Media Release
Kasargod, Dec 22: The ‘Christmas Sambhrama 2025’ celebration at Snehalaya sprinkled aesthetic joy and festive spirit. Christmas, in its true sense as the birth of newness, happiness and the spirit of service to mankind, was celebrated with great pomp and glory at Snehalaya Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center, Manjeswaram, through ‘Christmas Sambhrama – 2025’.
The event was a perfect blend of a cultural feast, a Bharatnatyam performance enacting the story of the birth of Jesus by world record holder Remona Evette, melodious carol singing by celebrity singers Joshal and Jason under the direction of master musician Sanjay Rodrigues, and a variety of dance performances by Team Horizon and Urban Groove.
Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar, bishop, Church of South India, the chief guest of the day, visited the campus prior to the celebration, blessed the inmates and delivered a wonderful message of love, compassion and humanitarian service, urging everyone to see Christ in whatever they do.
Dr Vasanth Shetty, administrator of the Saanidhya Group of Institutions and guest of honour, touched hearts with his inspiring message comparing Christ and Krishna, highlighting the commonality among all religions, and appreciating the service rendered by Br Joseph Crasta.
Harshad Vorkady, the newly elected member of the district panchayat, Kasargod, graced the event with his presence immediately after taking oath and charge. He recalled the early days of Joseph’s mission, exemplified how humble work is blessed, and expressed his happiness at being part of the celebration.
Joseph Elias Menezes, a par excellence humanitarian, donor, director of Fortune Life Wealth Pvt Ltd, Delhi, and proprietor of PTI Consultancy, Mumbai, delivered a deeply moving Christmas message filled with poetic expressions, emotions and relevance to the needs of the hour. His words touched the audience profoundly, as he said that ‘real Christs’ are born and reborn in institutions like Snehalaya, and that it is everyone’s responsibility to carry forward humanitarian work.
Eshwar Malpe, a dedicated social worker known for risking his own life in extremely dangerous situations to save lives and retrieve bodies, was one of the main attractions of the day. He was honoured with great respect, and his heart-touching message moved the audience. Sharing his personal struggles, including the loss of his own child and having two specially-abled children, he said he was not driven by money or glory and affirmed that there are many good-hearted people in society.
Raymond D’Cunha Taccode, president of Konkanni Basha Mandal Karnataka and founder-editor of Pingara, spoke eloquently about the occasion and his long-standing bond with Snehalaya.
Fr Vincent Crasta, associate director of Holy Family Hospital, Delhi, and Fr Cyril D’Souza, chaplain of Snehalaya, were the special guests on the dais.
Br Joseph Crasta welcomed the gathering with cordial words and honoured the guests with shawls and flowers. Olivia Crasta proposed the vote of thanks.
Remona, the sensational dancer, presented a captivating enactment of the birth of Jesus with her energetic Team Horizon, which was highly appreciated. She was honoured with immense pleasure for her remarkable achievements. The melodious evening featuring celebrity singers under the direction of music director Sanjay Rodrigues was thoroughly enjoyed. The programme was filled with carols and apt dance performances by Urban Groove under the able leadership of Stany Bela, presented by the GG100 Chorus Group, which became a highlight of the event. The music fest, Sangeethotsav, was compered by Shanthi Priya Lasrado.
The entire programme was well executed and compered by Geo D’Silva. The celebration concluded on a joyful note, leaving everyone with cherished memories and smiles as they shared a lovely Christmas dinner. The event was witnessed by a huge and enthusiastic crowd.