness.
He also emphasised that the ultimate measure of success is not merely what students receive from society but what they eventually contribute to others after reaching professional and personal stability.
Programme concludes with Holy Eucharist
The programme began with a prayer led by Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church and PRO of the Udupi diocese.
The gathering was attended by several church and community representatives, including Msgr Francis Xavier Lewis, vicar general of the Udupi diocese; Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre, Mangaluru; 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 programme. Student agreement formalities were coordinated by Veena and Theju.
The event concluded with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Dr Leslie C D’Souza on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, followed by lunch.
Investing in education and the next generation
The latest ₹1.65 crore commitment strengthens MDS Charities’ long-standing focus on education as a means of empowering young people.
With thousands of students having received support through the Educare programme over the years, the charity’s initiatives have sought to combine financial assistance with guidance, mentorship and a sense of social responsibility.
The planned alumni network could further extend this impact by connecting former beneficiaries with current students and encouraging them to contribute to the next generation.
For the 172 students receiving support in 2026, the assistance is expected to provide an important financial boost as they pursue professional and higher education.