Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Prem Menezes, Mummy Digitals
Udupi, Jul 7: In a laudable gesture aimed at promoting harmony, 'Eid Sauharda Koota' was held at St Francis Xavier Church hall, Udyavar to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Wednesday July 6.
The programme was jointly organized by Sauharda Samiti, Udyavar, Sauharda Samiti, Udupi, Lions, Lioness, Leo Clubs, Udupi-Indrali, and Udupi district minorities forum.
On behalf of all communities, Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo and Sarva Dharma Samiti honoured newly-appointed minister Pramod Madhwaraj on the occasion.
Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo in his address admired Muslims for their sacrifice during the thirty days of Ramadan. "We should live as brothers with mutual understanding. Such programmes help in fostering brotherhood between communities," he said.
Minister Pramod Madhwaraj addressing the gathering said, "Udyavar is known for communal harmony. If such programmes are held in the name of God, it will strengthen unity and foster brotherhood among different religions. Only then will a nation achieve development. God has blessed me with wealth to serve the society.
"Congress president Sonia Gandhi and chief minister Siddaramaiah have given me such a wonderful opportunity to develop Udupi district. Thus, I have to follow 'raja dharma' in administration," he added.
Businessman Yasin Malpe citing importance of fasting during Ramadan said, "Fasting is a means to be closer to God. I wish a happy Eid to all Muslim friends and hope that this programme grows in a huge way in future."
Fr Fred Mascarenhas, parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi delivered the keynote address.
Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president of Akhila Bharata Tulu Okkuta wished all Muslims a happy Eid.
Mohammed Bahaddur recited a poem on this occasion.
F B Yakub, director of Yashaswi Fish Meal and Oil Company, R P Monis, president, Sauharda Samiti, Udyavar, Sugandhi Shekhar, president of Udyavar gram panchayat, Lawrence D'Sa, vice-president, Udyavar parish pastoral council, Valerian Fernandes, president of Catholic Sabha, Udupi diocese, Maulana Abdul Rashid Rehmani, Jamia Masjid, Udyavar, Alphonso D'Costa and others present.
Yashaswi Fish Meal and Oil Company, Pithrody, Udyavar was the main sponsored of the programme.
Fr Dr Roque D'Souza, parish priest of Udyavar church welcomed the gathering. Mohammed Maula, president of Lions Club, Udupi, proposed the vote of thanks.
Steevan Colaco and Wilfred D'Souza compered the programme.