Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (YA)

Udupi, Jun 11: The Christian community of Udupi felicitated Ivan D'Souza, the newly elected member of Vidhana Parishad for the second term, on June 10 at Don Bosco Hall.

Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, congratulated Ivan D'Souza for his services to the society. At that moment he remembered the government's contribution to the Christian society. He wished Ivan D'Souza that his service may reach the fringes of the society.

Ivan D'Souza,on receiving the honor said "this post was given by the Congress government in recognition to the contribution of the Christian community. I am blessed to have this position. During my tenure I will try to correct the social deficiencies to the best of my ability. I will also try to provide justice to the marginalized people of the society. I am bound to unite the people of all classes and religions of the society and give my contribution as their voice at the Legislative Council. I have delivered the relief funds from the Chief Minister's Fund to the needy without looking at caste and religion during previous tenure. He further said that the responsibility for removing him from his position is vested in the hands of the people.

The dignitaries present at the ceremony expressed their opinion that the government should give Ivan D'Souza a higher post in the cabinet. After the felicitation ceremony, Ivan D'Souza met the pontiff and received his blessings.

On this ocassion, Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Fr Vijay D'Souza, principal of St Mary's English Medium School, Dr Kavita, wife of Ivan D'Souza, Maxim D'Souza, Santosh Cornelio, president of Udupi Catholic Sabha, and others were present.

Melvin D'Souza, Shirva Grama Panchayat member compered the programme while Louis Lobo, former president of IFCA organization, proposed the vote of thanks.