Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Aug 3: St Christopher association, an association of Christian drivers and automobile owners convened their 2014-15 annual general body meeting at Rosario cultural hall here on Sunday August 2.

Earlier, Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu concelebrated thanks giving Mass along with parish priest Fr J B Crasta at Rosario Cathedral.

Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu blessed automobiles, two-wheelers and auto rickshaws and goods tempos that were parked at the premises.

Mayor Jacintha Vijaya Alfred, MLC Ivan D'Souza, association honorary president Alphonse, president Raymond D'Cunha, secretary Herald D’Souza and Susheel Noronha were present on the occasion.

Herald D'Souza read out the 2014-2015 annual report. Vincent read out the annual audit report.

Addressing the gathering, Fr J B Crasta said that every member of St Christopher association should become like St Christopher. Their main motto must be helping one another.

On this occasion 18 children of St Christopher association members were felicitated for their achievements in studies.

Mayor Jacintha was felicitated on this juncture and she said that she was proud to be present on this occasion and praised the St Christopher association for their endless help and support.

Speaking about the beedi workers, MLC Ivan D'Souza said, "There are 8 lacs beedi workers in Karnataka state with 4 lacs in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Beedi workers are mainly women. Atleast one to two days are required to roll 1000 Beedis. They will lose their jobs as the industry is going to be closed. I questioned this in the session and many politicians supported me in this issue and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah finally appointed a committee to inspect their livelihood and to submit the report in the next month and he also promised that he will come up with an alternative employment."

"In Mangaluru city there is no 24 hours petrol bunk running. Lot of travellors face hard time at night. We have spoken with the HP limited and they have assured that very soon one of their outlets will be kept open for 24 hours." Ivan added.

He also informed the St Christopher association to suggest a suitable place to construct a hostel and he promised that he would help them financially.

In his presidential address, Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu said that lot of problems of Mangaluru are getting solved with people giving preference for the education. "You should have the committment and dedication in your work to achieve the goal." Monsignor said.

Raymond D'Cunha welcomed the guests. Leena D'Souza compered the ceremony.