Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Oct 25: The Jilla Alpa Sankhyatara Vedike, Udupi District, organised a grand felicitation ceremony on Saturday at Hotel Manipal Inn. The event was aimed to honour distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to community development and public service.

Fr David Crasta, parish priest of the Orthodox Syrian Church, Brahmavar, was the chief guest.

In his address, he said, “The three people who are being felicitated know how to work for society and are actively serving it. Our community faces many problems, and people like them help in solving them. They are involved in education, administration, and government sectors, which contribute to the overall development of our community. The government has sanctioned 10 projects and 19 schemes for the Christian and Muslim communities. As Christian leaders, we should fight for the good cause of society. Most importantly, we must maintain coordination and unity within our community. Let our unity remain strong, and may no one break this bond between us. Let us grow stronger together, and I thank you for inviting me here.”

M A Moula, District president of Udupi Jilla Muslim Okkoota, was also a chief guest. He said, “M A Gafoor is a simple and living example of social service. He should not just be M A Gafoor but MLA Gafoor! Vinod Crasto, as an urban authority, ensures that no one faces difficulties under his leadership. I pray for his good health and future. Prashanth Jathanna recently spoke in a press meet about policies and government plans for minorities, which are very useful. We will continue to pray for the good health of all three and work to create more opportunities and support for our minorities.”

M A Gafoor, chairman of the Karnataka State Coastal Development Board, Mangaluru, was felicitated for his remarkable leadership in promoting coastal development and infrastructure initiatives in the region.

In his address, he said, “If I am here today, it is because of Oscar Fernandes. From my youth, I was involved in youth leadership, and it is that experience which has brought me to this position today. My friends and I, during our younger days, built ourselves through dedication to social service. When I used to visit Oscar Fernandes’ house, I noticed many books, and he encouraged me to read the works of Mahatma Gandhi. We must know and learn history in order to speak the truth with facts. During my tenure, I increased the budget allocation for minorities in Udupi from Rs 150 crore to Rs 300 crore, and also enhanced the funds for education and work scholarships.”

Vinod Crasto, chairman of the Town Planning Authority, Kundapura, was recognised for his dedicated service and efforts in urban planning and sustainable development and Prashanth Jathanna, director of the Christian Community Development Corporation, received special appreciation for his work in social upliftment and educational support within the Christian community.

The event witnessed the presence of Fr David Crasta, parish priest, Syrian Orthodox Church, Brahmavar; Mohammed Maula, president, Udupi District Muslim Union; M A Gafoor, chairman, Coastal Development Authority; Vinod Crasto,chairman, Kundapura Urban Development Authority; Prashanth Jathanna, director, Karnataka Christian Community Development Corporation; Charles Angler, president, Jilla Alpa Sankhyatara Vedike, Udupi District; T M Zafrulla, secretary, Jilla Alpa Sankhyatara Vedike, Udupi District; Ismail Hussain Katpady and others were present on the occasion.

Alons D’Costa, former president, Jilla Alpa Sankhyatara Vedike, Udupi District, welcomed the gathering. Azeez Udyavar, Member, Jilla Alpa Sankhyatara Vedike, Udupi District, gave the introductory remarks. T M Zafrulla, secretary, Jilla Alpa Sankhyatara Vedike, Udupi District, delivered the vote of thanks. Shanti Pereira, vice president, Jilla Alpa Sankhyatara Vedike, Udupi District, compered the programme.