Patient at Father Muller, Crib Maker Chandayya Sets Example of Harmony


Patient at Father Muller, Crib Maker Chandayya Sets Example of Harmony

Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Dec 24: Christmas, the festival of sharing and caring is here, and all around, people are seen celebrating and greeting each other. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about Christmas is that the spirit of joy and celebration envelops each and every person, irrespective of religion, caste and creed.

Along with cakes, carols, Kuswar, Santa Claus and gifts, a special feature about Christmas is the variety of cribs one gets to see. Cribs enjoy special attention during Christmas especially as each crib differs from another. Though the basic idea remains the same, each crib is different, be it in size, shape, colours or materials used.

If you chance to pass by the chapel at Father Muller Institutions, Kankanady, what is likely to grab your attention the most is the big and beautiful crib nestled there. The crib is arranged meticulously, maintained well, and decorated attractively with eye-catching colours and illumination.

While you stand mesmerized by the crib, you can't help but wonder who its creator would be.

Believe it or not, the crib has been created by a patient of Father Muller Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre. And his name is Chandayya Gowda.

At 64, Chandayya's enthusiasm, hard work and dedication is no less than that of a teenage boy. Even more amazing is the fact that he has been a patient at the Centre from nearly 42 years, and has been creating the chapel's crib for the past 34 years.

Basically born in a Hindu family in Ashwathapura, Mijar, Chandayya has great love and affection towards all the religions.

Speaking to daijiworld, Chandayya expresses his gratitude to Basil, also a patient, who taught him to make cribs before he passed away.

"Basil was the one who taught me to prepare cribs and told me the story of Jesus. In the initial stages, we used to prepare it together. Ever since he passed away, I have been continuing his work," says Chandayya.

"I know the story of the life of Jesus and the importance of Christmas, which helps me a lot in making the crib even better. People who glance over the crib come to me, wish me and talk to me. Students, patients, priests, management members and doctors come to congratulate me, which makes me really happy," he says, his eyes twinkling with joy.

He also expresses his gratitude to the director and administrators of Father Muller Institutions for their enormous support and encouragement.

It takes him nearly 15 days to prepare the crib using soil, sand, cement, grass, idols and other things.

He also makes a special mention of Stanley, Sylvester and Ivan, the electrical maintenance staff for their beautiful illumination devices which add colour to the crib.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Fr Denis D’Sa, administrator, Father Muller Medical College said that Chandayya is not just a patient in the Leprosy Rehabilitation Unit, but a member of the Father Muller family.

"Chandayya is the one who eagerly takes the initiative in preparing the crib and takes special care of it, year after every year. He has been doing it for nearly three decades with the same enthusiasm," he said.

"It is highly appreciable of Chandayya to engage himself in crib making for so long. He has set an example of harmony and has further motivated everyone to get rid of communal differences in society," he added.

Truly, Chandayya is an epitome of the true spirit of harmony and humanity.

  

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Comment on this article

  • leeda, Bantwal- Denmark

    Wed, Dec 26 2012

    wonderful talent dear Chandayya Uncle.May Baby Jesus bless Him always. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year to You.

    DisAgree Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • edward dsouza, shirva/bahrain

    Tue, Dec 25 2012

    dear uncle god bless u forever u doing a great great job i salute u may the lord guide and protect u forever.wish u a merry christmas to u.keep on this beautiful crib.truly i love u and thank u for ur great crib.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stepha, moodbidri

    Tue, Dec 25 2012

    God Bless You very nice crib..

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • sohan braggs ,vincent d'souza,sunny, kodial,abu dhabi

    Tue, Dec 25 2012

    i am very happy by reading this article we used to call him as "gowdre" while we working at FMCI. his efforts are countless behind while making the crib. hats of to u Mr chandayya . we miss u .

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fredrick Correa, Pernal/Mumbai

    Tue, Dec 25 2012

    Mr. Chandayya Gowda has taught us so much through his own example. It takes a generous heart to do what he does so passionately. May God Bless him abundantly and give him good health in the years to come.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • clara helen, Mangalore, Oman

    Tue, Dec 25 2012

    Beautiful crib, may God give long life and joyful years ahead! May peace prevail upon him.

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, canada

    Tue, Dec 25 2012

    Great spirit and love towards Jesus from Chanya Gowda. Jesus loves the poor and anytime thir offering are the great for Jesus. God bless Mr. Gowda for your love towards Jesus for the last multiple years. You are a great example for today's youngster to change themsleve into peaceful rather hatefull towards fellow humans. Look at this mr. gowda so many years his shelter is at Fr.Mullers caring him. I am sure no one else won't provide such great service for his diseas as Fr.Muller has done for him. This is what Jesus thought us to serve the poor, needy, homeless and we are very proud today to see such great noble work from our Christians around the world in charity, helping, sharing etc. Merry Christmas to all.

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • nelson, mangaloe/kuwait

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    During the schooling days come december I used to stroll around the campus of Father Mullers watching the beautiful decorations and more important just to get a glimpse of the beautiful crib near to the chapel but never gave a thought to who was behind this beautiful creation, a god given talent indeed.

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    Great & lovely crib,hats off Chandayya.
    May the blessings of Babe Jesus always be upon you.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    We need this type of mentality in people. Keep aside the faith and religion you were born and brought up show your humanity. Unfortunately because of politics many people have forgotten the word humanity...!!????

    DisAgree Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Candle, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    Chandaya you look so great while you are holding that little child in your arms. It looks baby Jesus is born again and happy in your arms.I beleive you are one of the luckiest person to hold the saviour of the world in your arms. Merry christmas.

    DisAgree Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rahul D'souza, Mlore/Baghdad

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    Wonderful and excellent job from Mr. chandayya sir..Defenetly baby jesus christ will bless you today & Merry Christmas to u...

    DisAgree Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • taurojohn, mangalore/malad

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    Dear Chandayya You are great.beautiful crib. May the joy of Christmas fill your heart.Jesus bless you always.

    DisAgree Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • EDWIN ARANHA, SHIRVA/KUWAIT

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    DEAR brother mr Chandaya very beautyfull"may god bless you and your family and give good health
    merry christmas mr Chandaya

    DisAgree Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    May the happiness and contentment remain with you always Chandayya..

    DisAgree Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sharath, Qatar/Managalore

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    Mr. Chandayya. Hats off to you.Wonderful work You are truly appreciated for your good and beautiful Prepared crib for Christmas in Father Muller Institutions. May God bless you & give you good health & peace....Merry Christmas!!!

    DisAgree Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford, Bejai/Pune

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    Really a very beautiful crib made by
    Mr. Chandayya. Hats off to him.Wonderful work/ May God bless him and shower on him all his graces. Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year 2013 to all at Fr. Mullers -Management and staff and patients and especiall to Mr. Chandayya.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • ASD, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 24 2012

    Your Beauty !!! Dear Chandayya Uncle. Truly admired!! May God bless you & give you good health & peace....

    Merry Christmas!!!

    DisAgree Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse


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