Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 19: United Christian Association (UCA) heralded the joyous Christmas festivities with an enthralling musical evening on Sunday December 18. The programme, aptly named ''Christmas Sambhram'' was held at St Agnes Special School grounds, Bendore here.
In a noble gesture, the UCA handed over the keys of a house worth Rs 15 lac to the family of Renuka. The house was built by the UCA.
Addressing the gathering, MLA of Mangaluru South J R Lobo said, "The United Christian Association has spread the true message of Christmas today by building a house for a poor family.
"When Jesus was born into this world, it was a cowshed that gave him shelter, and even after he died, he was buried in a tomb that belonged to another person. Throughout his life, Jesus preached the values of love, peace and brotherhood. The United Christian Association by practicing these values is serving the needy irrespective of caste, creed and religion. May they continue doing this good deed for many more years and help many in need," he said.
Chief whip of Karnataka Legislative Council Ivan D''Souza said, "The UCA is doing something that the government is supposed to do. We appreciate it and wholeheartedly support their good work."
Chairman of Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Suresh Ballal pointed out that Christianity is a religion that loves all other religions. "Christians have been living peacefully in the city and have contributed to its development to a great extent. I appreciate the good work of UCA and request the association to organise Christmas celebrations on a large scale, similar to Navaratri and Diwali celebrations, so that the good message of Christmas reaches to everyone in the city."
Founder of Daijiworld Walter Nandalike said that even though UCA carries the word ''Christian'' in its name, it has helped the needy irrespective of caste, creed and religion. "Through its service since eight years of its formation, UCA has grown to become a model organization. I wish UCA good luck."
Superior of St Joseph''s Monastery in Bikarnakatte, Fr Joe Tauro, convenor Joe Rego, director of Four Winds Mass Communication Elias Fernandes, founder of Snehalaya Joseph Crasta, president of Mandd Sobhann Louis J Pinto and others were present.
President of the association Alaban Menezes welcomed the gathering while Jude Noronha compered the programme.
A musical nite with numbers by veteran singers like Melwyn Peris, Claud D''Souza, Antony Tauro Mumbai, Rony Crasta and Irene Rebello entertained the gathering. The music was directed by Muralidhar Kamath.
Prior to the event, a grand procession consisting of a tableau was taken from Kulshekar to the venue, passing through the city streets.