Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Udupi/Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (WD/KR)
Udupi, Feb 29: Adline Castelino, who was crowned 'Liva Miss Diva Universe 2020,' was felicitated on Saturday, February 29, at St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar.
The grand felicitation was organized by the St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, in association with Golden Jubilee Committee, ICYM, Catholic Sabha, Shree Sanghatan.
After receiving the felicitation at her home town, Adline Castelino addressing the gathering said, “I really cannot express the amount of gratitude I have. This is something I did not expect. All of you have literally blown me away and given me so many memories to carry forward. My last question of the contest which was on religion, I want to give all credit to everyone in this beautiful town of Udupi. If I was able to answer that question, it was all because of you people. This is not my journey to Miss Universe, but our journey. I have come here because of your prayers and blessings. Looking at the support and love that I have received today, I do not think that the goal is too far. I think together we can achieve it. I want to thank everyone for this programme. When I stand on Miss Universe stage, I will remember this stage and love from my people.”
Adline also interacted with the gathering and answered all the questions in a humble way.
Speaking on the occasion, Lalaji R Mendon, MLA, Kaup constituency said, “I congratulate Adline Castelino. It is a pride to all of us that Adline belongs from our place. Beauty is not the only criteria considered in this contest, but there are various aspects. I wish that Adline win many more titles and bring laurels to our place.”
Former MLA of Kaup Vinay Kumar Sorake addressing the gathering said, “It is indeed a historic day for all of us. Adline Castelino belongs to Udupi district and has made us proud with her achievement. Udupi district is known for various achievements and today it is shining on international level. I congratulate Adline on this occasion and wish her best for future commitments.”
Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj said that it was an honour for the people of Udupi district for reaching a milestone. “When I saw the video which you have spoken at the finale it was like a stateswoman. Your words guide the world. Entire world is one family and in Hinduism we believe ‘Vasudeva Kutumba’. You exhibited the essence of India in your thoughts. Our wish and prayer is you should win the ultimate title,” he said.
One of the members from the audience asked Adline what exactly motivated her to take part in the beauty contestant. Adline said, “Modelling platform is much bigger than what we think. This is the stage where we can talk and bring awareness and bring change.”
On a question whom Adline consider as her role model in her career, she said, “My role model is Deepa Malik, a Padma Shri winning international para athlete. ‘When I can do it why not you’, this got stuck in my mind and it inspired me.”
Meera Castelino, mother of Adline Castelino, Sugandhi Shekar, president , Udyavara gram panchayat , Haji Abdul JalilSaheb, Leo D'Souza, proprietor, Canara Restaurant, Dubai, Alwyn Quadras, president, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Melwyn Noronha, vice-president, St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, Michael D’Souza, coordinator, ICYM Udyavar golden jubilee committee, Lawrence D’Sa, president, Catholic Sabha ,Udyavar unit, and eena Mendonca, president , Stree Sangatan, Udyavar, were present.
Students of St Francis Xavier English Medium School performed the welcome dance.
Prior to the felicitation programme, Adline Castelino was brought to the church in a vehicle procession from Jai Hind Complex, near NH 66. The procession was flagged off by Haji Abdul Jalil Saheb.
Fr Stany B Lobo, parish priest, St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, welcomed the gathering, Lawrence D’Sa rendered the vote of thanks, and Steevan Colaco and Rosalia Cardoza compered the programme.