Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VA)

Mangalore, Jul 7: The Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP) and Bandhavya (R) here jointly organized facilitation cum training programme to the newly elected gram panchayat (GP) members on Tuesday July 6.

Bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza presided over the programme. Addressing the members he said that few years back before joining the self-help groups (SHGs) they were all ordinary people but the training they received at the SHGs have made them emerge as leaders. “Realizing the leadership qualities you have developed the people of your locality have elected as their representative. Now you have an obligation and responsibility to reach out to the people who have elected you”, he advised.

He also called upon the members to enlighten the people on the facilities that are available to them and help them to avail the same.

Veronica Cornelio, member of the taluk panchayat, Udupi was the resource person for the day. She shared her experience on being a responsible people’s representative. She said that once a person is elected he becomes accountable and responsible for the development of the electorate. She asked each one of them to be effective and creative and not to show lethargy in discharging their duties.

On behalf of the newly elected members Bharathi Chowta, Mumtaz and Jeffrey Fernandez spoke on what inspired them to contest, the support they received and their plans for the next five years. Fr Onil D’ Souza, director of CODP welcomed the gathering. Shankar Shetty compered the programme.