Daijiworld Media Network—Karwar (RD/VA)

Karwar, Jul 17: The Christian representatives who contested in the recently held Gram Panchayat (GP) elections were felicitated at Karwar Diocesan Development Council (KDDC) auditorium here, recently. 

The event was held under the aegis of the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA), All Delegations of Karwar Diocese and United Federation. 

Recognizing the contribution and services of Ronald Colaco in building up the representation for the Christian community, irrespective of political parties, the Bishop of Karwar Fr Derek Fernandes insisted upon honouring Colaco despite his reluctance, in a unique way.

Addressing the gathering, Colaco said that the main objective of IFKCA is to build-up due and adequate representation in the field of politics, administration, and judiciary, which is of paramount importance.

“It enhances communal harmony apart from safeguarding the churches and various institutions (educational, health care, social services) run by missionaries, priests, and nuns”, he added. 

Colaco further emphasized that the elected members of the community at the GP level or Taluk Panchayat (TP) or Zilla Panchayat (ZP) level should communicate to the people of their respective constituencies about the selfless and noble service rendered by Christian missionaries in the field of education, social service, and health care.

He also provided the statistics wherein IFKCA supported and assisted a total of 1,051 candidates (consisting of South Canara district’s 383 candidates, Udupi district’s 253 candidates, Karwar district’s 260 candidates, Chikmagalur district and Shimoga district’s 65 candidates and others 90 candidates) of which 421 have won the election.

Colaco affirmed that though this winning figure is a good beginning, it is less than one percent of the total GP elected members in Karnataka state. He expected that the winning number would be threefold in the coming elections.

Colaco extended financial support to Karwar diocese to hold seminars and workshops for the elected GP members to mould them and make them more efficient.

He lauded Denis D’silva, the state convener of IFKCA, for his efforts in organizing people of various denominations of the community and also during the panchayat elections in five districts.