Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 27: Christmas was celebrated with warmth, compassion and a spirit of service at the Manipal Hospice and Respite Care Centre (MHRC), Havanje, on December 27 through the joint efforts of Rotary Club Manipal Town, Rotaract Club KMC Manipal, Health Commission of the Udupi Diocese and Prerana Swasahaya Sangha.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), by clicking the button on a digital poster. Indira Ballal and Dr Judith Noronha, resource member, along with other dignitaries, marked the occasion by cutting a Christmas cake.
Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor – Health Sciences, delivering Christmas message, said, “The motto this Christmas and season is light, hope and unconditioned love, goes very well with the theme of MHRC. Bringing this to the bed side of the inmates is the best thing that any organization can do. The association between MAHE and Rotary should be an example of how community support should be the backbone of health care. Our aim is to the Udupi society, those who are dying to die with dignity in their death.”
Dr Judith Noronha, resource member, health commissioner, diocese of Udupi and dean College of Nursing, said that the collaboration of the organisations reflects the commitment to love with care and serve with compassion. “All three organizations joined hands today and believe that to love with care and serve with compassion. Christmas talks about three important things – love, hope and peace. Whatever we do to the least of our brothering, that is should do with utmost and peace, be it in any stage. That is the simple message of Christmas, where we need to give love to everyone around us and make sure that every individual has some hope to live a life filled with happiness and peace,” she said.
Rtn Dr Deepak Ram Bairy, president Rotary Club Manipal Town, in his presidential address said, “In the month of October we gathered here at MHRC for weekly meetings. On that day Dr Sima Rao detailed us about the MHRC, while returning back we all were in tears. We are here not merely to celebrate Christmas, but to celebrate far deeper – humanity, compassion and togetherness. Christmas teaches us love without conditions, service without expectations and hope even in the moments of suffering. If there is one place where these values are lived every single day it is in MHRC, here healing is not just medicine, it is about presence, dignity, empathy and respect for life. By celebrating Christmas here, we reaffirm that joy does not come only from abundance, it comes from sharing, understanding and standing together.”
On the occasion, Ganesh Nayak and his spouse were felicitated for their significant contribution to society through the Rotary Club Manipal Town. In his address, Ganesh Nayak said that his desire to remain active after retirement led him to community service through Rotary. He recalled joining the club in January 2020 and later serving as its president from June 2021, highlighting the active participation and achievements of the club members.
The programme began with a welcome dance, followed by Christmas carols rendered by a team from Malpe.
Rnt Hilda Carnelio, president Prerana Swasahaya Sangha and director Community Service RCMT, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by Rtn Vrishan Shetty, president of Rotaract Club KMC Manipal; Rtn Mohan Nayak, secretary, Dr Anuja D Damani, Dr Vinod Nayak, Dr Naveen Salian, members of Rotary Club Manipal Town and several others distinguished guests.