Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Mar 14: Newly-appointed mayor Jacintha Alfred, Syndicate member of Mangalore University M P Noronha and chairman of Bantwal Urban Development Authority (BUDA) Pius Rodrigues were felicitated on Saturday March 14 at Bishop's House, Mangaluru. All three promised that they would work for the society and for the Christian community.
Addressing the gathering, mayor Jacintha expressed gratitude to God and said that she was very delighted to be elected as the mayor.
BUDA president Pius Rodrigues said, "When Congress party won in the state, chief minister Siddaramaiah brought about lots of initiatives to help the poor and the Christian community. Congress party is giving us lot of support."
Syndicate member of Mangalore University M P Noronha said, "Helping people is like helping God and I will serve my people and the society."
Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino said, "This programme is like a family gathering. Jacintha Alfred has earned the mayoral post and it is proud moment for all of us. A few years back we were worried that there was no leader from our community to support us, but now that fear has gone because we have J R Lobo, Ivan D'Souza and many more Konkani leaders to support us.
"We are qualified for higher posts as we do not act like the uneducated and we do not create any nuisance in society," he added.
Addressing the gathering MLC Ivan D'Souza said, "Jacintha is the right person to be elected as the mayor. We politicians are not meant to work for only Christians, we are here for the entire society."
Ivan also briefed about the works undertaken by him under the guidance of CM of Karnataka and other various programmes initiated by the government.
Fr Denis Moras Prabhu in his presidential address said that God has chosen everyone for different reasons. "A Catholic woman getting the mayor's post is a wonderful moment for all of us. When things are going in a good way we should not forget to thank God. Christian community is a community which prays for the welfare of others."
Rosario Church parish priest Fr J B Crasta conducted the prayer service. Pingara editor Raymond D'Cunha compered the ceremony. Fr William Menezes welcomed the guests.
Louis J Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann, Henry Sequeira, Stany Alvares, Elias Fernandes, Mangaluru zone forest officer Clifford Lobo, corporators A C Vinayaraj, Sabita Misquith and Asha D'Silva, ex-mayor Hilda Alva, Lawrence, Vittory Karkal and others were also present.