Daijiworld Media Network – Ballary (EP)

Ballary, Mar 15: International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 14 by the women's delegation of the Ballary diocese at St Antony’s Community Centre.

Bishop of Ballary, Dr Henry D’Souza presided over the programme. Children’s development committee president S M Vijayalaxmi, Kalavathi and Gangamma were the guests of honour.

Chief priest Fr Anthonyraj, Public Relations Officer Fr Ivan Pinto and estate manager Fr Cyril were present.

St Joseph’s Girl’s School teachers led the prayer. Fr Ivan Pinto said that girls are a form of several relationships and a mother cannot be obtained for any amount of wealth. The mother supports her children since birth just like Jesus. He prayed for women on the occasion.

Suma welcomed the guests. The women’s delegation secretary Mary Gertrude in her introduction spoke about the importance of Women’s Day. S M Vijayalaxmi spoke about the protection of lost children and orphans being done by the children welfare committee and conveyed her wishes to all those women who were present.

Kalavati said that there should be harmony between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law. The mother-in-law should treat her daughter-in-law as her own daughter.

Fr Cyril explained through a story how a mother resembles God. St Mary school teachers entertained the audience with a fitting song for the day. Elderly mothers who have served in different sectors were felicitated for their efforts.

91-year-old Susaimary who taught at St Joseph School for 23 years, Sr Fatima as headmistress at St John's high school, Fathima Rita who served in Karnataka housing board for 41 years, Luisa, Bassamma in Higher primary school for 34 years were felicitated.

The bishop said that boys and girls are equally important. Girls should proceed with courage towards their goals, he said in his blessings.

The women’s delegation chairperson Sr Jancy thanked all those who arrived for the programme. The programme concluded after serving meals.