Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Nov 16: Joyous Deepavali celebrations at St Theresa Church open ground, Mukamar here on Sunday November 15 marked the fifth anniversary celebrations of Little Flowers Mukamar - UAE, an association of Mukamar parishioners residing in the UAE.
On the occasion, Daijiworld founder and editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike was conferred the 'Madhyama Ratna' award by Little Flowers Mukamar in recognition of his achievements.
Sri Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji of Kemar Math, a popular religious leader and social activist around South Canara district, Fr Denis D’Sa, a multi-talented personality among the Konkani community, presently serving as PRO of the diocese of Udupi, Walter Nandalike, Fr Victor Gerald D’Souza, parish priest of St Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Rocky D’Silva, vice-president, parish pastoral council, Mukamar, were led to the dais by Dayan D’souza, founder of Little Flowers Mukamar, Stephen Nazareth, president and members of the association in a procession.
The Deepavali celebration was formally inaugurated by lighting the 'sursur batti' by all the guests on the dais.
Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike in his address congratulated the association on the anniversary and expressed his happiness on being part of the unique programme.
"Today how many churches celebrate the Deepavali? As soon as the new diocese came into existence, bishop Dr Gerald Lobo started to celebrate the festival with the other communities, thus setting an example to the society. In a similar way, we are celebrating the festival of lights today at Mukamar. With this, Fr Victor D’souza has taken the initiative to lead the entire church into a new direction.
"About 17 years ago, Dayan and I went to Gulf together and thought of doing something for our native place, and today when we look back, we feel happy that we have done something for people. It is commendable that in just five years, Little Flowers Mukamar has been able to achieve so much and bring a positive change in so many lives through its good deeds. LF Mukamar is a role model to other associations and I wish that many more youths build their future through LF Mukamar," he said.
Fr Denis D’Sa also expressed his happiness on being part of Deepavali celebration and a programme at Arunodaya Special School the previous day. He also echoed his happiness with the song ‘Ondu kodi baluva ondu kodi badukuva’ and the audience joined him too. "Iron, fire, water, cloud, mountain, human beings, sacredness, sleep, death and above all love are the most powerful things in the world," he said.
"Scissor and needle are two things which a tailor uses. One is used to cut and the other is used to stitch two pieces of cloth. Let us be like a needle and unite people and let us serve the society and the needy," said Fr Denis.
Addressing the gathering, Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji, said, "Let us spread the culture and language of Tulunadu which unite people. When we are happy, only then can we see God. Did our elders receive any degree? What about today’s generation? They get double degrees and at the end commit suicide. This shows lack of spiritual strength."
Requesting Rt Kishor to write a script based on harmony, he said, "I will watch the drama till the end without fail. Tulu dramas are means to spread culture and peace in society."
"Let the people of Tulunadu be united and work together to build a peaceful society. We cannot have peace when there is violence in society. Let us build a healthy society. Communal violence is spreading in the society because no one reads the religious books. All parents should provide value-based education to their children at home," he said.
All the religious leaders promised to work towards building peace in the society on the occasion.
Fr Victor Dsouza, parish priest, St Theresa Church Mukamar presided over the prize distribution ceremony, while Theresa Noronha, Reshma D’Cruz, former president LF Mukamar, Stephen Nazareth, president, LF Mukamar, Nancy D’Silva, secretary, parish pastoral council, Mukamar, were present on the occasion.
Little Flowers Mukamar handed over a cheque of Rs one lac to Fr Denis D’Sa towards the new projects started by the diocese.
A cheque of Rs 50,000 was handed over to Fr Victor by the association towards the various development works in the church.
After distributing the prizes to winners, Fr Victor said, "LF Mukamar used to hold their annual celebrations every year in Dubai but they have celebrated the fifth anniversary in a more meaningful way at Arunodaya Special School. By celebrating the occasion in our native, we can learn more and serve the people in many ways. Our forefathers have done a lot of hard work silently." He wished the associations well for its future endeavours.
Fr Victor D’Souza honoured various sponsors of the event on the occasion.
Sheldon Crasta Derebail compered the formal function. Carol D'Souza compered the prize distribution ceremony while Reema Mathias announced the winners' names of the competitions conducted by ICYM and Sthree Sanghatan of the St Theresa Church, Mukamar.
Dayan D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
'Raddet Er Edde', a Tulu social comedy drama, performed by Lakumi troupe from Mangaluru as part of the entertainment programme, enthralled the audience.