Pics: Savitha B R 
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (PS/CN)
 
Mangalore, Dec 15: It was a great experience for all at the Christmas celebration held at Cheshire Home in the city on Tuesday December 14.

Physically and mentally challenged people celebrated the festival of hope, grace, and joy. 
 
The celebration began with an invocation by the residents of Cheshire Home. Octavia Albuquerque, president, Ladies Social Service League, welcomed the gathering and expressed her happiness for the orphans at Cheshire Home. She was felicitated by secretary Lina Fernandes for her 60 years of service.

She further said that donors have helped their institution a lot, as the government did not show any courtesy to offer fund for the work of good cause. Albuquerque also expressed her disappointment that very few media persons present and said that the media should not hype only sensational issues.
 
Carols were sung by F M Lobo and party in their melodious voices and the enthralled audience also joined in.
 
In his message, Fr Bonaventure Nazreth said that only love, peace, trust, and faith together can save this earth.
 
Dr Vijay Prakash, commissioner, Mangalore City Corporation, in his presidential address, said that Christmas celebrations make everyone forget their problems and cause us to think how best we can serve society as well as this kind of institutions. “In today’s world there is need for the human touch which is an integral part of our life,” he added.
 
He also assured that he stands by his commitment to uplift the Cheshire Home.
 
He presented gifts to the inmates of the home and offered the Christmas hamper to Raghavan who won the lucky draw. Various competitions were held and prizes were given on the occasion.
 
Celine Saldanha delivered the vote of thanks. The arrival of Santa Claus with gifts doubled the joy.