Mangalore: Vice-President Hamid Ansari lauds Catholic community at CASK centenary event


Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS/CLP)

Updated

 

Mangalore, Sep 21: "The Catholic community in India has been an important part of our country’s social mosaic. Members of the community are fully integrated in the national mainstream. They have served the nation with great distinction in every sphere of life. The Christian faith has strengthened our secular fabric and enriched our composite Indian identity," said Vice-President of India Mohammed Hamid Ansari.

He was speaking at the valedictory of the centenary celebrations of Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) at Milagres hall here on Sunday September 21.

Expressing his happiness at being part of the event and thanking retired IFS officer and former ambassador Eric Gonsalves for inviting him, the Vice-President said, "As the CASK completes a hundred years of existence, it must be commended for establishing itself as a vibrant institution for promoting general welfare of not only the Manglorean Catholic community but all segments of society in this region.

"I understand that the Association has provided valued services to the people in the field of health and education, especially to the deprived and marginalised sections of society, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. It has also focussed on supporting the local culture, including Konkani language and literature, music and fine arts. Above all, it has been an effective vehicle for uniting the community and providing it a coherent voice on issues of interest and concern," he added.

"Our land is blessed to have almost all the great religions, coexisting peacefully and prospering here, for centuries. Christianity is one of the great religions of the world. We received its divine message in 52 AD when the Apostle St Thomas is believed to have landed in the Malabar coast," he said.

He further added, "The contribution of the Christian church in social and charitable work in our country, especially in education and health sectors, has been particularly noteworthy. The CASK has carried forward the rich legacy of selfless public service inspired by the message of Jesus Christ who, over two thousand years ago, spread the truth of fundamental unity of mankind and preached the cherished human values of love, compassion, forgiveness and charity. It is for this message that Mahatma Gandhi called Jesus Christ the greatest teacher humanity has ever had.

"Our country faces many challenges, of which none is bigger than poverty and unemployment. The CASK could look into expanding its areas of work from health and education to skill development and employment generation. Every contribution, irrespective of its scale, would go some way in addressing this scourge of poverty which afflicts a very large percentage of our population.

"I applaud the CASK for the outstanding work over the last century. I am sanguine that it will continue on the same path of selfless service for the next hundred years and beyond," he said.

He congratulated the patron of CASK Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the office-bearers and members of the Association and wished them good luck for their future endeavours.

Karnataka governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala said, "Our country has a lot of diversity in terms of language, religions and cultures. Still, there is unity in diversity. All those who live in India, irrespective of caste, creed or religion, are sons and daughters of Bharat Mata."

Lauding CASK for the service it has rendered over the past century, he said, "There are few associations like CASK that has rendered public service of this magnitude for the last 100 years. I congratulate the association on completing its 100 years. Serving the public plays a significant role in the life of a human being. This association as well as the Christian community at large has educated so many poor students and extended medical aid to those in need. The community has recognised the potential of students who have been educated in its instritutions and made their lives fruitful, and enabled them to lead a dignified life."

"The priests and others who have served in CASK have been service-oriented and dedicated. They are devoted to educating children. This event is not just about listening to the good things CASK has done, but about inculcating those good things in our lives. It is time we also take up the work of serving the country.

"All religions convey the same message - to work for the prospertity and well-being of all people. If any religion points out another religion's wrongs, then that religion is not for humanity. All gods give same message of serving humanty. We should unite for the progress of the country and prosperity of the lives of the people living in the country," the governor said.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza in his address said, "CASK has lived a 100 years with the blessings of many and it has established itself well, proving to be a fruitful blessings for the people. I wish that it grows stronger and lives to be another hundred."

"This association has moved forward well with the blessings of the founders and rendered meaningful service to society. CASK is a cultural entity, which has work not only for the prospertity of the Catholic community but extended its unconditional help to other communities to prosper in the region. We have also acted as catalyst for the growth of other communities in the arena of education," he said.

"The community has established lots of educational institues like Father Muller, St Agnes and others, and educated the people of the region. It has facilitated the people here to grow socially and intellectually. Because of its work, the community and in turn the association are recognised throughout the world. We should be service-oriented, duty-conscious, and work towards the integrity of all communities," he added.

Taking the example of Eric Gonsalves who was on the dais, the bishop said, "There was no IFS officer from the Catholic community until Eric Gonsalves. It is time for our community to look into this issue and work hard on our education so as to produce more IFS officers. We must sacrifice and do every good thing for the betterment of the Catholic community."

Eric Gonsalves also spoke on the occasion.

Vice-President Ansari also released the centenary souvenir of CASK, compiled by noted writer and columnist John B Monteiro. A postal stamp marking the centenary was also unveiled.

A book on Mahatma Gandhi titled 'Gandhichem Parzollik Fuddarponn' by J V Carlo, a Konkani translation of 'Gandhi's Outstanding Leadership' by Pascal Alan Nazareth, published by Kavita Trust was released by the bishop. Publisher and poet Melvyn Rodrigues was present during the occasion.

Prof Geralyn Pinto recited a poem. A hundred scholarships were awarded to deserving candidates by CASK.

CASK president Dr Derek Lobo welcomed while secretary Capt John Prasad Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.

Hamid Ansari's wife Salma Ansari, district incharge minister Ramanath Rai and others were present. The event culminated with cultural programmes.

 


Earlier Report


Mangalore: Vice-President Hamid Ansari accorded warm welcome

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Sep 21: Vice-President of India Mohammed Hamid Ansari was accorded a warm welcome to the city on Sunday September 21.

Ansari is in the city to participate in the valedictory ceremony of Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) scheduled to be held in the evening.

He was received at the Mangalore International Airport by governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala who welcomed him with a bouquet. The Vice-President was accompanied by this wife Salma Ansari.

Minister for forests and district incharge Ramanath Rai, mayor Mahabala Maarla, DC A B Ibrahim, police commissioner R Hitendra, NCC group commander S R Sriram, Mysore division regional commissioner V Rashmi also welcomed the Vice-President.

Ansari then left for circuit house amid heavy security, accompanied by an entourage.

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • F M LOBO, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 23 2014

    Dear Patsy,
    The CASK Centenary Valedictory Function held on Sunday, 21st September, 2014 was indeed a glorious event. It was unique and memorable. The President, Secretary and other Office bearers and members have really done a wonderful job. My heartiest congratulations to all of you on the wonderful & enjoyable evening. You have made a hit.

    Cultural function under your leadership was fantastic. It is not easy to organize and make a success. No doubt you have gone into details to see that little things were attended to. There was co-ordination and every one did his part well. You are a perfectionist. I was also impressed with the M.C., Mrs. Loretta Rebello who did a good job. Hat's off to all who worked behind the scene. It was systematic & methodical. Ian Lobo was telling me about your ability & capacity to organise cultural events. Our grand old traditions, ancient heritage, konkan culture coupled with Voviyous and konkani folk songs brought memories of yester years.

    Wishing the Presidents & all the members health & happiness and All The Best.
    Let us cherish the magnanimous gift of life. God Bless you .

    With kind regards,
    F M Lobo

    DisAgree [3] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joe D'Souza, Mangalore

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    Wonderful speech by Mr Ansari about Poverty. He spent how many lakhs rupees for His trip. Single trip from Delhi by Plane,Security arrangements by Police,All other expenses in thousands was for single reason of Centenary. This is why India faces poverty. He forgot to mention that country is poor because Elected people along with Govt. Officers are robbing the country. Every project for poor is robbed,such as midday meal,bicycle giveaway, Computer giveaway,books giveaway and now NEGRA funds for Rural youth are all robbed.
    So called poor should also work,instead of hanging around.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • kannadiga, mangalore/dubai

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    Congratulations to so called CASK! One more feather on its cap!!

    Nice colorful events speeches, facilitations but failed to understand its benefits to a common man like me who born and brought up in Mangalore 57 years ago (heard hardly about this Association). More than anything when there are crisis and dangerous to Christian Community or Minorities where and what this Associations does? A million Dollar question or am I fool to ask or think wise!! JAI HO!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    Hearty congratulations to(CASK).

    DisAgree [3] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dolphy Noronha, Udupi

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    Would be appreciated if Respected VP of India visited Mangalore atlest once a year and was driven over all the roads of the city. After a long time the main roads were patched up in Mangalore just for his convoy. This Implies that the Roads will be repaired only for VIPs and the common man who uses these roads on a daily basis is better off dead than alive. The roads at Bunts hostel and Malikatta junction looked like craters on the moon.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Donald Roche, Mangalore/Jeppu

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    This planet Earth will not be a good place for any of us,to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in. So let us serve through our community. The community which serves becomes GREAT.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Praveen Castelino, Pernal / Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    As our Vice-President of India Mohammed Hamid Ansari has lauded the Catholic Community Members and said the community are fully integrated in the national mainstream. They have served the nation with great distinction in every sphere of life. The Christian faith has strengthened our secular fabric and enriched our composite Indian identity,"

    Even in the past our Ex- President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam too has lauded the community for the same reasons at many occasions.

    It's a mystery that riot took place and churches and Catholic Community were attacked by "Hindu Fundamentalists" during B. S. Yeddyurappa's Administration!!!

    The perpetrators can be forgiven but difficult to forget the incidents from the minds of the community which never happened in the region may be for more than a century.!!!

    Only s few scholars can see the good work and not the fanatics of any religion!!!

    DisAgree [5] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Tue, Sep 23 2014

    We need to forget and forgive, but attacking 14 Churches on a single day in the month of September 2008 was still a stocking memory under the administration of Mr. Yeddyurappa. What kind of a logic and rationality it was?

    President Abdul Kalam got great help from the Catholic Church in his younger days for his studies, and he gratefully remember that. Vice President Dr. Ansari was educated in a Catholic school in Shimla, later on at St. Xaviors College at Calcutta and greatly appreciate the education he got in the Catholic Institutions.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    Vice-President Hamid Ansari is a very knowledgeable visionary, so did present about the contribution of the Christian community, especially of the Catholic Church in contributing very heavily for the education and health sector of India.

    I hope and pray that the politicians of certain parties will sit down and browse through the history of India and see the contribution given by the minority Christian community to India through education and healthcare.

    The British East India company or any other foreign country came to India to give them education or healthcare but the Christian Missionaries from those countries representing dozens of missionary organizations and Churches got an avenue to land in India to shed the light through education and healthcare as commanded by
    JESUS CHRIST.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Suleman Beary, Udupi

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    I would have appreciated Vice president more if he had used Jet/Indian express passenger flight instead of lavish Indian Air force charted plane.
    Even David Cameron travels in train.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • S.F.H, Indian

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    @ Suleman Beary, Udupi.

    Do not compare the Vice-President of India to David cameroon...let him travel by train or auto rickshaw we just don't care.We need to respect our honorable President and Vice-President!

    DisAgree [8] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    The community is proud of Derek and John Prasad and the other members of the committee of CASK on their excellent performance ever since they took over the management. They have done a splendid job and it is fortunate that they were at the helm of affairs during the centenary year.

    I join several others in saying kudos to all those who have taken part in making the centenary event a stunning success.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [16] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Mangalore: Vice-President Hamid Ansari lauds Catholic community at CASK centenary event



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