Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Dec 23: MLC Ivan D Souza organized Christmas celebration to create harmony and brotherhood at Kankanady market ground here on Sunday, December 23.
The event was inaugurated by Swamiji of Kemaru Math Eesha Vittaldas Swamiji along with other dignitaries. Ivan D Souza has been conducting this event for the past three years.
Speaking on the occasion, Eesha Vittaldas Swamiji said, "I feel great to be part of the Christmas celebration conducted by Ivan D Souza. Ivan D Souza is known for helping the needy. There is a kind heart behind that helping act. If we help the needy and those who are in pain, then it is indeed service of God.”
"Today we have lost humanity and human values. There was a time when there was an accident, we would give water to the victim or take him to the hospital. Now the things have changed. When there is accident these days, we are busy clicking photos and share it in social media which is unfortunate,” Swamiji added.
"Positive thinking should be built among the young minds and parents should teach them moral values and cultural values because today there are taking the wrong paths of drugs and ganja. This needs to be curbed. I wish Ivan D Souza all the best and I hope he will continue to do good work,” Swamiji concluded.
Vicar general of Mangaluru diocese Msgr Maxim Noronha said," Christmas is a celebration of joy and happiness. These days, people do not know the real meaning of Christmas. Some organize it for satisfaction, while some do it for selfishness. Some believe that Christmas is decoration, Santa, hotel , party, dinner and they have introduced new culture and forgotten the meaning of Christmas. Today Ivan D Souza has come forward to unite people of all religions under one roof in this Christmas celebration, I congratulate Ivan D Souza on this occasion.”
Ivan D’Souza welcomed the gathering and said," I have conducting Ramzan, Deepavali and Christmas celebrations irrespective of religion. This kind of celebration unites people. We have conducted carol singing competition, cake making competition and star making competition. We received very good responses for these and people gathered in large numbers.”
Chairman Yenepoya group, Y Abdul Kunhi, deputy mayor Mohammed, former district Congress president Ibrahim Kodijal and others were present.