Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (EC)
Karkala, Nov 15: Little Flowers Mukamar-UAE, an association of parishioners of St Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Mukamar residing in the UAE, on Saturday November 14 celebrated its fifth anniversary with a unique 'Bandhavvya' programme at Arunodaya Special School. During the celebrations, the children of the school showcased their talents, which moved everyone, and were presented with attractive goody bags as gifts.
The main attraction of this event was Puttur Suresh Nayak, a magician as well as national award recipient, who along with his brother Umesh Nayak entertained all those who had gathered.
Rayyappa, chief officer, municipal corporation, Karkala, who was the chief guest, and Fr Victor D'Souza, parish priest and spiritual director of Little Flowers Mukamar who presided over the programme, lit the ceremonial lamp and thus inaugurated the formal programme.
Fr Victor in his presidential speech said he was extremely happy that LFM had taken the initiative to celebrate its anniversary in such a meaningful way. He thanked Dayan D’Souza under whose guidance and instruction, the association organized the programme in hometown Mukamar. He congratulated the association members and asked them to organize similar programmes in the coming years too. He also handed over a cheque of Rs 1,00,000 on behalf of the Association to Sr Donalda Pais of Arunodaya Special School, who in return thanked the Association.
Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike in his addressal said, "Though schools in many parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are closed due to recent untoward incidents, this special school is witnessing a unique and special celebrations of Children's Day and has thus set an example for the entire nation. We are really fortunate to witness such a event."
He congratulated Sr Donalda on receiving the district Rajyotsava Award on November 1 and further requested Rayyappa to recommend her name for the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in the coming year.
Lauding the LFM Association, he said, "During vacations, people tend to enjoy, take rest or go camping or visit their families and friends, but the LFM members decided to spend a day with these special students. I appreciate their efforts, especially of Dayan D'Souza." He also thanked the school management as well as the staff for their abundant support.
Rayyappa said that he was moved by the activities of the children. He thanked Sr Donalda for introducing him to this special school. He said he was very happy to be associated with this school and spend time with its children. He promised to generate more facilities and assistance from the government to the children as well as to the school. He also asked the parents to give more attention to their children at every stage of their lives and stressed on the importance of a mother's role in bringing up a child.
Sr Lillis, assistant general superior, Bethany congregation appreciated Sr Donalda's continued service to the institution from the past 16 years ever since it was founded. "Parents should be a guiding lamp, a strong foundation to their children as they are special messengers from God Himself," she said.
Sr Donalda was honoured on the occasion for being conferred the district Rajyotsava Award, and so also her staff for their untiring efforts and selfless service.
Nelson Rodricks, director, Daijiworld Audio-Visual, Steevan Nazareth, president, Little Flower Mukamar were the other dignitaries on the dais.
Sr Donalda welcomed the gathering, while Hanumanthappa, headmaster, Arunodaya Special School proposed the vote of thanks and Sheldon Crasta compered the entire session.