Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)

Mangalore, Dec 26: Canara Organization for Development Programmes (CODP) organized a gathering of all scholarship awardees on the occasion of Christmas Eve at CODP auditorium in Padua Pre-University College, Nanthoor here.

CODP has been awarding scholarships to poor students residing in every nook and corner of Mangalore diocese.  Accordingly, it has awarded scholarships to 1060 students this year.  All these students were invited to attend the programme.

Fr Onil D’Souza, director of CODP, in his presidential address emphasized the significance of the programme besides shared the Christmas message with all.

Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general of Mangalore diocese, who was chief guest, spoke on the occasion and said 'CODP has been extending financial support to talented students who are economically backward.  Moreover, as Jesus Christ has given the gift of salvation to mankind, we ought to understand the hardships of our brethren, in order to extend financial assistance. Those students who were the recipients of financial support have the responsibility to be generous when they are settled with good jobs; therefore the tradition of help passes on to the future generation.'

The students of Neermarga parish staged a drama and sang hymns. The students of Ranipura and Tannirbavi parish sang Christmas carols. Later, Fr Denis Moras Prabhu distributed Christmas gifts to all.

Shanthi, a CODP staff member welcomed the gathering.  Rekha proposed the vote of thanks.  Anita compered the programme.