Jubilee of Labourers and the Self-Employed Celebrated at St. Anne’s Church, Thottam, Udupi

Udupi, May 5, 2025: St. Anne’s Church, Thottam, a parish in the Diocese of Udupi, celebrated Labour Day along with the Jubilee of Labourers and Self-Employed Workers on Thursday, May 1, with a solemn and spirited event held in the church auditorium. Organised by the diocese’s Labour and Migrant Workers Commission, the programme brought together religious leaders, legal experts, government officials, entrepreneurs, and community members to honour the contributions of lay workers and raise awareness of their rights.

Fr. Denis D’Sa, Parish Priest of Thottam, presided over the celebration. In his welcome address, he reminded the gathering of the divine dignity embedded in every form of labour. He also stressed the irreplaceable value of human hands and hearts in shaping a society that is witnessing a rise in the use of artificial intelligence and automation.

“Behind every machine, there is a maker; behind every algorithm, a mind; and at the heart of every economy, a worker,” he said. “From the humble labourer to the highest office, every role bears the same human worth and deserves the same respect,” Fr. Denis added.

The event was inaugurated by Senior Civil Judge P.R. Yogish, Member-Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Udupi. In his address to the gathering, he shed light on the various legal protections available to workers and the importance of widespread awareness of labour rights. District Labour Officer Althaf Ahmed also spoke on the occasion, highlighting various government schemes for construction workers and offering guidance on how to access welfare benefits and opportunities for social and economic upliftment.

Entrepreneur Alwyn Quadros, Director of Durotop Construction, inspired attendees by sharing his journey in self-employment, encouraging others to pursue entrepreneurship with determination and resilience.

Among the dignitaries present during the function were Kundapur Division Labour Inspector Vijendra K, Parish Pastoral Committee Vice President Sunil Fernandes, Secretary Blessilla Crasta, Commissions Coordinator Vanita Fernandes, and Convent Superior Sr. Sushma, all of whom expressed unwavering support for the working class.

The programme opened with a warm welcome address by Veena Fernandes. The entire event was elegantly anchored by Shanti Picardo, whose poised presence added a touch of grace to the proceedings. Victor Menezes closed the event with a sincere vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to the organisers for their dedication and to all attendees for their presence.

The celebration not only honoured the invaluable contributions of workers, but also reaffirmed the community’s unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and solidarity across all forms of labour.

By Fr. Denis D'Sa