Mangaluru: St. Christopher Association (R) Mangaluru organised a programme to felicitate the members and their children who have excelled in various fields on Sunday 13th December 2020 at Rosario Cultural Hall, Mangaluru.
The event began with a prayer and welcome by President of the Association Prof Dr John Edward D’Silva who explained the importance of the programme.
Guest of honour and President of Christian Development Committee of the Karnataka State Joylus D’Souza was felicitated by Chief guest and Spiritual Director of the Association Fr Alfred Pinto.
Soon after, the members of the Association were felicitated- Canute Jeevan Pinto, on being appointed as a member of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy and Gerard Towers for being conferred with the award ‘Best Person with Pro-People Concern’ by Mirror Now. Children of members were felicitated: Steve Jeff Lobo, for his achievements in swimming competitions and Baby Ruth Alisha Pinto for winning second place in Konkani Singing Competition that was organised by SKA London. Honorary President Susheel Noronha introduced the achievers to the gathering.
Member’s children excelling in their classes during the last academic year were felicitated and scholarships were also disbursed to needy students 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 facilities at a very reasonable price for the needy youth who are willing to pursue higher education. Raising concerns about the low number of such facilities for community youth, he urged the community to have more such facilities in the coming days and assured that he would try his best to support the cause through available government resources. He asked the community youth to study hard to achieve their goals instead of limiting their goals to mere low paid jobs. 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 try to make a difference in the society. Appreciating the achievements of Ruth Alisha Pinto and other members, he urged the members to use the God-given talents to excel in one of the other fields. He also thanked St. Christopher Association for identifying the 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.
