Mangalore: KACES-ICP 'Saamarasya' peace event gets off to a grand start
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Feb 16: The third edition of 'Saamarasya', the annual peace event organized by the Karnataka Christian Educational Society (KACES), Mangalore and Interfaith Coalition of Peace (ICP), New Delhi, was off to a colourful start at KACES grounds here on Saturday February 16.
The two-day festival of food and culture for peace kicked off with 'Kalotsava', a cultural extravaganza programe which was inaugurated by Dr N Vinay Hegde, chancellor of Nitte University.
H Sharma Nithyanandam, regional coordinator of Interfaith Coalition for Peace, Tamil Nadu was the guest of honour while Dr Hannibal Cabral, secretary of KACES presided over the function.
Addressing the gatheing, Vinay Hegde said, "For me this place is special because I spent my younger days in this campus and I am proud to be part of this programme," said Vinay Hegde. He lauded the Protestant community for bringing modern education to the district 150 years ago.
"In the field of education, you may not have contributed as much as the Roman Catholics, but you have worked on spreading peace in the community," he said.
He lauded the organizers for the beautiful concept which he said brought joy and gave a platform for youngsters to exhibit their talents.
"KACES has rendered immense service to the community," said Hegde.
Dr Honey Cabral gave a brief introduction on Saamarasya and thanked all the sponsors of the programme.
On the ocassion, H Sharma Nithyanandam inaugurated the KACES scholarship fund. As many as 12 students from all disciplines including Bsc, Bcom, BA, fashion designing and others were given scholarships of Rs 10,000 each.
Dr D R Sadananda, treasurer of KACES welcomed the gathering while Stevan Maben delivered the vote of thanks.
Various cultural programmes were presented by groups like Sarsa College of Arts and Science, Dr MV Shetty Memorial Trust; Vidhya Jyothi School, Vamanjoor; CSI Sushanthi Church, Mercara Hill; North East People's Association (NEPAM); Athena College of Nursing; Mandd Sobhann and MIME by Elson and team. The performances enthralled the audience and added special charm to the event, while also underlining the central theme of peace.
Food Festival
The second day of Saamarasya on Sunday February 17 will feature a food festival wherein more than 150 traditional, homemade food items will be exhibited.
Daijiworld.com is the official media partner for the event.