from Dr Gerald Pinto
for Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KD/NR)

Udupi, Nov 14: Union minister Oscar Fernandes inaugurated the India pre-Republic Day selection camp at Milagres college in Kallianpur here on Monday November 12.

Speaking after the inaugural ceremony, he exhorted the NSS volunteers to live for others because a life lived for others alone is meaningful, he averred. Moreover, he also enthralled the audience by playing the national anthem with a mouth organ.

Prof Jayaram Shettigar will be the convener for this ten day camp. At the camp 200 persons from south India including Andaman, Nicober Islands and Lakshadeep will be participating, out of which 40 will be selected for the final National IRD camp of Jan 26, 2008.

Correspondent Fr Marcel Saldanha administered the oath of national integration. Vice-chancellor of the Mangalore University Prof Kaveriappa presided over the function. Fr Fred Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering. At the start the director of the camp Dr H S Suresh introduced the objectives of the camp. Mangalore University coordinator Prof Gopal proposed vote of thanks whereas Prof Joseph Peter Fernandes compered the programme.