Mumbai (RBI), Jan 8: Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari presided over the 65th Annual Day celebrations and Christmas and New Year celebrations organised by the Kerala Christian Council in Mumbai on Sunday, January 8.

Malayalam actor, filmmaker and director Renji Panicker, chairman of Kerala Christian Council Babu O Varghese, general secretary Simon Varkey, Convener Binu Chandy, Church fathers and members of the Council were present.

Speaking on the occasion the Governor Koshyari hailed the contribution of Kerala in keeping the nation united. He said Adi Sankaracharya established four peethas in different corners of the country at Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Jagannath Puri and Dwarika Puri. This according to him helped in achieving the integration of the nation. Congratulating film star and director Renji Panicker for making his speech in Malayalam, the Governor stressed the need to promote education in the mother tongue.

Mentioning that the National Education Policy 2020 lays emphasis on education in the mother tongue at the primary level, Koshyari said at his instance all universities in Maharashtra are conducting their Convocation Ceremonies in Marathi. Stating that he learnt Marathi since coming to Maharashtra, he appealed to the members of the Kerala community to also try to learn Marathi. According to the Chairman Babu Varghese, Kerala Christian Council, the socio, cultural and philanthropic organisation representing all Christian denominations of Kerala in Mumbai was set up in the year 1958. He said apart from organizing Onam and Christmas celebrations, the Council runs several humanitarian projects for the needy and the underprivileged.

The Governor released the 65th Annual Day Souvenir and felicitated meritorious students and senior members of the Kerala Christian Council.