Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Jul 6: The newly appointed chief whip of Karnataka Legislative council, MLC Ivan D'Souza received a grand welcome from the Congress party workers when he visited district party office on Wednesday July 6.

Speaking on the occasion after receiving felicitation from the party leaders and well wishers, Ivan said, “These are the happy moments for me. If you respect Congress party and its principles, the party will honour you and I am an apt example for it. I feel I have been given this responsibility after my good performance as a legislator in the past two years. I have shown 100 percent attendance and have participated 100 percentin all the discussions in the council,”

“I am thankful to all the leaders of the party including chief minister Siddaramaiah and Dr Parameshwar. All the MLAs of the district have supported my appointment. I thank everyone for supporting me in this regard.” Ivan added.

Recalling his political career he said, “When I became a mandal panchayat member in Shirva, I was 21 years old and since then I have faced both ups and downs in my political career. I have not been deterred from the defeats I faced, but continued to work for the Congress party. During the time of the previous BJP government, I organised protest once in two days in front of the DC office.”

“If someone speaks against the party, I will be the first one to face it. My first aim is to bring the party to power in the coming 2018 elections. In my two years tenure as the MLC, I have handed over aids worth Rs 3. 04 crore to people suffering from various ailments. If I have reached this height, it is because of their blessings,” Ivan said.

Speaking on the occasion Congress interim president Ibrahim Kodijal congratulated Ivan D'souza for the achievement.

Mayor of MCC Harinath, Youth Congress president Mithun Rai, Ivan D'souza's spouse Dr Kavitha, corporators Kavitha Sanil, A C Vinayaraj, Appi, Praveenchandra Alva and others were present.

The MLC also visited various religious places soon after his visit to the Congress office.

Visit to Infant Jesus Shrine

Pics: Stanley Bantwal

Ivan D'Souza visited Infant Jesus Shrine, at Bikkernakatte. He was welcomed by Fr Elias D'Souza, Shrine director and Fr Prakash D'Cunha.

Fr Prakash D'Cunha offered a prayer wishing him the best for his future endeavours.

Ivan felicitated at Bishops House

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)

The newly elected chief whip of Karnataka Legislative Council Ivan D'souza was felicitated in the Bishops House on behalf of the Mangaluru diocese on July 6.

The Bishop of the diocese Dr Aloysius Paul honoured the MLC. Speaking on the occasion the Bishop said “God has given two good leaders to our community. You must work together for the community. When you do good deeds to people, all will support you. Both of you must reach the new heights in your political career and sustain it." The bishop was referring to MLA J R Lobo and Ivan D’Souza.

Addressing MLC Ivan D'souza he said "Ivan has got leadership qualities in his blood. He has the ability to go to any place and address people. When there was an issue against the faith, his work set things right for the church. His appointment as the MLC is the recognition of his good work by the chief minister. I sincerely thank Siddaramaiah for this and also appreciate various projects announced by him for the poor."

The president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino called MLA JR Lobo and Ivan D'Souza as the two strong pillars of the community in the felicitation address. "Ivan is a leaders who believes in never giving up until the goal is achieved. Even when he was away, from the power he struggled for the needs of the poor and downtrodden. The future of the community lies on the shoulders of two pillars, MLA Lobo and Ivan."

Accepting the honour Ivan assured that he will work for the benefit of the community. "All I am today is due to the training I received in ICYM since I joined it as a secretary when I was in 9th std. Twice I stood for MLA elections and was defeated. My sole dream was to enter the Vidhana Soudha as its member and I tried hard to achieve it,"

"We must utilize the facilities given by the government to us. I have never said no to my community and I will never say no. I take this felicitation as a message to work for the community." Ivan added.

Speaking on the occasion MLA J R Lobo said "The life of a politician is a tough one. Hence every politician requires support of his people and only that will strengthen him. The appointment of Ivan is an honour to all who never give up trying. As leaders, both of us have the responsibility to work together. It is tough journey. I hope that Ivan will reach the parliament and take the city's name to greater heights."

PRO of the diocese Fr William Menezes welcomed the gathering while secretary of diocese pastoral council MP Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Titus Noronha compered the programme.