Carmel Ignite 2025: Scholarships Distributed to
160 Students at Infant Jesus Shrine
Mangaluru, July 6, 2025: In a heartwarming
initiative under the banner Carmel Ignite, the
Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, distributed
scholarships to over 160 deserving and
underprivileged students on Sunday, July 6,
2025. The event, held in the Shrine premises,
was marked by hope, inspiration, and
encouragement for young minds.
Mr Michael D’Souza, NRI and philanthropist, and
Mrs Geetha Judith Saldanha, popularly known as
Geetha Teacher, were the chief guests for the
event.
Welcoming the gathering, Rev. Fr Stifan Perera,
OCD, Shrine Director, remarked, “The Infant
Jesus Shrine has always been a beacon of hope -
not only for those who come in search of
spiritual solace but also for the
socio-economically disadvantaged. Through
various outreach programs, the Shrine strives to
uplift lives through education, healthcare, and
housing assistance.”
He also highlighted the social apostolate of the
Carmelite Fathers in rural mission areas such as
Hoovina Hadagalli (Ballari), Kadaganchi (Kalaburagi),
and Jagalur (Davanagere).
In his keynote address, Mr Michael D’Souza
lauded the noble gesture of the Shrine and
motivated the students: “Education is the
greatest gift. Once a person is educated, their
entire life is enlightened. No matter one’s
economic background, everyone must strive for
excellence. Let us never forget our Father and
Mother, Mother Tongue, and Motherland. We may be
born poor, but we need not remain in poverty if
we make use of the opportunities available. True
joy lies in giving generously.”
Mrs Geetha Judith Saldanha, headmistress and
former Cluster Resource Person, shared her
inspirational journey of reviving the
once-declining Bolar Senior Primary West School
in Mangaluru. When she assumed charge, the
school had only six students. Undeterred, she
began visiting nearby slums and personally
encouraged parents - many of whom worked in fish
factories - to send their children to school.
Her tireless efforts bore fruit: within just
four days, enrolment surged to over 200
students, breathing new life into the
111-year-old institution.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Saldanha affirmed,
“Every child has a bright future. Education is
the path that will lead them there.”
She also shared her personal story of
resilience. Coming from a financially challenged
background, she recalled how, as a young girl,
she supported her own education by delivering
newspapers door-to-door each morning before
school. Her testimony stood as a powerful
reminder of what determination, hard work, and
education can achieve.
In a gesture of support and solidarity, the
Infant Jesus Shrine has adopted Bolar Senior
Primary West School this year, providing
essential resources such as school bags,
notebooks, uniforms, and storage cupboards to
support the students and enhance the learning
environment.
Rev. Fr Melwin D'Cunha, OCD, Superior of St
Joseph’s Monastery, extended his best wishes to
the students and expressed heartfelt gratitude
to all the donors and benefactors who made the
scholarship program possible.
The program was compered by Ms Melveera
Rodrigues, and the event concluded with
blessings and words of encouragement for the
young scholars to aim high and shine bright.
Fr Stifan Perera
Ph: 9844503706
