Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady
News by Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)

Udupi, Mar 28: The district unit of International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA) felicitated the winners of the recently held taluk and zilla panchayat elections, belonging to the community, in a function held at Mother of Sorrows Church hall, on Sunday March 27. Community members who contested were also felicitated on the occasion.

The city-based Mandavi Builders managing director Jerry Vincent Dais presided over the programme here on Sunday evening. 

Episcopal vicar Fr Baptist Menezes and Brahmavar St Mary’s Syrian Cathedral parish priest Fr David Crasta were the chief guests on the occasion.

IFKCA district president Louis Lobo and secretary Neri Cornelio were present on the dais.
Stella Ida D’Souza, Xavier D’Mello, Veronica Cornelio, Roshni Olivera, Henry Alva, Pricilla D’Mello, Lilly Castelino, Lilly D’Souza, Genevieve D’Souza, N K Joseph, and Jacinta D’Souza were felicitated during the programme.

Ida D’Souza, Veronica Cornelio, Roshni Olivera, and Lilly Castelino acknowledged their felicitations and thanked Ronald Colaco, founder president of IFKCA, for his support.

Fr Crasta expressed concern over the lethargy of the community in actively involving in politics beginning from local governance.  

Fr Menezes said that Ronald Colaco had started this organization with a bigger vision and for the betterment of society.  He expressed happiness over the participation of many women in the elections of both taluk panchayat and zilla panchayat.

Dias, in his presidential address, assured his support for all Christian participants in future elections.  He called on the community to introspect on the future during these challenging times in the country. 
Louis Lobo welcomed the gathering.  Neri Cornelio proposed the vote of thanks and Michael Rodrigues compered the programme.