In a significant step aimed at long-term community upliftment, prominent NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael D'Souza officially launched the Vision 2030 initiative on Tuesday. The program targets sustainable development within the twin dioceses of Karwar and Gulbarga, focusing on fundamental human needs.
Addressing Core Needs: Shelter and Education
The inauguration ceremony marked the signing of a crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the bishops of the respective dioceses. The event was graced by the presence of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore and Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi, underscoring the collaborative nature of the project.
Michael D'Souza, who has been actively involved in charitable work since 2013, pinpointed shelter and education as the foundational pillars for progress. "Shelter and education are the basic minimum requirements for every human being," D'Souza stated. He elaborated that living without a secure home and lacking access to higher education creates major obstacles to holistic community development.
Philanthropy with Dignity and a Strategic Roadmap
D'Souza emphasised a philosophy of charity that goes beyond mere aid. "Charity should aim to restore dignity to beneficiaries. Education is the best means to empower communities," he said, highlighting the pivotal role of the Church as a reliable institution in facilitating this transformation.
The Vision 2030 initiative is not a standalone effort but builds upon the success of D'Souza's earlier charitable projects in the Mangaluru and Udupi regions. To ensure its impact and longevity, a detailed roadmap was prepared under the direct leadership of the bishops of Gulbarga and Karwar. Chartered accountant Lionel Aranha provided valuable insights into the context and significance of the MoU during the function, which was presided over by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha.
A Collaborative Commitment to Sustainable Change
The launch event concluded with expressions of gratitude from diocesan representatives, solidifying the partnership. Santhosh Bapu, the vicar general of the Gulbarga Diocese, and Bishop Duming Dais for the Karwar Diocese conveyed their thanks, marking a unified commitment to the initiative's goals.
By focusing on sustainable solutions for shelter and educational empowerment, the Vision 2030 initiative aims to create a lasting positive impact, setting a concrete path for community development in the region up to the end of the decade.
