Jeevan Kolalgiri
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (HB)
Udupi, Sep 26: Saudh Sabha Bhavan, Shirva, evidenced the annual meet of Shirva Deanery Catholic Sabha and the distribution of Manipal health card on Sunday, September 25.
Fr Stany Tauro, spiritual director of Shirva Deanery Catholic Sabha, inaugurated the program by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
He greeted the gathering and said, "There are very few leaders from the Christian community. Considering this, Catholic Sabha members are growing as leaders. The Catholic Sabha unit, for the first time, started in Udupi diocese."
On the aspect of health, the director said,"These days, people are more conscious of their health, and they have begun availing the benefits in the card."
Wilson Rodrigues a Shirva grama panchayat member, Michael D’Souza a taluk panchayat member and Melvin D‘Souza a grama panchayat member, were felicitated during the programme.
Roby Flavia Tauro an MTech silver medalist, Ivan Menezes a charted accountant, and Francis Menezes a charted accountant were felicitated on the same occasion for their academic achievement.
Veronica Cornelio, chairman, Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited, addressed the gathering saying, "Twelve years ago, the scheme started with 15 to 20 families. The numbers have increased to 12,675 in 2014, 13,081 in 2015, and 13,264 in 2016."
In adding to this, she said,"The committee has spent Rs 73 lac for this cause and 90% of families are availing facilities using the health card."
Kaup MLA, Vinay Kumar Sorake, complimenting the work done by the committee said, "The Christian community is doing a good job in developing education and good health. 15 crores of rupees is sanctioned for double road from Katpady to Shirva. The road construction work will start soon. The main aim is provide direct road connection to minior Basilica, Attur."
"I hope the district secures the first place in cleanliness and sanitation in the state" he said.
Valerian Fernandes, the president Catholic Sabha Udupi region, delivered the keynote address.
Melvin Aranha, president of Catholic Sabha, Shirva , welcomed the gathering while Leena Machado, proposed the vote of thanks. Gilbert Pinto and Juliet D’Souza compered the program.
Fr Lawrence D’Souza the assistant general of Syrian church Brahmavar, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves spiritual director, Jacintha Colaco Secretary, U S Shreepathi General Manger Manipal University, Wilson D’souza vice president Shirva church were present at richiethe occasion.