Spoorthy Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 14: St Christopher Association (R) here, organised a programme to felicitate the members and their children who have excelled in various fields on Sunday December 13 at Rosario Cultural Hall, here.

The event began with a prayer and welcome by the president of the association, Professor Dr John Edward D'Silva who explained the importance of the programme.

Guest of honour and president of the Christian Development Committee of Karnataka state, Joylus D'Souza was felicitated by the chief guest and spiritual director of the association, Fr Alfred Pinto.

Soon after, members of the association - Canute Jeevan Pinto was felicitated on being appointed as a member of the Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy, Gerard Towers for being conferred with the award 'Best Person with Pro-People Concern' by Mirror Now. Children of the members, Steve Jeff Lobo was felicitated for his achievements in swimming competitions and Ruth Alisha Pinto was felicitated for winning second place in Konkani singing competition organised by SKA London. Honorary president, Susheel Noronha introduced the achievers to the gathering.

Member's children who had excelled in various classes during the last academic year were felicitated during the occasion. Also, scholarship needy students were disbursed during the programme.

Speaking during the occasion, president of Christian Development Committee, Joylus D'Souza appreciated St Christopher Association for running a hostel with all the facilities at a very reasonable price for the needy youth who are willing to pursue higher education. Raising concerns about the poor number of such facilities for the community youth, he urged the community to have more such facilities in the coming days and that he would try his best to support the cause through available government resources. He also asked the community youth to study hard to achieve their goals instead of limiting their goals to a mere low paid job. "Aim high, study well and support will come to you in some way or the other," he said.

In his address to the gathering, Fr Alfred Pinto asked the children and grandchildren of the members of the association to take up competitive exams and to try to make a difference in society. Appreciating the achievements of Ruth Alisha Pinto and other members, he urged the members to use their God-given talents to excel in one or the other field. He also thanked St Christopher Association for identifying their talents and felicitating them.

Secretary Sunil Lobo and others were present. Joint secretary, Gerald D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks, Alwyn D'Souza compered the programme.