M'luru: NRI Michael D'Souza family launches 'Educare Endowment' fund to aid underprivileged students
Mangaluru: Mangalore Diocese Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha on Monday launched the 'Educare Endowment Fund,' established at CODP (Canara Organisation for Development and Peace) by non-resident Indian and 'Vision Konkani' pioneer Michael D'Souza and his family.
At the CODP hall in Nanthoor, Bishop Saldanha lit the lamp and symbolically handed over interest-free loans to talented students. The Bishop noted that since 2013, Michael's financial assistance for empowering the weaker sections of the community has instilled hope within society.
"This initiative aims to motivate more students in the community, with the understanding that they will repay the aid after securing employment.
Visionary projects like this are crucial for uplifting the weaker sections of society, likening it to the saying that a country without vision will be destroyed," he added.
Nisha D'Souza, Michael D'Souza's daughter, expressed her happiness in continuing the project that started 10 years ago to support talented students from underprivileged families within the community. Flavia D'Souza, Michael's wife, and Valerian D'Souza were also present.
Director of CODP, Vincent D'Souza, delivered the welcome and introductory speech, while Counselor Richard Alvaris moderated the program. Coordinator Reena D'Costa delivered the vote of thanks.
A donation check of Rs. 75 lakh was presented during the event by Michael D'Souza and his family to CODP, which will be used to provide financial assistance to 84 students pursuing higher education, including MBBS and Engineering, this year.
"Michael D'Souza has been providing this financial assistance for the past 12 years, benefiting 3,300 individuals so far. The scheme is currently managed by CODP. Aid is granted to students with the condition that it will be repaid within one and a half years after completing their education," stated Vincent D'Souza.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
