Steevan Colaco
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pics by Mummy Digital studio, Udupi

Udupi, Jul 13: Catholic Sabha Udupi diocese organized 'Apurv Sahamilan ani Abhinandhan' a felicitation programme for all Christian candidates who had contested in recently held gram panchayat elections in Don Bosco hall, Udupi on Sunday July 12.

Programme started with a prayer song.

The winning candidates were felicitated with a shawl, certificate and memento. Also the candidates who had participated in the elections were honoured with mementos 
for their efforts. Total 240 members contested in the elections out of which 107 won the elections. 6 of the winning candidates were elected has presidents and 4 as 
vice presidents.

In his keynote address Hiryadaka Jayanth Rao, member of the Abdul Nazeer Rural Development Organization, said that “First need to think why people have elected you as their representative. People have kept faith in you so do not let them down. Gram Sabha is also called as village legislature. A panchayat member’s qualification is tolerance, listening power, transparency, fighting against corruption, proactiveness, pleasantness and patience. They should love and respect the panchayat officials. Never deny the people who trusted you. Never give false promises. Also need to keep contact with the PDO for the better understandings. Should Work for the poor and needy, who will always remember your work. By doing so in the next elections they should selected unanimously.” Further he said to the candidates who had lost in elections not to lose hope and to remember that their ward people have voted them.

Bishop of Udupi Diocese Dr Gerald Issac Lobo in his address said that "Winning or losing is not important. But the experience one gets by participating is more important than winning. During the time of elections the promises given to the people must be fulfilled now. Jesus Christ came to this world to help the people but not to take help from others.”

Addressing the gathering William Machado, president of Catholic sabha Udupi diocese said that ”If catholic sabha and winning candidates work differently there will be good results but if they work together then they can create wonders.”

President of Karnataka soaps and detergents limited Veronica Carnelio, Zilla panchayat member Ida Gibba D’souza, former zilla panchayat interim president Gerald Fernandes, Walter Pinto, Alphonse D’costa, Joseph Rebello, Mary Shresta, Shalet Furtado, Mudarangadi Gram Panchayat President David D’souza, Palimar GP President Jeetendra Furtado, Katpady Gram Panchayat President Juliet Veera, and other elected presidents and vice presidents were present.

Elroy Kiran Crasta convener of government scheme welcomed the gathering, Alice Rodrigues the secretary of Catholic sabha extended the vote of thanks, Steevan Prakash Louis and Flavia compeered the programme.