Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Oct 23: Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) mayor K Harinath re-launched the post- monsoon session of Bondel Laughter Club here at Bondel Maidan on Sunday, October 23.

Addressing the gathering K Harinath said "Bondel Laughter Club was started in 2002. Laughter has a positive impact on one’s health. There is a famous saying 'The world laughs with you and you cry alone'. Laughter is a good exercise. There are many laughter clubs in Mumbai, Bengaluru and other big cities. People practice different forms of exercise like walking, and swimming,”

“I am not saying that walking is not good. It has a danger element. On the Kadri-Airport Road taxis and cars going to the airport and returning, drive at breakneck speed endangering the road walkers. It is safe to walk on grounds like this. The more people use grounds, the Corporation will be encouraged to improve it - like providing a jogging track.” he added.

"John Monteiro and his team members have been conducting this laughter club from a long time. I congratulate them. This is an unnamed ground commonly called as 'Bondel Public Maidan'. Since this property belongs to the PWD, the ground could not be named. This ground was proposed for the construction of cricket stadium. But I have strongly opposed this since the ground would not be allowed to use for the public once it is made cricket stadium. I will try my best to get the ground under MCC and name this ground. If we all join together then it would not be difficult to keep our city clean. I ask the support from all of you." Harinath said.

John Monteiro, founder and lead anchor of the Club welcomed and conducted the proceedings. Khalil Sahib, founder member and co-anchor proposed the vote of thanks.

After the mayor’s le-launch signal, there was demonstration Laughter Club session, anchored by John Monteiro, lasting 20 minutes.