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The Bombay Catholic Sabha had the sequel of its Orientation Program –“The Extra Mile” on Jan 29, 2012 exactly after one year. BCS Units from all over the archdiocese converged at the St. Michael’s Auditorium, Mahim to strategise on the plan of action for the year ahead. In his keynote address the BCS President gave an overview of where they stood vis-à-vis the decisions taken the previous year and spelled out the BCS plans of decentralizing and forming Fora to strengthen the thrust areas of the Sabha. Group discussions were held and plans of action articulated for the five main thrust areas the BCS wishes to focus on in the year ahead. The fora taken up for development are Civic & Political Forum (C & PF), Social Action Forum (SAF), Inter-religious Harmony Forum (IHF), Environment Protection Forum (EPF) and Youth Action Forum (YAF).

The BCS St. Joseph’s Vikhroli Unit was felicitated for their extraordinary campaign for a FOB at Vikhroli Station. The Unit has made us proud with their foray for a public utility project. They led the agitation even to the extent of filing a PIL in the High Court to get a proper landing for the FOB after it was built. The Court ruled in their favour and ordered the adjoining Mall to be demolished so that a proper landing for the FOB can be built. They had to face further hurdles in the form of the Review petition filed by the opposition in the High Court and the Supreme Court. But they emerged successful in both. It is a rare achievement obtained in the face of threats and allurements. The Secretary of the Unit Terrence D’Souza recounted the entire campaign with a power point presentation that was studded with carefully preserved press cuttings. Bishop Bosco Penha,  the Auxiliary Bishop in charge of Associations, who presided over the felicitation function presented the Unit Managing Committee members with a trophy for commending their achievement on behalf of the BCS.

The Unit has made an appeal for funds to pay off the pending legal dues (approximately Rs. 2 lakhs) due to the review petition that extended the litigation in the HC and SC. Three units came forward to announce donations of  Rs. 5000/- and 4000/- respectively to support the Vikhroli Unit. Units and well wishers wishing to support the Unit may make cheques in favour of The Bombay Catholic Sabha mentioning that it is for the Vikhroli Unit.

Anand Castellino who also moderated the program gave a PowerPoint presentation of the BCS Citizen Charter for Candidates for the Municipal Corporation elections. Draft copies of the Charter were given to all who were present so that they could present the same and get it endorsed by candidates in their areas.

Mr. Gerson da Cunha who gave a talk on elections urged the units to work for a better voter turnout as that would make a big difference in getting better candidates elected. Fr. Salvador Rodrigues, the Ecclesiastical Advisor for the BCS said that Vision, Commitment and Selfless Involvement were needed for Success. Bishop Bosco complimented the BCS Vikhroli Unit for their exemplary achievement and the BCS team for the good work they are doing and choosing the right focus areas for their action plan.