Pics: Justine D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 28: Greenery on all four sides; sounds of beating drums, fields filled with slush, youths running around with enthusiasm - this was the scene at Chokkadi in Katapady here on Sunday August 27.
The occasion was 'Gadyanth Yuva Ekvot' organized by ICYM Katapady unit in association with Udupi deanery. MLA of Kaup Vinay Kumar Sorake was the chief guest who inaugurated the event.
Addressing the gathering, Sorake said, "Youths should have knowledge of agricultural activities and this event organized by ICYM will help youths get hands-on experience." He also said that slush helps in improving one's complexion.
Extolling the rural sport of Kambala, he said it is a symbol of farmer’s self-respect.
Kishore Alva, executive director Adani-UPCL inaugurated the sports competitions by hoisting the flag.
He said that the event showed unity of Christian youths. He also contributed Rs 2 lac for the event and promised that the aid will be continued for the next 25 years.
Fr Baptist Menezes, vicar-general presided over the function and wished good luck to youths.
Games like volleyball, throwball, three-legged race, pyramid, tug of war, breaking the pot, running race and other sports were held. Youths from various churches of Udupi diocese participated in the games.
ICYM unit of sacred heart church, Kolalgiri won overall championship. St Lawrence Basilica, Attur and St John the Evangelist, Pangla units shared runners-up.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor, Udupi diocese was the chief guest for the valedictory function. "Man is son of the soil and is always connected with it," he said. He also congratulated ICYM Katapadi on successfully organizing the event.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese presided over the valedictory function. "Our culture is associated with nature. We have adopted the culture of Tulu Nadu and we are from this land. The unity shown in this event should continue in future," bishop said.
The bishop also requested the youths to register online for IAS coaching.
Prashanth Jattanna, member, Karnataka State Christian Development Committee, Fr Ronsen D'Souza, parish priest Katapady, Lynel Periera, president, ICYM Katapady, Wilfred Lewis, Walter D'Souza, animators Dr Hilda Mascarenhas, diocese animator, Fr Edwin Dsouza, director, Youth Commission, Udupi diocese were present.
Fr Royal Nazreth led the prayer service. Leslie Soares, vice-president, pastoral committee, Catherine Rodrigues, secretary of pastoral committee and other parishioners helped in conducting the event.
Prior to the event, a procession was flagged off by Julient Veera D'Souza, president, Katapady gram panchayat. The procession started at St Vincent De Paul Church, Katapady and ended at the venue.