Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Updated
Mangaluru, Jul 28: Rich tributes were paid to former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam at a condolence meet organized by ICYM, Mangaluru diocese at Kadri War Memorial here on Tuesday July 28.
ICYM members paid a unique tribute by collecting funds for the medical treatment of 8-year-old Navyashree, a cancer patient belonging to a poor family.
Addresing the gathering, MLA J R Lobo said, "Dr Abdul Kalam showed great interest towards children and youth. He was a visionary and a humanitarian. He was very active till his death. He travelled throughout the world and carried the heritage of India to the world. He brought honour to the post of the President. Even though he was born in a poor family he struggled and rose to the highest level of success. He respected all religions equally. He is no more but his values and memories stay with us forever.
We have to follow his example and adopt his values, only then can we truly pay tribute to him."
Lobo also lauded ICYM for taking the initiative to raise funds for the cancer patient.
MLC Ivan D'Souza said, "Dr Abdul Kalam had envisioned making India a superpower by 2020. He created a vision and motivated the youth to make India a developed nation. He was involved in various activities throughout his life. During his childhood he used to sell newspapers to earn his livelihood, and amidst so many difficulties he reached his goals. The values he has taught us will be remembered forever.
"ICYM's initiative to help the girl is really commendable," he added.
On the occasion, ICYM Mangaluru diocese volunteers collected donations from those gathered at the venue. The funds collected so far will be opened in the presence of the girl's close family and the entire amount would be used for her treatment.
Navyashree requires Rs 2.5 lac for treatment. The ICYM members urged Ivan D'Souza to help her, and in response, the MLC asked them to submit the relevant documents to him and promised to approach the chief minister to grant funds of at least Rs one lac.
The gathering also lit candles to pay homage to Dr Kalam.
ICYM Mangaluru director Fr Ronald, president Alwyn D'Souza, secretary Jackson D'Costa and relative of the girl Hemanth Kumar were present.
Earlier Report
Mangaluru: ICYM to pay tribute to Kalam by raising funds for cancer patient
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 28: ICYM Mangaluru diocese will pay a tribute to former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam at 6 pm on Tuesday July 28 near Kadri Park in the city.
The ICYM will pay tribute in a unique way by raising funds for an 8-year-old girl suffering from blood cancer.
"Dr Kalam returned to civilian life of education, writing and public service after serving a term of five years as the President of India. He received several prestigious awards including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. Today we have lost the people's president who had extended tremendous favours for the betterments of people. He was a great motivator as well as a guide. On his sad demise, ICYM diocese of Mangaluru wants to give him a tribute with painful hearts," states the press release from ICYM.
"He is the one who always stood for the needy people directly or indirectly. So on account of his death ICYM Mangaluru diocese wants to extend a helping hand to a girl who is suffering from cancer," the release states.
ICYM Mangaluru diocese is raising funds for 8-year-old Navyashree studying in second standard. She is a resident of Sajipamooda of Bantwal taluk and is undergoing treatment at Father Muller Hospital in the city. Her mother is a beedi worker and solely takes care of the girl. The poverty-stricken mother is finding it extremely difficult to meet the medical expenses of her daughter, and hence the ICYM Mangaluru diocese has taken up the cause of helping them.
ICYM has requested one and all to attend the meeting and help the cause. Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu and MLC Ivan D'Souza are expected to attend the meeting, among others.