Felicitation function held for Christian Grama Panchayat Candidates of the Udupi District

Report and Pictures by Dr. Eugene D’Souza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 16 June 2010: In a unique and meaningful function, the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA) felicitated all the Christian candidates who had contested in the recently held Grama Panchayat (GP) elections on Tuesday, 15th June 2010 at 5.30 pm in the Don Bosco Hall, Udupi. More than 200 candidates attended the function.

There were three sections in the hall that were reserved for the candidate s from three Talukas of the Udupi District-Udupi, Karkala and Kundapura. Mr. Vincent Alva who anchored the programme, in his introductory remark pointed out the reason for organising such a function to felicitate all the Christian contestants in the recently held GP elections. He thanked Mr. Ronald Colaco, Chairman of IFKCA for organising such a grand function to felicitate all the contestants in the GP elections.

The guests of honour on the dais included: Rev. Fr. Frederick Mascarenhas-Principal of the Milagres College, Kallianpur, Rev. Lawrence David Crasta-Vicar General and Correspondent of St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar, Rev. Steven Sarvottama-Warden, CSI Boys Hostel, Udupi and Vicar General of Mangalore CSI Diocese, Mr. J R Lobo-Executive Director of Pilikula Natural Park, Mrs. Gladys D’Almeida-President, Udupi Zilla Panchayat and Mr. Ronald Colaco-Chairman of IFKCA, who also presided over the felicitation function. Other guests included: Mr. Michael Baptist-General Secretary of IFKCA, Mr. Denis D’Silva, State Convener, Mr. Joachim Serao and Mr. Roshan Castelino.

The function began with the prayer song sung by Clifford Chetan and group, following which Mr. Louis Lobo-Organizer of IFKCA welcomed the guests on the dais who were presented with flower bouquets by Mr. Ronald Colaco. The lamp was then lighted by the guests on the dais beginning with the president, Mr. Ronald Colaco. 

In his keynote address, Mr. Ronald Colaco explained the reason as to why he took the initiative to start the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association which is spread over 30 talukas of the state. In a thought provoking speech, Mr. Colaco pointed out how the Christian community had remained backward as far as politics is concerned. He expressed satisfaction that in the recently held GP elections considerable number of Christian candidates had participated and some of them have emerged victorious. However, he felt that compared to the number of Christians, the number is quite less and there is need for more and more Christians to come forward and make their presence felt in the political field. He further pointed out that in order to meet the challenges of anti-Christian propaganda and attacks,  it is necessary for the Christians to build themselves as a political force. 

Following the released a handbook that gives information about the Grama Panchayat administration by Mrs. Gladys D’Almeida, President of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat, the chief speaker of the function, Mr. J R Lobo, addressed the newly elected members of the GPs on the role of the elected members in the administration of the panchayats. He said that in order to have an effective administration, it is necessary to have good officers and good representatives of the people. For the success of an elected representative in the GP, Mr. Lobo said that, he or she should have good knowledge about the various schemes that are being implemented by the GPs under direct grant from the government; should have good rapport with the officials and good public relation; and should have a sense of discipline so that decisions can be taken after proper debates and discussion rather than wasting time in needless talk and controversies.

Two prominent persons who have achieved high positions were honoured by Mr. Ronald Colaco by presenting them shawls, jasmine garlands and mementos. These two persons are: Mrs. Gladys D’Almedia who is the President of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat and Mrs. Mary Annie Ranjani Shreshta who is a reputed Lawyer and Notary.

All those candidates who had contested the GP elections but unfortunately lost were felicitated for their efforts by presenting each one a memento. Similarly, all the winners in the recently held GP elections were honoured with shawl strips and mementos.

In his felicitation address to the candidates, Mr. Gerald Fernandes, President of the Social Justice Committee of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat complimented all the candidates for their efforts in contesting the GP elections and greatly appreciated Mr. Ronald Colaco and the IFKCA office bearers for felicitating all the candidates. He made an appeal to all the winners to work in their respective GPs for the benefit of all especially the poor and downtrodden. 

On behalf of the winning candidates, Mr. Philip D’Silva from Kundapur and on behalf of the defeated candidates Mrs. Lona Andrade from Padubidre on behalf of all the candidates expressed their feelings of gratitude and happiness towards the IFKCA for organizing the felicitation function for them.

Rev. Fr. Frederick Mascarenhas, Rev. Lawrence David Crasta and rev. Steven Sarvottama in their respective messages congratulated all the winners in the last GP elections and wished good luck to others in the next election. The expressed hope that all the members of the GPs would work for the good of all the people irrespective of their religion and community and be an example to everyone as good representatives of the people.

All the winning Christian candidates of the Belle Grama Panchayat-Mr. Gilbert D’Souza, Mrs. Jacintha Aranha, Mrs.  Jacintha D’Souza and Mrs. Helen Mendonca   were present for the felicitation function. 

Dr. Ritesh Johnson, Director of the Mission Hospital, Udupi proposed the vote of thanks.