Kulur, June 22, 2025 — In a vibrant celebration of local culture and agricultural heritage, the ICYM Kulur Unit, in collaboration with the Catholic Sabha Kulur Unit, hosted a unique event titled ‘Gadyanth Ek Dees’ (A Day in the Paddy Field) on Sunday, June 22, at the paddy field of teacher Maizy Pereira in Melkoppala, Kulur.
Presided over by Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo, Parish Priest of St. Antony Church, the event brought together parishioners of all ages for a day of cultural expression, community bonding, and a renewed appreciation for traditional farming practices.
Chief Guests at the event included Ida Furtado, President of the Catholic Sabha Episcopal Deanery; Winston Joel Sequeira, President of ICYM Central Council, Diocese of Mangalore; and renowned sports referee Praveen Lobo from Bejai. The day began with a colourful ward-wise procession, with participants showcasing various aspects of Mangalorean Catholic culture through creative presentations.
In a symbolic gesture, the Parish Priest and the dignitaries inaugurated the programme by planting paddy seedlings, marking the start of a series of inter-ward field competitions. Out of the 15 parish wards, 14 actively participated, competing in traditional rural games organized by the Parish Priest Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo, YCS animator Reema Crasta, and physical education teacher from Besant High School Mr Praveen Lobo.
The event concluded in the evening with a prize distribution ceremony. St. Anna Ward emerged as the overall winner, followed by St. Antony III Ward in second place and St. Joseph Ward in third. Prizes were distributed by the dignitaries amid cheers and applause.
In his concluding address, Fr. Lobo emphasized the deeper objective of the event, saying, “This is more than just a competition. It’s a step toward reconnecting our youth and children with the land. The field where we played today will soon be planted with paddy, and the rice harvested will be shared with families in need.”
The event saw active support from various parish groups. Sisters from the Samudra Tare Convent handled the score tabulation, while members of ICYM, YCS, and the Catholic Sabha volunteered throughout the day. The stage programme was graced by Parish Pastoral Council Secretary Sunitha DSouza and Parish Commission Coordinator Dr. Vinay Rajath DSouza.
Rowin D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha Kulur Unit, welcomed the gathering. Arwin Monteiro, President of ICYM Kulur Unit, proposed the vote of thanks, and Reema Crasta efficiently compered the day’s proceedings.
‘Gadyanth Ek Dees’ proved to be a memorable initiative, not only reviving the spirit of community and culture but also sowing seeds of awareness about sustainable living and agricultural values among the younger generation.